Homecoming king

NEWS

One area performer is looking forward to helping Philadelphians blow out the candles on America's cake next week. He'll also mix in a little singing, ice cream eating and fireworks.

By Lauren McGlone

Add Comment | Comments: 3 | Posted Jun. 25, 2009

After 14 months of playing Young Simba in the national tour of "The Lion King," Cody Wise is back home ready to entertain his native city.

The 13-year-old is one of the scheduled entertainers for Sunoco's Welcome America! Fam Jams free concert series July 5 at Penn's Landing. The resident of the 2400 block of South Eighth Street is singing his original music combined with some cover songs.

"The best part of performing is having fun and seeing people's reactions. I feel like I'm in a trance when I see people scream or react," Wise said during a Monday morning interview at his home.

The concert, which in previous years included the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, is part of the week-long party honoring the nation's birthday. The celebration is taking place June 26 through July 5 and features music, fireworks and a parade to recognize 233 years of independence.

Other performers at the Fam Jams event are tween stars Nat and Alex Wolff and Meaghan Martin.

"I can't wait to meet them," Wise said.

Meeting new people and visiting different places are things he loves about the business. The youngster has worked with Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski in "Damn Yankees" and Kanye West and Adam Levine of Maroon 5 in the "Heard 'Em Say" music video.

Now that he's finished seventh grade with honors at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, 2600 S. Broad St., Wise has more time scheduled in the recording studio. In addition to providing vocals for his own CD, which he hopes will be ready to drop later this summer.

Wise began his career at just 6 weeks old, starring in an Independence BlueCross BlueShield commercial. That was just the beginning for the dancer/singer/actor.

"I learned so many things from South Philly," Wise said. "Everyone here has talent."

Parents Andre and Tina are huge supporters of the arts and of their son's career.

"We put about 1,000 miles on the car every week going back and forth to the recording studio," Tina said of the regular commutes to New York City. "It's a lot of hard work, but it's a great way for a young person to meet people. The community has been so supportive."

Although he's been around the country on tours and movie auditions, Cody says his biggest inspiration is right in his own house.

"My sister Cheyenne always accomplishes everything she wants to do and I always try to copy that," Wise said.

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