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Charismatic, charming, and a credit to his craft are just a few ways in which to describe Alphonso Romero Jones II. His raw, natural talent was first displayed as a child, when he was cast in the coveted role of 'Young Simba' in "The Lion King" on Broadway (2009-2011). He masterfully captured theater audiences for an impressive 66 minutes of the show. In 2011, Alphonso received the "Best Performance in Live Theater - Young Actor" Award from the Young Artists Academy at the 32nd Young Artists Awards.
Now a young adult, Alphonso is poised to showcase his acting talents in Netflix's upcoming teen drama series, "Grand Army," debuting October 16, 2020. The 10-episode first season is an adaptation of Katie Cappiello's 2013 play, "Slut." The storyline follows a group of friends at the largest high school in Brooklyn as they struggle with sexual, racial and economic politics and fight to succeed and become somebody. Alphonso plays 'John Ellis,' love interest to high-achieving 'Dominique' (Odley Jean). Rolling Stone has named "Grand Army" as one of Fall 2020's Top 15 Shows to Watch. The series is executive-produced by Cappiello, Joshua Donen ("Gone Girl") and Beau Willimon ("House of Cards").
Following a remarkable two and a half year run on Broadway, Alphonso voiced many commercials for Trix, Lucky Charms and Nickelodeon, to name a few. In his early teens, he also secured voiceover work for AT&T, Comcast and Goodwill. In recent years, he has worked with directors such as Clement Virgo, Tina Mabrey, So Young Kim and Darnell Martin. In 2014, Alphonso had the distinction of singing in a male ensemble at Carnegie Hall with a group of amazing Black Broadway stars, including Ben Vereen, Keith David, Norm Lewis, Clifton Davis and Chapman Roberts.
Always striving to improve his craft, Alphonso has taken many masterclasses and workshops with the likes of Jen Rudin (Jen Rudin Casting), Joseph Melendez (Matt Newton School of Acting) and Kia Riddick-Taylor (StarCatcher Productions, LLC). Shortly thereafter, he began training at GoodCapp Arts (formerly The Arts Effect), under the tutelage of Katie Cappiello ("Grand Army"). As a result, Alphonso secured the Jordan-Class XXXI commercial spot for one of his favorite brands, Nike. He also garnered a feature role in "Roxanne Roxanne," based on the trailblazing rapper Roxanne Shante. The film premiered in dramatic competition at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival where it was acquired by Neon in a bidding war for North American rights.
Alphonso originated the role of 'Evan' in the critically acclaimed play, "Now That We're Men," written by Katie Cappiello. As a member of the production, he has performed in theatres and schools across the country.
In addition to acting, Alphonso is a natural musician. He grew up as a drummer and began teaching himself to play piano at the age of eight. While on Broadway, he learned to play guitar from his castmate "J-Bo." He began creating his own music in 2012 after his parents gifted him studio equipment for Christmas. A beat machine, an audio interface and two studio monitors were the keys to his musical destiny.
As a producer, Alphonso was earlier influenced by Timbaland, Pharrell and Mike WiLL Made-It. Initially, he struggled to find himself as a recording artist. After performing at Trenton Central High School in New Jersey his sophomore year, he felt complete. From there, he began seriously writing music, the best of which would make it to Soundcloud under the name TKP Nook. The name encompasses his musical collective, Team Kush Pacc, and his family nickname Nanook.
While attending Saint Peter's University, he evolved his music to balance melody, lyricism and soul. He drew from life experience and emotion to pen tunes that stretched from ballads to radio hits to club bangers. In April 2019, Alphonso released his debut album, "Romero," to all streaming platforms, and he received an influx of praise for its originality, quality and overall good feel.
In his spare time, Alphonso enjoys playing video games and basketball, and making music in his home studio.
Alphonso is looking forward to becoming an all-around entertainer on a path to solidify himself as both a phenomenal artist and an A-list actor, to the likes of Donald Glover and Jamie Foxx.
Follow his journey on Instagram @alphonsoromero_.
