For two South Florida theater kids, it’s now a magic carpet ride
How did two South Florida theater kids with big dreams get cast in a Broadway touring show?
Passion. Practice. Versatility.
UCF Theatre alum and Miami native Cornelius Davis has been with “Disney’s Aladdin” tour for two years. The ensemble member is not new to Disney shows, having starred in a regional production of “The Little Mermaid.”
Cameron Mitchell Jackson is a West Palm Beach native and Dreyfoos School of the Arts alum.
We talked to the ensemble members about their auditions, tour life, and performing close to home as the tour flies into the Broward Center for 11 days.
The two “Aladdin” actors have one thing in common: a dream role that may not even exist yet.
Cornelius Davis
Q: First thing you’re planning on doing when back in your hometown?
A: Definitely visiting my family. It’s been so long since I’ve been home, so much has changed. Going to get a nice meal. Definitely got to make some time for the beach.
Q: What was your audition like?
A: My audition process was a little different than most. Mine was a little fast and furious because I was the very first replacement in this tour. I was the first person that wasn’t an original cast member to join the company. I found out about the audition on a Tuesday, I auditioned on a Wednesday, found out I got the part on a Thursday, and was on a plane to Seattle to start rehearsals that following Monday. So it all was a crazy whirlwind that happened within a week, and two years later I’m still here.
Q: What was the biggest life adjustment you had to make when you went on tour?
A: Living out of suitcases, and the limited space that I have. I lived in New York before that for five years, and I had my apartment and my home base. Staying as flexible as possible and living with as little as possible.
Q: What is the best part about being an ensemble member?
A: You get to do so many different things. I went to UCF in Orlando, and I learned musical theater, so getting to tap into all of those things — the singing, the dancing, the acting — you get to play multiple parts as an ensemble member. This show is so ensemble heavy and driven. We’re on the stage all the time.
Q: How do you keep your stamina up?
A: I definitely like to go to the gym at least once every other day or four to five times a week. I try to eat as healthy as I can. Your diet definitely makes a difference. Drinking tons of water, getting plenty of rest.
Q: What is your dream role?
A: I’ve done Sebastian in “The Little Mermaid,” and I absolutely loved that. There’s this really cool play that I’ve always wanted to do, “Passing Strange.” The Youth in “Passing Strange,” which is the lead. Maybe my dream role hasn’t even come yet. Maybe I’ll get to create it and make an original musical around my talent.
Q: How do you bring the Disney magic to the stage every night?
A: That’s so easy because I feel like the show has built in so much magic already that when we just step on stage it’s the final touch. It’s such a beautiful set. The special effects — I don’t want to give away too much of it — are so brilliant. I remember the first night that I sat in the audience in and watched, I just cried. Especially when “A Whole New World” and the carpet and everything. I just jump on set and have fun. That’s how I create the Disney Magic.
Cameron Mitchell Jackson
Q: How did attending a high school for the arts prepare you for your career in theater?
A: Honestly, between all of the classes and and all of the amazing teachers that they have there working, it really got me ready. It’s kind of like a pre-college theater program, which I really wasn’t ready for going into, but over the four years I learned so much. I got into dancing, and I really learned how to sing better, and focus on my acting in different ways with all the different teachers.
Q: What advice do you have for students looking to pursue a career in the arts?
A: Our strengths are what we like and what we’re good at and that can really help us soar.
Q: Are you going to have time to visit family when you’re back in South Florida?
A: I’m from West Palm Beach, which is a little bit of a commute from the Broward Center. But I’ll be staying with them while I’m there, so I’m excited for our two-week engagement for me to be right with my family and to be really taking advantage of that. It doesn’t happen often where you get to be home, performing in your own backyard.
Q: First thing you’re planning on doing when back in your West Palm?
A: I’m going straight to the beach.
Q: What was the biggest life adjustment you had to make when you went on tour?
A: Trying to travel with four seasons of clothing in a suitcase and a trunk.
Q: How many costume changes do you have in the show?
A: I wear seven costumes in a show, and I change maybe 12 or 13 times to go back and forth to different costumes throughout.
Q: How do you keep your stamina up for such a dance-heavy role?
A: I like to stay in the gym. In addition to that, we do a lot of physical therapy and a lot of rolling out and yoga and stretching.
Q: What is your dream role?
A: I don’t think it’s been written yet. But if I had to pick one, I would have to say Alexander Hamilton.
IF YOU GO
What: Disney’s Aladdin
Where: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale
When: Jan. 8-19
Tickets: Ticketmaster.com
This story was originally published January 8, 2020 at 11:43 AM.