In February 2019, Aladdin got a new leading man: Ainsley Melham. He relocated from Australia to New York City in late 2018 and still hasn't had a slice of pizza.
Melham moved with his partner, Callum Francis, who also got a part on a Broadway show (Kinky Boots) at roughly the same time. (It remains unclear if Francis has had pizza or not.)
Melham has been busy. That's his excuse. And while doesn’t have to deal with the dozens of costume changes that are often required of other Broadway actors, he does have to sing and dance—a lot. He doesn't do any extra cardio because there's enough of it during the show. He maintains an arduous weightlifting routine to pull off a more physically imposing version of Aladdin than that little guy in the animated Disney version that came out in 1992. (A live-action remake of Aladdin hits movie theaters on May 24.)
In an interview with GQ, Melham discussed finding a gym in the U.S., the benefits of dance as a workout routine, and the one wish he’d grant himself if he had a genie.
GQ: What’s your initial impression of New York? Don’t hold back.
Ainsley Melham: I think it’s quite seductive when you’re here for a while—the city is always moving. There’s always something exciting to see. You really do feel like you’re part of an industry that’s constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries. And I’m really just enjoying exploring.
Have you settled into a workout routine since moving here?
I’m a member of a gym just across the road here called Equinox. I have a really great trainer. When I got here, that was my first priority. I train with him three times a week on top of the show eight times a week. That forms my routine. The show is obviously largely physical and takes care of all of the cardio elements. I do weight-based training and functional movement with him to make sure that everything is operating. It’s quite physically demanding when you add that up.
What sort of qualities do you look for in a trainer?
First and foremost, you need to find someone you get along with and can communicate easily with. You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them, and you want to be able to express what you want from the training sessions. Apart from that, I ask locals in each city what gyms they go to. Lastly, it’s about the facility. I want a place that I actually look forward to going to. It’s always hard to go to the gym. You have to drag yourself there. We all have those days when you don’t want to go.
What time are you getting to the gym on the days when you’re working out?
I train around mid-day, 1 p.m. My day is pushed back because we finish the show between 10 and 11 p.m., and then I get home and try to have something to eat while my adrenaline is still going. I’m not sleeping until 1 or 2 in the morning, so I’m not getting up until 10 or 11, and my day starts later than everybody else’s. I’ll have some lunch after training and then head to the show.
It really is about gearing your day around the show, particularly when you’re playing a character and have a big vocal track or physical track. Your voice just can’t handle that amount of pressure otherwise. I actually don’t think we should do eight shows a week, but it’s what we’re required to do in this industry, so you have to learn what your body needs to get you there.
How many dance routines did you have to learn for the show, and which is the most physically demanding?
I had to learn five or six routines, and the one that’s the most physically demanding isn’t one people necessarily look at and go, “Oh, that’s a dance routine.” But it is choreographed, and it is physical movement. It’s the first number that Aladdin has in the show, which is him jumping over things, running away from guards, climbing up the sides of buildings, sliding down poles, all of that while singing a song as well. You literally feel like you’ve been shot out of a cannon, physically and vocally. It’s a bit of a shock to the body. There’s a lot of dynamic movement while you sing.
How much would you vouch for dance as a workout routine?
I think dance is wonderful. Number one, it’s fun. It makes working out a little bit more exciting. You can also do it in a group which is nice if you have any reservations about getting out there and putting yourself on the line. You’ll feel more confident when there are all these people around you doing it with you.
As an exercise tool, particularly for cardio, it’s wonderful. Even for strength and conditioning, ballet dancers are some of the best in the world, and they’re so strong. A basic ballet class can provide you with good posture and good strength in your upper and lower body.
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Do you drink any caffeine before or in-between shows to stay alert?
Nope, I’ll just drink water, or I might have a juice. I also avoid dairy before shows because it can sometimes make people feel a bit gluggy before you step on stage and have to sing. You have to just pull the energy from whatever you’ve got. I also try not to nap, because my voice will go to sleep and then I have to try and wake it up again for the second show.
What does your diet consist of on a day when you have a show?
In the morning it’s eggs, avocado, toast, and I also love cucumbers and other vegetables. Then I’ll do the show. On a two-show day, it has to be something reasonably light in between because I have to go out and run around again. It’s usually like a salad that might have some quinoa in it, or protein, vegetables, and a bit of brown rice. Then you can pretty much repeat that for dinner after the show. It’s often so late at night when I get home that I don’t want to overload and go straight to sleep. It’s a tricky one—you have to be a little bit careful with what you’re putting in your body.
Have you gotten a chance to eat any unhealthy food in New York yet?
Yeah, Mondays are my days to go out and explore food-wise. I haven’t had pizza yet, which I need to go and try. I have been to Katz’s Deli and had a proper pastrami sandwich, which was delicious. I also went downtown to Momofuku for some ramen, which I love.
Do you have a go-to Australian delicacy you haven’t been able to eat here?
The acai bowl has recently gotten big in Australia. When you’re at home in Sydney, it’s what everyone is eating by the beach. That’s one thing that I miss from home. Part of that is because we’re not by the beach. When you’re in the city, it doesn’t feel like it fits the lifestyle. But in saying that, I would happily grab an acai bowl for breakfast. It’s a nice, healthy, light way to start the day.
I can assure you there are many acai bowl spots here!
I’m sure there are, and I’m going to ask around. Nobody’s asked me that question before, but when you did, I thought, Ooh, I would like one of those.
Last question: If you could grant yourself a single wish, what would it be and why?
Considering we’re talking about health and fitness, I think it would be that I could eat whatever I want and still have the physique to step out in that little vest every night.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.