Hercules, the story of a boy with superhuman strength who grows from outcast to hero, has been adapted into a musical play that is having its world premiere in New Jersey.

The Disney production, with music composed by Alan Menken, is on stage at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn. It stars Bradley Gibson, who most recently appeared on Broadway as Simba, "The Lion King's” title role.

"I realize what it means for me to be on the stage telling the story,” Gibson says. "And what it means for the people that are on the stage with me telling the story. We are all different races. I'm a Black man. And we have to bring our experiences to all the characters we play."

Starring alongside Gibson as Phil, the trainer and mentor of Hercules, is Tony Award winner James Monroe Iglehart, who stared as the Genie in the Broadway production of “Aladdin.” He says the musical has a powerful message.

"It's not your strength. It's your heart," says Iglehart. "And if your heart is big enough, folks will follow you and hopefully they'll follow you to a greater good."

The show is running through March 19.