Beyonce will definately be considered. As it is, they need names for a Box Office draw.
Let's not forget Anika Noni Rose, who would be a great Lorel. Personally, I didn't like Heather's rendition of the character on the concert recording, but do remember that neither of them are known to the mainstream moviegoers.
Fantasia as Effie? Um, I don't think so. She doesn't have the right voice. Jennifer Hudson, on the other hand has the perfect voice AND look for that role.
I can see Sean Combs in it, but let's not forget that Taye Diggs would make a PERFECT Curtis.
As for James, Jamie Foxx would be a great choice.
And you KNOW that Jennifer Holiday, Sheryl Lee Ralph and (my girl) Loretta Devine would have to make cameos (How about as the Stepp Sisters)
"Do you know what pledge time is, Andrew"? said the PBS Executive.
"Yes", Lloyd Webber replied. "My 50th birthday special must be one program that gets done a lot."
"No", mused the man from PBS heedlessy. "Not so much. Our Stephen Sondheim Carnegie Hall concert. That's a big one."
Spoons, forks and knives seemed suddenly to suspend their motion in horror, all around the table.