Jelani Remy to Return as Simba in the Lion King on Broadway

Itching again to become the proud king, Jelani Remy preps to take on the massive role one more time. Previously a vlogger for Broadway.com, he gears up for a performance of the smash hit starting July 26 at the Minskoff Theatre. He stands in for Brandon McCall, who is on leave, but will be back on August 23.

Remy had made his last Broadway appearance as Eddie Kendricks, a character for “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.” Remy had first debuted on Broadway while playing Simba in the Disney hit musical. He previously appeared in the North American Lion King tour and Las Vegas shows. His most recent performance was as the Emcee in the show, Cabaret which was performed at the Goodspeed Opera House.

Also, apart from Remy, the Lion King boats a superstar ensemble of Pearl Khwezi (Nala), L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa), Stephen Carlile (Scar), Tshidi Manye (Rafiki), Ben Jeffrey (Pumba), Cameron Pow (Zazu), and Fred Berman (Timon), Robb Sapp (Ed), Bonita Hamilton (Shenzi), and James Brown-Orleans (Banzai).

The Lion King is based on the 1994 animated movie from Disney. The movie features an innovative design and direction from Julie Taymor. The film narrates the journey of Simba, a young cub that had to face his destiny of being the king after the murder of his father, Mufasa by his uncle, Scar.

The Lion King is a book from Irene Mecchi and Roger Allers, music from Elton John, and a lyrical contribution from Tim Rice. Other contributions to the hit movie are from Mark Mancina, Hans Zimmer, Julie Taymor, Jay Rifkin, and Lebo M. The show, the Lion King was a proud winner of six Tony awards in 1998, including wins by Julie Taymor for the best costume design and direction. The show also won the top prize in the “Best Musical” category.