Showtime: Jelani Remy on stage during The Lion King, which begins a run at the Academy of Music on May 20 and runs through June 14.
Jelani Remy said he “grew up” with The Lion King, and for the last three-plus years, he’s humbled to perform in the classic show.
Remy and the rest of the cast are headed to the Academy of Music, Broad and Locust streets, for a run that begins on May 20 and ends on June 14.
The actor, in a phone interview from the show’s current stop, Des Moines, Iowa, said The Lion King will grab the audience with the first number, Circle of Life.
“The show has one of the greatest openings of any theater show,” he said.
The show premiered on Broadway in 1997 and won Best Musical at the 1998 Tony Awards. It’s back in Philadelphia for the first time since 2010.
Remy was part of the Las Vegas production, performing in the ensemble, as the understudy for Simba and as a “swing,” playing multiple roles.
In the current show, he plays Simba, a role he enjoys.
“It’s Simba’s journey,” he said. “It’s a fun role. I have so much fun performing. It’s like play time.”
A native of Cedar Grove in Essex County, New Jersey and a graduate of Montclair State University, he recalls being “a sponge,” learning all he could while performing in shows in college.
Today, he finds it gratifying to teach acting at his alma mater and other places.
“A lot of my friends are coming down to see the show,” he said.
Remy said the show features outstanding scenery and costumes, adding that the story is “amazing” and the music is “unforgettable” and “top notch.”
The actor said the show, produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, can be enjoyed by the whole family.
“It’s universal. It’s great for kids. It’s great for adults,” he said. “Disney does a great job of bringing the classics to life.”
Speaking of families, Remy said the show relies on teamwork and that the cast is one big, happy family.
“There’s no ‘I’ in ‘team,’ ” he said. “It’s a great mix of newbies and veterans. Some people have been with the show since the beginning of the tour, and there are great new additions. It’s like a family.”
Remy promised people that they will enjoy The Lion King experience.
“Don’t miss it,” he said. “The best thing to do is see it again.”
Tickets are priced from $28.50 to $159.50. Call 215–731–3333 or visit kimmelcenter.org/broadway ••
