Finally, after decades of animated films, Disney has created its first black princess, and voicing the character of its heroine, Tiana, is singer and actress Anika Noni Rose.

'The Princess and the Frog' opens exclusively in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25 and arrives in theaters nationwide on Dec.11.

The film marks Rose's first lead role since starring in 'Dreamgirls,' opposite Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson, and alongside singer-actress Jill Scott in the HBO series 'The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency.' Rose won a Tony award for her role in the Broadway musical 'Caroline, or Change.'

A musical set in the greatest city of them all, New Orleans, 'The Princess and the Frog' is Disney's return to the timeless art form of traditional animation. The film teams Ron Clements and John Musker, creators of 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Aladdin,' with Oscar-winning composer Randy Newman to portray the most beautiful love story ever told... with frogs, voodoo and a singing alligator.

The film also features the voices of Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Keith David as the menacing Dr. Facilier, and Oprah Winfrey and Terrence Howard as Tiana's parents.

Black Voices recently caught up with Rose, who spoke about being a princess in a Disney film a role model for girls everywhere.

How excited are you for the film to be finally coming out?

Anika Noni Rose: I am ecstatic. I am so thrilled about this thing. I saw a screening with little children recently, and to see their faces as they watched this movie and to see them light up the way they did, made me really happy.

What made you want to be the voice of Tiana?

ANR: I've always wanted to do a Disney voice. This is far and beyond what I had in mind. I wanted to do anything in a Disney cartoon, preferably something that was going to be out of the box, like some crazy character. I didn't have in mind a princess, so I'm thrilled that this is what I'm doing.

Who were some of your favorite princesses growing up?

ANR: I didn't have a favorite princess. I loved all those Disney movies. I own a lot of them and did so before I was an adult. I really enjoyed 'Cinderella' and thought the music was so beautiful. I even loved Pinocchio's fairy godmother and the "when you wish upon a star" sequence. I am a full Disney geek. I've been in love with Disney animation for years.

Is there anything in Tiana's background that you can relate to?

ANR: I think her whole journey, aside from being a frog, is relatable to me. As a young woman who decided, in the middle of her teens, that she wanted to be an actress. I came from a place where no one did that. We didn't have fine arts in school. I get the part about having a huge dream and being the one to have to put the dream together and build that staircase to reach that star yourself. I was also lucky to have parents who were supportive of my endeavors, which Tiana has.

Do you see Tiana being a role model for girls?

ANR: I think she is worthy of the title. She's a wonderful young woman. She's very strong and very determined. She's beautiful from the inside out, and she's not perfect. She has things that she has to learn on this journey, but she is someone who is going to figure it out and find a way. I think that's a fantastic message.

What do you make of folks taking issue with the fact that the prince is not black? Is he of Indian descent?

ANR: He's not specifically from India. He's from some made up country. I think once people actually see the movie, I think feelings will change toward what they actually see. I think it's done with such love and care. I think it's a beautiful story.

You got a chance to sing in the film. How was working with composer Randy Newman?

ANR: It was a lot of fun. Working in a room with live music and being able to be a part of the creation of the soundtrack with Randy sitting right there, changing notes and flipping things around, was really a lot of fun. I'm pretty sure that I'm the first princess to voice the part and sing the music. What a blessing that is. Most times they have two people doing that; so I feel lucky that I could do both.

In the film, Tiana's parents are voiced by Oprah Winfrey and Terrence Howard. Did you get to speak with either of them during the filming, in particular Terrence since you starred together in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof?'

ANR: We didn't even see each other. It's such a solitary thing. We did not once cross paths until the premiere happened and I saw him there. I hadn't seen Terrence in a year, but Oprah wasn't at the premiere, so I didn't see her to talk about the film. That's not surprising because you're really in that booth by yourself. You can see people through a window and you hear someone giving you directions, but for the most part, it's all quiet once you walk into the booth. It's a very personal way of working. I enjoy it but it's something that you have to get used to.

What do you think people will get from seeing this film?

ANR: I think there are so many messages in this movie, not the least which is that children should dream as big as possible. They also have to know that dreams don't come true just because you wish for it. You really have to put your mind to it and work at creating your dream. For parents, there's a lovely message in the film about supporting your children. You may not believe in the dream that your child has, or even if they will make it, but if you believe in them, you give them the legs to do it and the wings to fly with it. One thing that's interesting about the movie is that when Tiana and Naveen fall in love, they do so as frogs. They're slimy and green and fall in love with each other's spirit It's a testament of love's ability to cross many boundaries.

Any plans to go back on stage on Broadway?

ANR: I'm going to, but I don't know when and what it's going to be. I do know that it will happen because that's me and a part of who I am.

With revivals occurring so often now, is there a show that you want to see come back?

ANR: 'Porgy and Bess.'

What other films would you like to do?

ANR: I'd love to do an action movie or a film where I can dive in and snag an accent. I read the 'Twilight' books and would love to be a vampire. That's just looks like fun to me.