By A. King
Zaire Adams
The day after a blizzard, a 10 year-old whose eyes are filled with life sits across the table waiting to be interviewed.
Born to Vincent and Valecia Adams in Milwaukee Zaire’s adventure began. Fast forward to 3 years-old going home from church, Zaire is singing in the back seat as the music from the radio played. Not believing what she was hearing, Valecia turns off the music and the son continues to sing. She knows now that he has some skills and has him join the church choir. Dad sits in the background listening to the comments being made from the people and does some research.
Later Zaire is enrolled in acting classes, after winning a talent contest and performing in a play, ‘The Wiz’, at the First Stage Children’s Theatre. While learning his craft, a national call-out / audition is sent by Debbie Allen for a Broadway play, ‘The Twist’. Ten thousand (10,000), kids try out for only-10 spots-YES TEN!! This was an opportunity/ test for young Zaire’s skills to be tried on a national level. After auditioning, Los Angeles and New York represented well and then the name was mentioned-ZAIRE ADAMS ( MILWAUKEE )- isn’t that the place for “CHEESE” was the response.
Vincent and Valecia stood in amazement as their son had just made the “Big Time”. Mom prepped and handled keeping Zaire’s etiquette and mannerisms in check, while Dad handled the business of keeping his son out of harms way and letting him remain a child and enjoy the moment.
“TWIST” opened in Atlanta at the Alliance Theatre from August-Oct 2010 and will open next in Pasadena, CA at the Pasadena Playhouse this Spring. Zaire is pictured above in the purple pants and hat. The show is on its way to Broadway.
Twelve hour rehearsals were the norm for the daily routine for a Broadway play. While doing the play, Zaire’s ability had spread to the ears of the Disney executives and talent scouts. Dad received an invitation from Disney to audition for them, the invitation was accepted. That weekend Disney flew the parents and Zaire to California and back to New York the next day. Several days later the call came from Disney. “Would you accept the role for Zaire to play Simba in “The Lion King” for our show in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay? After a short thought the answer was YES! Beginning in March to December-A new Simba ROARSSS!!!
Not to worry about his schooling, Engleburg Elementary principal will assist with his education from a distance. Asked what he, Zaire, will miss while performing, he replies, “my brother as my minion and my family.”
Asked Dad what he sees in the future for his son, Vincent replies,” The happiness of my son is what matters most and as long as he enjoys doing this acting-I am happy”. It was refreshing to hear that the family will still live in Milwaukee and continue to raise Zaire with midwest family values.
Zaire is a beacon of light to kids in Milwaukee sending the message that no matter the location there is a bright and shinning future if you would only just BELIEVE.