Broadway performer Jelani Remy (“Back to the Future: The Musical” and “Ain’t Too Proud”) chatted about his latest endeavors.
‘The Renaissance GALA’
On being a part of “The Renaissance GALA” this past Monday (April 14th) at the re-opening of the Laurie Beechman Theatre, Remy said, “It feels like I’m home, and that my mom and dad have created a great feast for us all to enjoy.”
Remy noted that the Laurie Beechman Theatre is of great significance to him. “Personally, this venue is important to me because I started performing in New York City here in Broadway Sessions,” he said.
“Also, I found that they were doing open Cabarets, and this was a spot to be free in a way. It’s like a subculture that is just incredible, necessary, and it is just wonderful,” he added.
York GALA
A few years ago, he was thrilled to do the York GALA, which honored Tom and Michael D’Angora, who ironically enough, are the new owners of the West Bank Café and the newly-renovated Laurie Beechman Theatre.
“The York GALA was so much fun, and that’s another connection I made from here,” he admitted. “It’s family, and it’s a beautiful community.”
‘Back to the Future: The Musical’
Remy opened up about his experience in the hit Broadway musical “Back to the Future.” “I remember it like it was yesterday,” Remy admitted. “It was epic and I am so happy that several of my fellow ‘Back to the Future’ performers are here tonight, Emma Pittman and JJ Niemann.”
On his character Goldie, Remy said, “I liked the positivity and the light that he got to shine in the show. He was the people’s choice. He was able to get the crowd pumped up with that wonderful song ‘You Gotta Start Somewhere’. That role was just so much fun.”
Remy had great words about working with lead Casey Like. “Casey is incredible; he is a dream. I am excited to see him continue to soar,” Remy exclaimed.
Honoring Bernadette Peters at the 2024 Oscar Hammerstein GALA
This past November, Remy was a part of the 2024 Oscar Hammerstein GALA, which honored Bernadette Peters with the “Lifetime Achievement Award in Musical Theater.” “Bernadette asked me to marry her so the GALA was quite successful,” Remy said with a sweet laugh.
Remy on theatrical agent Matt Redmond
Remy also spoke highly about his theatrical talent agent Matt Redmond of DGRW.
“Matt Redmond is one of the kindest, smartest and most wonderful people I’ve ever met. He is always on our side and your corner. Matt is just the best,” Remy said.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring performers who wish to pursue theatre, he said, “Continue to be you because there is no other person than you, and we are waiting for you.”
Success
Remy equates the word success with “happiness” in life.
Message for his fans
For his fans and supporters, Remy remarked, “Come see me in ‘The Apple Boys.’ It’s a new musical and I cannot wait to share it with all of you.”
To learn more about Jelani Remy, follow him on Instagram.
