Landing a role in a Broadway production is widely considered to be the pinnacle for theatre actors worldwide.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This feat has just been accomplished by Bathurst-born entertainer Ainsley Melham.
Melham will be making his Broadway debut in the production of Disney's Aladdin on Tuesday, February 19 [New York time], performing in the title role.
It is a role that Melham has grown accustomed to, having played the role in Aladdin's Australian run between 2016 and 2018.
Melham says the opportunity is a dream come true.
"A Broadway role is something I never expected to land so soon into my career, and it's quite surreal to be opening a show this week," he said.
Melham's debut performance will be at the historic New Amsterdam Theatre.
Having already received rave reviews for his role as Aladdin during the production’s Australian run, Melham said the show holds a special place in the hearts of many people.
“Everyone has their own affinity with a Disney film, and to me, Aladdin’s a character that has truly stood out in my mind,” he said.
“Travelling for your work is a huge perk, and it has been an exciting journey travelling around Australia playing one of my favourite characters.”
Born and raised in Bathurst, Melham showed a keen interest in performing arts from a young age.
One of Melham's earliest performances on stage was as Tom Thumb in the Carillon Theatrical Society's [CTS] production of Barnum in 2004 when he was 12 years old.
"I remember the big blue chair that I had to climb up onto to sing my number, and I still smile when I think about it," he said.
"It was productions like Barnum where my passion for musical theatre started."
Leonie Freeth, who directed Barnum, said the roots of Melham’s astute talent were there right from the beginning.
“Even back then, he was the consummate professional,” Ms Freeth said.
“One of my fondest memories of Melham during Barnum was asking him for his autograph because I knew he would go far in his career.”
Ms Freeth also directed the CTS production of Xanadu in 2017, a musical which Melham himself appeared in professionally the previous year.
Melham signed two pairs of roller skates for CTS to be used in a raffle to promote their production of Xanadu.
“He’s such a talented performer and I couldn’t be happier for him,” Ms Freeth said.
After completing his schooling at St Stanislaus’ College in 2009, Melham attended the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts [WAAPA] where he honed his craft performing in a number of musical productions.
According to St Stanislaus’ College’s director of administration Victoria Hughes, Melham was a model student during his time at the school.
“I taught Melham for a number of years, and he was always a high achiever,” Ms Hughes said.
“Throughout his time at Stannies, he was always involved in our musicals and plays, and was a regular entrant in the Bathurst Eisteddford for his dancing.”
“It is fair to say that he really laid the foundations for the growth of creative arts at Stannies.”
Ms Hughes and her family will be heading across to New York to watch Melham on Broadway.
Between 2013 and 2016, Melham toured nationally and internationally as a member of popular Australian children’s group Hi-5.
Although Melham has come a very long way in his career, he is still driven predominantly by the support of his family and friends.
“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my parents and my sister and whenever I perform, I’m always thinking of them,” he said.
“While it’s fair to say that you perform for the enjoyment of it, you also do it to make those around you proud.”
Melham will be performing in Aladdin on Broadway until mid-July.