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It was only a few months ago Cody Wise was told to gallivant around the famous Macy’s Department Store in New York City.
The 10-year-old danced through the building, which was closed to the general public, as cameras filmed his every move.
His excited demeanor was not because he was shopping for toys. Wise was part of something far more exciting: A music-video shoot for recording artist and Grammy-award winner Kanye West.
Along with two other youngsters, Wise absorbed the rapper’s persona while making the video for his single "Heard ‘Em Say." The song and shoot also included Adam Levine, vocalist for the rock group Maroon 5.
Despite his energy on camera, Wise was a bit under the weather. In between takes, he sipped coffee and took brief rests during the 12-hour a day, two-day shoot.
"Since it was my first really big thing, I thought it was really fun and I just didn’t want to be an old, dopey person like Eeyore from ‘Winnie the Pooh,’" Wise, of the 2400 block of South Eighth Street, said.
Once the director yelled "Action!" Wise came alive, something he typically has no problem doing for an audience. At only 6 weeks old, he starred in his first commercial for Independent BlueCross BlueShield.
Now Wise is about to embark on his biggest venture to date: an eight-month run in the Disney production of the musical "The Lion King." The show will make its way to Philadelphia, running June 8 to Sept. 10 at the Kimmel Center.
Wise plays the lion Simba, the story’s main character, who, much like the actor, undergoes a journey of self-discovery.
Judging by Wise’s determination and dedication, performing is no longer a hobby – it’s a passion. And he will travel across the eastern United States to pursue it.
WISE, WHO CAN hardly sit still long enough to conduct an interview, loves reaction from his audience, no matter who they are. When asked in his home this week what he likes most about performing, Wise joyfully said, "Making people laugh. I’m such a comedian."
He then rose to his feet and recited – word-for-word – comical lines from a production of "The Little Mermaid" he starred in nearly three years ago.
Wise’s parents are well aware of his abilities. The constant singing, acting and dancing has been with him since an early age.
"Sometimes it’s like 11 o’clock at night. I’m like, ‘Cody, that [singing is] pretty good, but it’s time for sleeping,’" Wise’s mom, Tina, said.
Besides attending the Rock School in 2004 to study ballet, Wise also participated in the city’s performing arts summer camp program, where he acted in "Mermaid" and "The Lion King." Further perfecting his dance techniques, Wise secured the role of Fritz in the Pennsylvania Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" in 2004.
"When he gets on stage, he gets so focused on his part," said father André. "He becomes the part. He’s a totally different person."
Both parents have encouraged their children – including Cheyenne, 14, now at a private boarding school – to pursue their artistic abilities.
"Everyone thinks we’re crazy as parents for all the stuff we’ve done for our kids," André said, "but our son is doing what he wants to do. We’ve sacrificed a lot in our life. We’ve been broke, but it’s all been worth it because they’re doing what they want to do."
Education also is paramount, said the parents, adding Wise is a straight-A fourth-grader at the Performing Arts Charter School, 2600 S. Broad St.
Wise, who has three agents, auditioned for last year’s "Lion King" tour. The typically jovial child cried when he didn’t get the part of Simba.
But with some parental encouragement, he decided to continue pursuing his dreams.
"My kids have learned that you’re not going to necessarily get what you’re going after and my kids have learned that’s OK," Tina said. "You just keep on trying."
And that’s exactly what Wise did. Spending entire days practicing songs from the show, he put his best foot – and voice – forward during at least 14 auditions for the upcoming U.S. tour. The family logged more than 33,000 miles commuting to New York for auditions that attracted talent from across the country.
"It was three-and-a-half hours of drama for 15 minutes [of auditions]," said Tina, referring to the traveling.
A decision was finally made on who would play the lovable lion. As André was waiting for his son to exit school one day, he got the call. After shedding a few tears, André informed his son of his achievement in front of the school.
"All of the parents and kids coming out of the school, they froze," said Wise, who has a few solos during the show. "I thought someone froze time."
His parents could not be any prouder.
"In a way, it’s a kind of validation for him as far as I’m concerned because I’ve known for a long time this is what he has [wanted] in his heart," Tina said.
Wise will have a private tutor when he takes his talent on the road. The money he earns from the production will go towards an unofficial college fund, but that doesn’t mean he’s not doing any spending. He recently purchased a PlayStation Portable with his West video money.
"If you work, you get paid because mommy doesn’t buy that kind of stuff," Tina said.
Cody added, "I have to buy my own stuff except the necessities that Mom thinks I need. I feel much more proud when I buy it myself."
The actor must be in Connecticut April 24 for auditions before beginning the tour in Hartford in May.
While he is glad to please his parents, Wise knows the person who truly needs to be happy about all of this comes down to just one:
"I don’t think they’re as proud of me as I am as proud of myself," he said.
