BROADWAY’S YOUNG SIMBA IS CHICAGO NATIVE:

11-year-old AJ Rhodes first saw The Lion King film (1994) when he was four or five years old. He has a vivid memory of watching it on DVD in his mom’s Mercedes Benz.

“It was a very, very, very big experience. I really liked the movie. That was my favorite.”

When asked if he ever thought in his wildest dreams he would be playing Simba, he surprisingly answers, “Yes, I did”.

“The first time I actually watched the movie, I was sleeping and I had a dream that I was Simba.”

It’s safe to say dreams come true, because for the last 8 months AJ has played “Young Simba” on Broadway at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City and his contract has just been extended to February (2025).

AJ grew up seeing his sister, Kalandra, play the role of Young Nala on the U.S. tour for more than two years. Inspired by Kalandra, he took a few acting classes and amazingly this is his first major role.

“When I found out I got the role, I call it “The Talk”, because we talked about it and they were like “Albert nailed the audition.” I was like, “Really?” and they were like “Yeah!”. I was hugging everybody. I was so happy. I was very energized.”

The Hyde Park native now resides in New York City. His mom ,Calandra Rhodes Lamb, and father, Albert Rhodes Sr., take turns going to be with him in New York, while being in Chicago for their other children.

I very much enjoy living in New York, because it’s a great experience. When new movies come out, they are on the billboards and billboards are all over the place. I think the only thing I would change about New York is the bad air.

When asked which city has the best pizza, Chicago or New York, AJ answered, “Chicago!”.

The Chicago kid grew up watching the Bud Billiken on television and this will be his first time attending the parade in person.

“I’m very excited to be participating in the parade. I didn’t know this was you guys 95th year.”

Jason Weaver originated the vocals of Young Simba for Disney’s “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” track, for the 1994 film. It’s only right we highlight the fact that both Young Simba’s are from Chicago. Rhodes shared that Weaver recently gave him a personal shoutout via video.

I felt very excited. I was like, oh my gosh, he shouted me out. He’s not any celebrity. He’s Young Simba.”

AJ’s role as Young Simba has been extended until February (2025). When asked what role he wants to do next, his answer was a shocker.

“I want to play the young Michael Jackson in MJ the Musical.”

It was only right we inform AJ that Jason Weaver played young Michael Jackson as well in The Jacksons: An American Dream, 1992 TV film, to which he replied, “Oh really?”

It seems like Rhodes is following in the footsteps of Weaver and we couldn’t be more proud of both of our “Chicago Simbas.”