Checking In With… Jelani Remy, Star of Ain't Too Proud and The Lion King

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Special Features Checking In With… Jelani Remy, Star of Ain't Too Proud and The Lion King "I want us to continue to have conversations and education on how to move forward and acknowledging the past."

By Andrew Gans

August 10, 2020

As the temporary shutdown of Broadway and theatres around the world continues, Playbill is reaching out to some of our favorite artists to see how they are physically and creatively responding to a changed world.

The series continues with Jelani Remy, who succeeded Jeremy Pope as Eddie Kendricks in the Tony-nominated musical Ain't Too Proud. The actor made his Broadway debut in The Lion King, playing a three-year run as Simba after appearing in the national tour. His additional credits include the 2007 tour of High School Musical and Off-Broadway's Smokey Joe's Cafe.

READ: Checking In With… Polkadots Playwright and Beautiful Actor Douglas Lyons

//assets.playbill.com/editorial/7efe36289d7b1b2998bcbf357d5f9268-jelani-remy-as-simba-photo-by-joan-marcus.jpg — Jelani Remy Joan Marcus

What is your typical day like now?
Well, that definitely depends on the day. Lately, I have been so busy with a few different and exciting projects. I love teaching with Broadway Workshop and working with tomorrow’s stars. Also, I [collaborated] with Broadway Cares putting together an event [last month]. Some days I am the best uncle or best son having good quality time with my family. Some days I am the FaceTime king checking up on all my friends. Some days, I get my butt kicked by Built For The Stage. Some days I do absolutely nothing. I’m finding the balance and keeping myself happy and positive.

What book/TV show/podcast/film should everyone take the time to consume during this period?
Tiger King? I feel like we have all watched everything! I’m writing my own cabaret and loving telling my own story.

During this time of reflection and re-education regarding Black artists and artistry, particularly in the theatre, what do you want people (those in power, fellow actors, audiences) to be aware of? What do you want them to consider further?
To be aware of true restructuring and not place Band-Aids over deep wounds. This is a learning period, indeed, and it will take time. I want us to continue to have conversations and education on how to move forward and acknowledging the past.

//assets.playbill.com/editorial/3cf0fdff9471672b46ee5ace902b07d4-macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-rehearsal-day-1-2019-ephraim-sykes-derrick-baskin-jelani-remy-jawan-m.%20Jackson%2C%20James%20Harkness%2C%20and%20the%20cast%20of%20Ain%27t%20Too%20Proud_HR.jpg — Ephraim Sykes, Derrick Baskin, Jelani Remy, Jawan M. Jackson, James Harkness, and the cast of *Ain't Too Proud* Joseph Marzullo/WENN

What advice would you give to someone who may be struggling with the isolation and/or the current unrest?
You are never alone. Someone loves you. This is crazy, but it will make us stronger.

How, if at all, are you keeping your creative juices flowing? Has that been helpful to you?
Writing, hand washing, jingles actually. Also, teaching and coaching also brings me so much joy. Armoring my students to do good and shine bright while we wait to enter back into the world safely.

Are you working on any theatrical projects during this time?
Yeah for sure, I worked on The Valley by Will Nunziata and Jamie Maletz and Eric Fegan, some at home versions of songs from Ain't Too Proud and Smokey Joe's Café—check them out! Follow me on IG to keep up with other performances @itsjelaniremy.

What organization would you recommend people learn more about or donate to during this time of change?
G.L.I.T.S. [Gays and Lesbians Living In a Transgender Society]

READ: Checking In With… Hamilton Star Sydney James Harcourt

Go Inside the Opening Night of Broadway-Bound Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations

Ain't_Too_Proud_Ahmanson_Theatre_Opening_Night_2018_Otis Williams_John Legend_HR — Go Inside the Opening Night of Broadway-Bound Ain’t Too Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations

The production officially opened August 24 at Center Theatre Group's Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.
53 PHOTOS

Ain't_Too_Proud_Ahmanson_Theatre_Opening_Night_2018_John Legend_HR — John Legend

Ain't_Too_Proud_Ahmanson_Theatre_Opening_Night_2018_Billy Crystal_Janice Crystal_HR — Billy Crystal and Janice Crystal

Ain't_Too_Proud_Ahmanson_Theatre_Opening_Night_2018_Shelly Berger_Berry Gordy_Otis Williams_HR — Shelly Berger, Berry Gordy, and Otis Williams

Ain't_Too_Proud_Ahmanson_Theatre_Opening_Night_2018_Berry Gordy_Debbie Allen _HR — Berry Gordy and Debbie Allen

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