My Trip to See 'The Lion King' & 'Aladdin' on Broadway

Jelani Remy as Simba (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)

Broadway is known for its show stopping performances of acting, singing, dance and beautiful orchestras. Recently I got a chance to check out two of Disney’s best Broadway musical’s, The Lion King & Aladdin.

The Lion King was remarkable. Between the African dancing, the heart touching story of Simba and his journey along with the powerful voice of “Rafiki” (Tshidi Manye) – I was trapped in a glass case of all sorts of emotions!

But definitely the biggest highlight was seeing so many African-American actors playing lead roles in this beautiful production.

Tshidi Manye as Rafiki. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)

I sat down with Lion King‘s Jelani Remy who traveled with the show for years as “Simba” and is now gracing the stage as “Simba” on Broadway. As well as Chantel Riley who played “Nala” overseas in Germany and is now playing “Nala” in NYC.

Chantel Riley as Nala. (Photo credit: Joan Marcus)

What does the show offer?

Jelani: It’s a soulful show that gives connection and real heart.

How do you bring the same energy every day?

Chantel: I like to stay active as possible. Going to the gym and working out daily gives me the stamina to do this show. Right now I’m taking Kung Fu. I get to take what I learn in there and incorporate it into the show. That keeps it fresh and new.

How do you keep your chemistry?

Jelani: She [Chantel] inspires me. She’s a beautiful person, she has a beautiful story. We giggle all the time and that reads on the stage all the time. That keeps it fun, that keeps it fresh. It’s different every night because we listen to each other and we feel each other. There’s something about this Nala than I’ve ever seen. I’ve had many, many, many [Nala’s]. She’s a beautiful, actress, dancer, singer. It’s wonderful.

What’s one of your most favorite moments on stage?

Chantel: Once a year Disney has an Autism awareness performance where Autistic children get to come with their families. It’s so incredible to see their reactions. When you’re on that stage and you can see the light in the eyes of the people who are affected by autism–it gives us more energy and it’s so emotional. That’s definitely one of my favorite moments.

What is it like being apart of a show that’s so close to black culture?

Chantel: It’s a dream come true. I tell you that much. It’s great to be able to see people that look like me on stage. And to be able to work with people that look like me on stage. It’s a breath of fresh air when I come to work and I’m like yeah, I got my people and not just our show but we have a lot of shows on Broadway that has a lot of black cast.

Jelani: It’s an honor. For the children to know that they can. To be a catalyst, support, a teacher to the young ones who think that they can’t do this or don’t know what they can do, so for me it’s an honor to fill those shoes and be that role model.

What’s the toughest thing about doing this show?

Jelani: It’s being vulnerable. When you’re researching a character like Simba that’s been through so much and to keep that–it’s a dangerous place I think to open your heart up. In order to keep this show what it should be you have to be vulnerable.

Chantel: I think for me the most difficult thing was me growing and learning. Learning how to act, but it has been an incredible journey for me as I evolve.

Click over to read about my amazing Aladdin experience.

Pictured: Adam Jacobs (Aladdin) and  Courtney Reed (Princess Jasmine). (Credit: Deen Van Meer)

I then went to check out Aladdin and I have to say this show was hands down my absolute favorite!

The set was absolutely stunning. The music and singing was incredible. I felt like I was on a magic carpet ride during the entire show. I also got a chance to chat with “Jafar” who is played by Jonathan Freeman and Courtney Reed who plays “Princess Jasmine”.

What are your favorite songs to perform?

Courtney: I would have to say “A Whole New World”. It’s funny for me because I’ve never seen it. I can only hear it. It’s one of the big numbers I’m not in. When I hear the audience gasp and then people can’t hold themselves back when the carpet takes off–they just start applauding.

Jonathan: When I first saw the magic carpet scene it took my breath away. I shed a tear too. I’ve been in the business a long time and it moved me. That being said, I love listening to Adam (who plays Aladdin) sing “Proud Of Your Boy”. I’m fortunate to have to walk onto stage to play a scene after that (lol).

What inspired the set?

Courtney: Our creative team and producers of this went to Morocco and studied–photographed, looked at the fabrics and tried to get a feel for what it actually looks like so I think that’s incredible that they did that. A lot of the fabrics are from all across the world. I think they did such a good job aesthetically trying to recreate that.

Jonathan: It’s lavish. It makes you want to be there. It’s interesting how our creative team called all these different cultures to come up with what you see every night and people are having a strong reaction to.

How has this role made you grow?

Jonathan: Well I have a long connection to this. I played the part in the film. I’ve been connected to this project for 25 years. I’ve learned how to manage my energy and make it through 8 shows a week.

Courtney: This role has been pretty life changing for me. For my career absolutely, I’ve learned so many lessons. How to walk a red carpet, how to calm your nerves on opening night or how to get past critics. This was my first time developing a character from the more beginning stage. I feel like when I leave I will be completely devastated because I have invested so much of my life. And I think gosh, will I ever be as happy as I am now because I’m so fulfilled in my life and my career has a lot to do with it. But the character has taught me confidence. For sure. She’s such a confident person and she leads with so much grace. And I think, if we all could be like Princess Jasmine we’d all be nailing it!

Did you know what life would be like playing Princess Jasmine?

Courtney: No. You know when you’re living it, it’s hard to know the impact you have. I had an interaction with a little girl the other day. She started hugging me, she said she asked the Genie if she could meet me and it came true. It was so cute.

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