One of the most memorable and intimate moments of EPCOT’s International Festival of the Arts this year was a special Disney on Broadway performer panel, hosted by Disney Ambassador Phelicia Blake.
Held this morning (January 16, 2026), the conversation brought together Broadway favorites Adam Jacobs (Aladdin), Isabelle McCalla (Aladdin), Sierra Boggess (The Little Mermaid), and Jelani Remy (The Lion King), offering our editor, Dani Meyering and other media personnel a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to perform Disney stories on one of the most unique stages in the world.
Rather than focusing solely on spectacle, the panel leaned into something deeper: identity, legacy, and the emotional connection between performers and EPCOT audiences.
DISNEY ON BROADWAY Performers Discuss Festival of the Arts
Jelani Remy: personal roots meet Disney storytelling
For Jelani Remy, returning to the Disney on Broadway concert series is both a creative privilege and a personal milestone.
“There’s simply nothing like the energy and the love we get to share with these fans. This music means so much to so many people, and to put another smile on someone’s face through Disney on Broadway—it’s truly a privilege.”
This year’s set list holds special meaning for Remy, who spoke about bringing his own cultural background into the performance.
“I’m Caribbean—my dad’s from Trinidad and my mom’s from Barbados—so getting to touch on Sebastian this year feels really special.”
See real-life costumes, props, and sets at EPCOT,
Read: Once Upon A Stage — The Magic of DISNEY ON BROADWAY at EPCOT Exhibit
Sierra Boggess: full-circle moments and the inner child
Sierra Boggess, best known for originating Ariel in The Little Mermaid on Broadway, spoke about the emotional resonance of performing Disney music in a setting that blends artistry with nostalgia.
“I hope people sit down and feel like they see themselves in the material—feel connected to us, connected to the music, and remember who their inner child is and why they loved this in the first place.”
That sense of connection is deeply personal for Boggess, whose own Disney memories come full circle at EPCOT.
“My parents took my sisters and me to Disney when I was six, and one of the most exciting parts of being [a part of EPCOT Festival of the Arts] is getting to call them and say, ‘Can I take you to Disney?’ That full-circle moment means everything.”
Adam Jacobs: a second family and a reason to return
Adam Jacobs, a longtime Disney on Broadway favorite and a five-year veteran of the EPCOT concert series, spoke about why this experience keeps drawing him back.
“This is my fifth year doing this, and it really feels like a second family. I see the same fans every year—I know them by name—and I bring my wife and kids. It becomes a full experience.”
That connection extends to the performances themselves, which evolve year after year.
“We’re doing some new things this year—new medleys, new moments—and it’s very much ‘go, go, go.’ I won’t spoil it, but fans are going to be pleasantly surprised. It’s incredibly fun and very entertaining.”
Bonus: Hear from a Disney Live Entertainment Producer on what it takes to put the festival together each year.
A Must-Do for Disney fans
Performers and artists like this group of stars are what elevate EPCOT’s Festival of the Arts into a standout season for adults. Between Broadway-caliber performances, thoughtful storytelling, and opportunities to hear directly from the artists, Festival of the Arts offers couples a cultural experience with romantic Disney moments and more.
For anyone who grew up with Disney music, loves live theater, or simply appreciates artistry with heart, these moments are a reminder of why EPCOT remains one of the most rewarding places to experience Disney—especially on a date.
