September 24, 2025 • 18 mins
Host Christine Nagy sits down with Ainsley Melham and Sonya Balsara, stars of Disney’s Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. From childhood dreams to Broadway debuts, they share the joy, nostalgia, and chemistry that make this long-running musical a fan favorite. Tune in for behind-the-scenes stories, heartfelt advice, and a celebration of Aladdin’s 11th magical year on Broadway.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
iHeartRadio Broadway presents Inside Broadway, the podcast about everything theater.
It's where you hear what happens from the ticket window
to the stage door, with the stars and creative forces
that make it all come alive. Here's your host, light
FMS Christine Nagy.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Well, welcome to Inside Broadway. I'm Christine Nagy. Today we're
joined by two dazzling stars who are lining up the
new Amsterdam Theater in Disney's Aladdin. So first we welcome
back Ainsley Mellam, who's reprising his role as Aladdin for
a limited run. Ainsley first flew in on the Magic
Carpet from Australia, where he originated the role and earned
(00:43):
rave reviews for his charm, athleticism and grace. That's beautiful, Ainsley.
And joining him is Sonya Balsara, making her Broadway debut
as Jasmine, a rising star of his journey from starring
as Jasmine in middle school to the Broadway stage is
as inspiring as it is magical. Ainsley and Sonia welcome.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Hello, Thanks for having us, Thank you so much for
this beautiful introduction.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Well, it's great to see you both. I'm very happy
that you're both back because we've talked to each other before,
but you know, we need an update. Things have changed
a little bit. Ainsley, You're back as Aladdin at the
new Amsterdam Theater. So how did your first performance back
as a Laddin feel?
Speaker 4 (01:22):
The first performance back was really wonderful. It was very nostalgic.
It's been six years since I've been in the show,
so it's been a hot minute. But being back, everyone
was so joyous and welcoming in the building. Quickly rehearsed
the show got back in. I think the biggest challenge
has been been physically. You know, you mentioned athleticism earlier.
(01:44):
The role is really just a huge marathon from start
to finish, so that's been the big adjustment being back.
But it's been so much fun.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
And did you like fall right into a Laddin again?
Did it? Just?
Speaker 4 (01:56):
I was surprised at how much was still there after
six years. Honestly, I was a little worried when we agreed,
you know, to come back into the show. I was thinking, gosh,
I wonder how much I remember because the rehearsal process
was going to be quite quite short. But it was
all there, and it all came streaming back.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Very quickly and Jasmine. How was it for you? So
you're making your Broadway debut here, I know you've been
with the show for a while, and then Ainsley join you.
How did that feel your first night out on stage together?
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Oh my gosh, it was absolutely magical. Ainsley is positively magical.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
And I made my Broadway debut a little over three
years ago now, which is crazy. So I've been with
the show for a while, and Ainsley is my third
full time Aladdin, and it's really really refreshing. You know,
it's a beautiful thing to get to do the show
and create new Jasmines with new Aladdins, And it's just
(02:53):
been such a wonderful process of listening to each other
and finding how these characters fit in our bodies with
one another. You inform so much of what I do
on stage, and I'm responding to so much of what
you give me. And every day is a little different too,
which is really wonderful. Yeah, it's been great.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Yeah. And also because you played Jasmine when you were
in middle school, like, did you feel this was meant
to be? Did you always dream of doing this on Broadway?
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I never knew it was possible. Honestly, it was not
on Broadway when I did it in middle school, but
as soon as it, you know, I saw the Tony
production or the Tony Award performance, and you know, I
think it was in the back of my head, oh
maybe maybe I could do that, And here we are.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
So I think, you know, of course, you're always going
to serve as inspiration for for people who were wanting
to do this work on Broadway and do musical theater.
And Ainsley, you came about it. You were Was it
in Australia? Was it a boys band that you were
in or.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
Tell me so their first job I had out of
college was actually a children's group. So it was there
were five of us and we would film a television series.
We would travel the world and perform in these concerts.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
It was.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
It was essentially like a children's pop group. And I
did that for three years and that was my very
first job. And then off the back of that, I
booked Aladdin in Australia, so I was I was very
lucky and it's and at the time I probably didn't
put it together, but I think it was. I think
that job set me up so perfectly for Aladdin, because
(04:31):
you know, being in the kids group required sort of
an an honesty and an openness and a sincerity that
I think works really well for playing Aladdin.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Right, and that transition again, were you like hoping to
do musical theater or this hint you? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (04:48):
Absolutely, I studied musical theater at college, and so when
I when I joined the kids group, it sort of
felt like a bit of a side step. And I
had always had in the back of my mind that
I wanted to come back and be, you know, on
the music music theater stage. So auditioning for Aladdin and
booking that sort of felt like a bit of a
return to home, which was cool.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And Sonia, how about for you, it sounds like if
you were doing this in middle school, this has always
been the dream.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh yeah, my mom's a classical a professional classical singer.
So I just grew up around so much music, and
I went to NYU. I studied acting in the drama
department there, and so yeah, but from a very young age,
I think it was just a part of my life.
And then getting to take it really seriously, that transition
(05:36):
into truly like becoming an actor. Yeah, I wouldn't be
here without that entire journey for sure.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Did you grow up in New York?
Speaker 3 (05:45):
I was born here and then I moved to the
Bay Area when I was five.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Oh okay, and was it Broadway then that called you back?
You said you went to NYU Did you stay? I stayed? Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
Yeah, I loved I loved going to school here. And
I remember when I was visiting colleges, you know, I
came to New York City and I was like, oh right.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, yeah, they have to be here. Special energy, right
the rehearsal process. You mentioned that it was really quick
for the two of you for Ainsley to come into
the show. So what is the what is the process
like in the bonding and building chemistry together.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Yeah, well, the first time we did it together really
properly was in the show. Maybe we've had one time.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Put in, yeah, beforehand, but the put in was really
just trying to feel each other's energy and say the
words and be like, oh, our hand, like how are
we you know, it's a different Yeah, it's feeling the
show for the first time with someone. I think the
chemistry developed probably over the first week. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Yeah, it's sort of that adrenaline rush that forces you
to bond very quickly and obviously being in theater and
doing what we do. There are things, there are intimacies
that we have to perform that you wouldn't perform with
your coworker in other industries. So I think that requires
a lot of trust, and with that trust comes, you know,
(07:14):
a quick bond. And I'm really you know, Sonya is
so beautiful and that trust developed very quickly.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Ainsley, how has it been for you because you were
in Boop, which was you did such a beautiful job
in that show and it was so great leaving a
show that you're so involved with and I know they
become like your family, so you know, the post show blues.
How do you deal with that, leaving a show that
you may have loved?
Speaker 4 (07:39):
Yeah, I mean that was really tricky. Saying goodbye to
a beautiful show like that is definitely a process. There
are lots of emotions to move through and you sort
of move through them together as a as a company.
I was really lucky that returning to Aladdin came very
(08:00):
quickly off the back of Boop, So it gave me
something to focus on, and it gave me some way
to put my energy and put some maybe some of
that you know, otherwise sort of blue energy. I got
to focus it into the new job. But it was
such a beautiful company on Boop and they've all been
(08:22):
to see Aladdin and support since I've been in it,
So it's been it's been really lovely.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Sonya. How has that been for you when you've had
to say goodbye to a show, because I know that
can be so hard. Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah, you're losing a chapter of your life, a family.
You're not losing them. They're with you in so many
ways as you move forward. But the day and day out,
that's really hard. I haven't had to experience that in
a while, yes, but.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
I want to deal with that for a while.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, but no, as people come and go from our show,
you know, it's a long running show, so people come
and go. It changes the atmosphere and the space and
it's great to find something new, but it is, you know,
as you welcome the new year, day bye to the old,
and that's never easy. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I feel like, well it's bittersweet exactly, and people will
go back to the magic of Aladdin because people have
such a love of this show. So now you've just
celebrated eleventh anniversary, fourteenth the longest running show on Broadway.
That's pretty amazing crazy, Yeah, what is the magic do
you think that keeps audiences coming back? Because some of
(09:24):
us have seen it several times. We enjoy it so much.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Oh gosh.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
I mean the music's such a big factor. You know,
it features in so much about childhood for you know,
so many generations, and there's a nostalgia there that I
think hits you right at the heart and people want
to come back and just be reminded maybe of a
time when things were a little simpler. So I think
(09:50):
the music does that in a big way.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Yeah, and the story is really joyous, and I think
what's beautiful about our production is it takes this iconic
movie everyone knows and is so nostalgic for it and
actually adds a new dimension to it. I love, you know,
the new dimensions they add to Jasmine, where she's empowered
and she actually becomes they're sort of like co rulers by.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
The end of the show.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
And I think that those additions modernize the story. And also, yeah,
but I think right now to everyone wants to escape
the world a bit, and so coming to a show
like Aladdin, they really can leave their lives at the
door and then come and have a joyous and even
cathartic experience getting to you know, reroot and reground in
(10:37):
what's important.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
And I'm sure that's something that you feel as performers.
You must feel that energy and love from the audience.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Oh absolutely, in such a big way. And it's so
lovely to sit to be on that stage and look
out into the theater and see people who have come
from all over the world to sit in our theater
and experience our show. And so that, you know, adds
another dimension to being there every day and delivering that
performance and knowing that that people have paid a lot
of money and you spent a lot of their time
(11:07):
getting to the theater to experience this. So you know,
it's really important that we deliver.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Yeah, you do. I mean it's so special and I
think it's an experience that you take with you, so
people going to the theater always have this beautiful experience
to reflect on. So any advice for people who are
just getting started, like we talked about a little earlier,
if this is their dream to work in musical theater
and specifically Broadway, what's one thing that really stands out
to you that you would advise.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
I mean, there are so many things to say. I
think that if you're a young person and you're looking
at this wild industry, For me, I think it's important well,
first of all, to never stop learning. Even today, I'm
always trying to learn and improve and grow as an artist,
(11:53):
and so reminding yourself that that's where the joy comes from.
And remember that the thing that makes you different from
everybody else is actually your superpower.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Yeah yeah, that's so important.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Yeah, yeah, I mean, amazing, amazing advice. I always tell
young people that I meet to be well read. You know,
pick up a pick up a book, watch lots of TV, film,
listen to music, try and you know, tune into the
news when it feels when you feel you have the
energy and the brain space to do so, because I
(12:29):
think being a well read human being helps you have
a bit of voice as an actor.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Agreed well, Ainsley and Sonia, thank you so much. Thank
you for sharing your stories and the magic you bring
to the stage, and whether it's a return to a
beloved role or a thrilling Broadway debut, your journey's remind
us of the power, passion, perseverance, and representation. So audiences
can catch Ainsley Mellum and Sonia Balsara and Disney's Aladdin
(12:56):
at the New Amsterdam Theater. For tickets, visit aladdinthemusical dot
com and don't miss this enchanting adventure filled with heart,
humor and a whole lot of magic. And you know what,
can you guys stay with us just a little bit longer.
Of course, we like to go behind the scenes, so
with Ainsley and Sonya if that's okay, so we'll be
back with them. What happens behind the scenes next on
(13:16):
Inside Broadway. Welcome to Behind the Scenes, where we go
beyond the spotlight to discover what inspires and motivates Broadway's
brightest stars. And today we're joined by Ainsley mellm and
Sonya Balsara Aladdin and Jasmine and Disney's Aladdin at the
New Amsterdam Theater and Ainsley's back in the role he
(13:38):
first brought to life in Australia and on Broadway, Sonya's
making her magical debut in one of the most beloved
musicals of all time. And our listeners always love to
hear about your personal side what goes on behind the scenes,
So Ainsley will start with you any pre show rituals
or kind of superstitions that you have before going on stage. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Well, I've been back only four weeks now, but there
was a little I guess routine habit that then just
turned into a superstition very quickly. But I always wait
for the downbeat of the overture before I head down
to the stage, because Aladdin makes his entrance a little
way into the opening number. And earlier this week, just gone,
I stepped out of the room before the downbeat had happened,
(14:20):
and I thought to myself, No, I can't do this.
I can't be out of the room before the downbeat happens.
So I turned around and stood in my dressing room
until the downbeat happened, and then went down to stage.
It's funny how you get into these little habits that
then you don't want to break right right.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
But nothing bad happened, Nothing bad happened.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
That someone was looking upon me and forgave me for
that misstep, Sonia.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
How about for you, like a musical theater playlist or
songs that you listened to to kind of get pumped
and get yourself ready. Yeah, stage totally.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
I often feel like I need to relax my body
before going on stage. There's you know, a lot of
people looking at you, so for me, I have to
sort of ye drop in and I listened to a
lot of as in Boston Nova before just to yeah,
clear my head and sort of have a fresh slate
to walk on stage with. And then as far as
(15:11):
you know, musical theater songs that I love, I mean,
my favorite score of all time is probably tied between
the Light and the Piazza.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
And Bridges of Madison County Beautiful. Yeah. Yeah? Do you
have a favorite your favorite Broadway show tunes? Ainsley and
Putting You on the Spot.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
No, that's okay. We may have talked about this last time,
but I love the band's is it? Oh yeah, it
is so beautiful. That's so yeah. Often I will return
to that and listen to those beautiful tunes.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
Yeah, I'd love to see you and.
Speaker 4 (15:40):
I'd love to be in that show.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Okay, producers, we got it. We have our next cast.
And finally, something about being a theater performer that people
might not realize might surprise someone.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
It's really challenging to eat, to figure out when to eat,
because you're you have to think about you know, you
have to energize yourself, but then also like you don't
want to feel bloated, and then you know, and the
timing of it too, Like you you have to prepare
to be on stage at seven pm, and most people
eat at that time, so you're really operating at such
(16:13):
a different schedule than the rest.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Of the world. Do you eat after the show or.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
I try to like have a small snack at the
end of the show. I can, but sometimes I can't help,
but just like devour an entire pizza to be starving
so much.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
Yeah, it varies.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
We you know, you try to have a routine with that,
but I you know, every day is a little different that.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
You have to worry Ainsley, How about for you?
Speaker 4 (16:36):
I think probably most people would think that being on
stage and singing those huge songs is most tiring, and
that is incredibly tiring. But I think it's more often
than not speaking that tires our voices most because when
we're singing, where we're engaging our technique and we're you know,
we're sort of doing it with intention, But when we're
(16:58):
out and about and we're just talking to our friends
with so much more relaxed and we sort of like
slip out of our technique and that's what ties us most.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
I'm glad you're saying that so all of our friends
will understand because sometimes I'm just worn out and my
voice is shot afterwards, like you said, because we're not
being as careful.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Right, Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Any little secrets do you do? Tea with honeyed? Is
there anything protecting your voices?
Speaker 4 (17:22):
There's a long list. Yeah, yeah, but there's exercises, there's
little exercise stroll blowing, bubbling exercises, tea with honey and
ginger and you know, all the good things. Lots of
just basically hydrating the voice and trying to give it
a moment to recover.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Yeah, Sonia, same for you.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Yeah, you can use you know, steam and hailers and
nebulizers to those are great tools. Also just giving yourself
a vocal nap.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
A little rest. Well, thank you again. It's so wonderful
to talk with both of you. Ainsley Melms, Sonia Balsara.
We can catch them at Disney's Aladdin at the New
Amsterdam Theater. Tickets visit aladdinthemusical dot com. Thank you so
much for listening. Guys, be sure to follow iHeartRadio Broadway
on all your favorite social media platforms. Check out the
(18:09):
iHeartRadio Broadway channel to hear all your favorite Broadway tunes,
dream and free on the iHeartRadio app, and please add
it to your presets and keep the music and magic
of Broadway with you wherever you go. Till next time.
On Christine Nagy, This is Inside Broadway.
iHeartRadio Broadway presents Inside Broadway, the podcast about everything theater.
It's where you hear what happens from the ticket window
to the stage door, with the stars and creative forces
that make it all come alive. Here's your host, light
FMS Christine Nagy.
Speaker 2 (00:22):
Well, welcome to Inside Broadway. I'm Christine Nagy. Today we're
joined by two dazzling stars who are lining up the
new Amsterdam Theater in Disney's Aladdin. So first we welcome
back Ainsley Mellam, who's reprising his role as Aladdin for
a limited run. Ainsley first flew in on the Magic
Carpet from Australia, where he originated the role and earned
(00:43):
rave reviews for his charm, athleticism and grace. That's beautiful, Ainsley.
And joining him is Sonya Balsara, making her Broadway debut
as Jasmine, a rising star of his journey from starring
as Jasmine in middle school to the Broadway stage is
as inspiring as it is magical. Ainsley and Sonia welcome.
Speaker 3 (01:03):
Hello, Thanks for having us, Thank you so much for
this beautiful introduction.
Speaker 2 (01:06):
Well, it's great to see you both. I'm very happy
that you're both back because we've talked to each other before,
but you know, we need an update. Things have changed
a little bit. Ainsley, You're back as Aladdin at the
new Amsterdam Theater. So how did your first performance back
as a Laddin feel?
Speaker 4 (01:22):
The first performance back was really wonderful. It was very nostalgic.
It's been six years since I've been in the show,
so it's been a hot minute. But being back, everyone
was so joyous and welcoming in the building. Quickly rehearsed
the show got back in. I think the biggest challenge
has been been physically. You know, you mentioned athleticism earlier.
(01:44):
The role is really just a huge marathon from start
to finish, so that's been the big adjustment being back.
But it's been so much fun.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
And did you like fall right into a Laddin again?
Did it? Just?
Speaker 4 (01:56):
I was surprised at how much was still there after
six years. Honestly, I was a little worried when we agreed,
you know, to come back into the show. I was thinking, gosh,
I wonder how much I remember because the rehearsal process
was going to be quite quite short. But it was
all there, and it all came streaming back.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Very quickly and Jasmine. How was it for you? So
you're making your Broadway debut here, I know you've been
with the show for a while, and then Ainsley join you.
How did that feel your first night out on stage together?
Speaker 3 (02:25):
Oh my gosh, it was absolutely magical. Ainsley is positively magical.
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
And I made my Broadway debut a little over three
years ago now, which is crazy. So I've been with
the show for a while, and Ainsley is my third
full time Aladdin, and it's really really refreshing. You know,
it's a beautiful thing to get to do the show
and create new Jasmines with new Aladdins, And it's just
(02:53):
been such a wonderful process of listening to each other
and finding how these characters fit in our bodies with
one another. You inform so much of what I do
on stage, and I'm responding to so much of what
you give me. And every day is a little different too,
which is really wonderful. Yeah, it's been great.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
Yeah. And also because you played Jasmine when you were
in middle school, like, did you feel this was meant
to be? Did you always dream of doing this on Broadway?
Speaker 3 (03:22):
I never knew it was possible. Honestly, it was not
on Broadway when I did it in middle school, but
as soon as it, you know, I saw the Tony
production or the Tony Award performance, and you know, I
think it was in the back of my head, oh
maybe maybe I could do that, And here we are.
Speaker 2 (03:41):
So I think, you know, of course, you're always going
to serve as inspiration for for people who were wanting
to do this work on Broadway and do musical theater.
And Ainsley, you came about it. You were Was it
in Australia? Was it a boys band that you were
in or.
Speaker 4 (03:58):
Tell me so their first job I had out of
college was actually a children's group. So it was there
were five of us and we would film a television series.
We would travel the world and perform in these concerts.
Speaker 2 (04:10):
It was.
Speaker 4 (04:10):
It was essentially like a children's pop group. And I
did that for three years and that was my very
first job. And then off the back of that, I
booked Aladdin in Australia, so I was I was very
lucky and it's and at the time I probably didn't
put it together, but I think it was. I think
that job set me up so perfectly for Aladdin, because
(04:31):
you know, being in the kids group required sort of
an an honesty and an openness and a sincerity that
I think works really well for playing Aladdin.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Right, and that transition again, were you like hoping to
do musical theater or this hint you? Yeah?
Speaker 4 (04:48):
Absolutely, I studied musical theater at college, and so when
I when I joined the kids group, it sort of
felt like a bit of a side step. And I
had always had in the back of my mind that
I wanted to come back and be, you know, on
the music music theater stage. So auditioning for Aladdin and
booking that sort of felt like a bit of a
return to home, which was cool.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
And Sonia, how about for you, it sounds like if
you were doing this in middle school, this has always
been the dream.
Speaker 3 (05:14):
Oh yeah, my mom's a classical a professional classical singer.
So I just grew up around so much music, and
I went to NYU. I studied acting in the drama
department there, and so yeah, but from a very young age,
I think it was just a part of my life.
And then getting to take it really seriously, that transition
(05:36):
into truly like becoming an actor. Yeah, I wouldn't be
here without that entire journey for sure.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
Did you grow up in New York?
Speaker 3 (05:45):
I was born here and then I moved to the
Bay Area when I was five.
Speaker 2 (05:49):
Oh okay, and was it Broadway then that called you back?
You said you went to NYU Did you stay? I stayed? Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:56):
Yeah, I loved I loved going to school here. And
I remember when I was visiting colleges, you know, I
came to New York City and I was like, oh right.
Speaker 2 (06:06):
Yeah, yeah, they have to be here. Special energy, right
the rehearsal process. You mentioned that it was really quick
for the two of you for Ainsley to come into
the show. So what is the what is the process
like in the bonding and building chemistry together.
Speaker 4 (06:23):
Yeah, well, the first time we did it together really
properly was in the show. Maybe we've had one time.
Speaker 3 (06:31):
Put in, yeah, beforehand, but the put in was really
just trying to feel each other's energy and say the
words and be like, oh, our hand, like how are
we you know, it's a different Yeah, it's feeling the
show for the first time with someone. I think the
chemistry developed probably over the first week. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
Yeah, it's sort of that adrenaline rush that forces you
to bond very quickly and obviously being in theater and
doing what we do. There are things, there are intimacies
that we have to perform that you wouldn't perform with
your coworker in other industries. So I think that requires
a lot of trust, and with that trust comes, you know,
(07:14):
a quick bond. And I'm really you know, Sonya is
so beautiful and that trust developed very quickly.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Ainsley, how has it been for you because you were
in Boop, which was you did such a beautiful job
in that show and it was so great leaving a
show that you're so involved with and I know they
become like your family, so you know, the post show blues.
How do you deal with that, leaving a show that
you may have loved?
Speaker 4 (07:39):
Yeah, I mean that was really tricky. Saying goodbye to
a beautiful show like that is definitely a process. There
are lots of emotions to move through and you sort
of move through them together as a as a company.
I was really lucky that returning to Aladdin came very
(08:00):
quickly off the back of Boop, So it gave me
something to focus on, and it gave me some way
to put my energy and put some maybe some of
that you know, otherwise sort of blue energy. I got
to focus it into the new job. But it was
such a beautiful company on Boop and they've all been
(08:22):
to see Aladdin and support since I've been in it,
So it's been it's been really lovely.
Speaker 2 (08:27):
Sonya. How has that been for you when you've had
to say goodbye to a show, because I know that
can be so hard. Oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (08:32):
Yeah, you're losing a chapter of your life, a family.
You're not losing them. They're with you in so many
ways as you move forward. But the day and day out,
that's really hard. I haven't had to experience that in
a while, yes, but.
Speaker 2 (08:45):
I want to deal with that for a while.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, but no, as people come and go from our show,
you know, it's a long running show, so people come
and go. It changes the atmosphere and the space and
it's great to find something new, but it is, you know,
as you welcome the new year, day bye to the old,
and that's never easy. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
I feel like, well it's bittersweet exactly, and people will
go back to the magic of Aladdin because people have
such a love of this show. So now you've just
celebrated eleventh anniversary, fourteenth the longest running show on Broadway.
That's pretty amazing crazy, Yeah, what is the magic do
you think that keeps audiences coming back? Because some of
(09:24):
us have seen it several times. We enjoy it so much.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Oh gosh.
Speaker 2 (09:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:29):
I mean the music's such a big factor. You know,
it features in so much about childhood for you know,
so many generations, and there's a nostalgia there that I
think hits you right at the heart and people want
to come back and just be reminded maybe of a
time when things were a little simpler. So I think
(09:50):
the music does that in a big way.
Speaker 3 (09:54):
Yeah, and the story is really joyous, and I think
what's beautiful about our production is it takes this iconic
movie everyone knows and is so nostalgic for it and
actually adds a new dimension to it. I love, you know,
the new dimensions they add to Jasmine, where she's empowered
and she actually becomes they're sort of like co rulers by.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
The end of the show.
Speaker 3 (10:16):
And I think that those additions modernize the story. And also, yeah,
but I think right now to everyone wants to escape
the world a bit, and so coming to a show
like Aladdin, they really can leave their lives at the
door and then come and have a joyous and even
cathartic experience getting to you know, reroot and reground in
(10:37):
what's important.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
And I'm sure that's something that you feel as performers.
You must feel that energy and love from the audience.
Speaker 4 (10:45):
Oh absolutely, in such a big way. And it's so
lovely to sit to be on that stage and look
out into the theater and see people who have come
from all over the world to sit in our theater
and experience our show. And so that, you know, adds
another dimension to being there every day and delivering that
performance and knowing that that people have paid a lot
of money and you spent a lot of their time
(11:07):
getting to the theater to experience this. So you know,
it's really important that we deliver.
Speaker 2 (11:12):
Yeah, you do. I mean it's so special and I
think it's an experience that you take with you, so
people going to the theater always have this beautiful experience
to reflect on. So any advice for people who are
just getting started, like we talked about a little earlier,
if this is their dream to work in musical theater
and specifically Broadway, what's one thing that really stands out
to you that you would advise.
Speaker 3 (11:33):
I mean, there are so many things to say. I
think that if you're a young person and you're looking
at this wild industry, For me, I think it's important well,
first of all, to never stop learning. Even today, I'm
always trying to learn and improve and grow as an artist,
(11:53):
and so reminding yourself that that's where the joy comes from.
And remember that the thing that makes you different from
everybody else is actually your superpower.
Speaker 2 (12:05):
Yeah yeah, that's so important.
Speaker 4 (12:08):
Yeah, yeah, I mean, amazing, amazing advice. I always tell
young people that I meet to be well read. You know,
pick up a pick up a book, watch lots of TV, film,
listen to music, try and you know, tune into the
news when it feels when you feel you have the
energy and the brain space to do so, because I
(12:29):
think being a well read human being helps you have
a bit of voice as an actor.
Speaker 2 (12:35):
Agreed well, Ainsley and Sonia, thank you so much. Thank
you for sharing your stories and the magic you bring
to the stage, and whether it's a return to a
beloved role or a thrilling Broadway debut, your journey's remind
us of the power, passion, perseverance, and representation. So audiences
can catch Ainsley Mellum and Sonia Balsara and Disney's Aladdin
(12:56):
at the New Amsterdam Theater. For tickets, visit aladdinthemusical dot
com and don't miss this enchanting adventure filled with heart,
humor and a whole lot of magic. And you know what,
can you guys stay with us just a little bit longer.
Of course, we like to go behind the scenes, so
with Ainsley and Sonya if that's okay, so we'll be
back with them. What happens behind the scenes next on
(13:16):
Inside Broadway. Welcome to Behind the Scenes, where we go
beyond the spotlight to discover what inspires and motivates Broadway's
brightest stars. And today we're joined by Ainsley mellm and
Sonya Balsara Aladdin and Jasmine and Disney's Aladdin at the
New Amsterdam Theater and Ainsley's back in the role he
(13:38):
first brought to life in Australia and on Broadway, Sonya's
making her magical debut in one of the most beloved
musicals of all time. And our listeners always love to
hear about your personal side what goes on behind the scenes,
So Ainsley will start with you any pre show rituals
or kind of superstitions that you have before going on stage. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Well, I've been back only four weeks now, but there
was a little I guess routine habit that then just
turned into a superstition very quickly. But I always wait
for the downbeat of the overture before I head down
to the stage, because Aladdin makes his entrance a little
way into the opening number. And earlier this week, just gone,
I stepped out of the room before the downbeat had happened,
(14:20):
and I thought to myself, No, I can't do this.
I can't be out of the room before the downbeat happens.
So I turned around and stood in my dressing room
until the downbeat happened, and then went down to stage.
It's funny how you get into these little habits that
then you don't want to break right right.
Speaker 2 (14:34):
But nothing bad happened, Nothing bad happened.
Speaker 4 (14:35):
That someone was looking upon me and forgave me for
that misstep, Sonia.
Speaker 2 (14:41):
How about for you, like a musical theater playlist or
songs that you listened to to kind of get pumped
and get yourself ready. Yeah, stage totally.
Speaker 3 (14:49):
I often feel like I need to relax my body
before going on stage. There's you know, a lot of
people looking at you, so for me, I have to
sort of ye drop in and I listened to a
lot of as in Boston Nova before just to yeah,
clear my head and sort of have a fresh slate
to walk on stage with. And then as far as
(15:11):
you know, musical theater songs that I love, I mean,
my favorite score of all time is probably tied between
the Light and the Piazza.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
And Bridges of Madison County Beautiful. Yeah. Yeah? Do you
have a favorite your favorite Broadway show tunes? Ainsley and
Putting You on the Spot.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
No, that's okay. We may have talked about this last time,
but I love the band's is it? Oh yeah, it
is so beautiful. That's so yeah. Often I will return
to that and listen to those beautiful tunes.
Speaker 3 (15:38):
Yeah, I'd love to see you and.
Speaker 4 (15:40):
I'd love to be in that show.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
Okay, producers, we got it. We have our next cast.
And finally, something about being a theater performer that people
might not realize might surprise someone.
Speaker 3 (15:51):
It's really challenging to eat, to figure out when to eat,
because you're you have to think about you know, you
have to energize yourself, but then also like you don't
want to feel bloated, and then you know, and the
timing of it too, Like you you have to prepare
to be on stage at seven pm, and most people
eat at that time, so you're really operating at such
(16:13):
a different schedule than the rest.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Of the world. Do you eat after the show or.
Speaker 3 (16:17):
I try to like have a small snack at the
end of the show. I can, but sometimes I can't help,
but just like devour an entire pizza to be starving
so much.
Speaker 2 (16:27):
Yeah, it varies.
Speaker 3 (16:28):
We you know, you try to have a routine with that,
but I you know, every day is a little different that.
Speaker 2 (16:32):
You have to worry Ainsley, How about for you?
Speaker 4 (16:36):
I think probably most people would think that being on
stage and singing those huge songs is most tiring, and
that is incredibly tiring. But I think it's more often
than not speaking that tires our voices most because when
we're singing, where we're engaging our technique and we're you know,
we're sort of doing it with intention, But when we're
(16:58):
out and about and we're just talking to our friends
with so much more relaxed and we sort of like
slip out of our technique and that's what ties us most.
Speaker 2 (17:05):
I'm glad you're saying that so all of our friends
will understand because sometimes I'm just worn out and my
voice is shot afterwards, like you said, because we're not
being as careful.
Speaker 4 (17:15):
Right, Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Any little secrets do you do? Tea with honeyed? Is
there anything protecting your voices?
Speaker 4 (17:22):
There's a long list. Yeah, yeah, but there's exercises, there's
little exercise stroll blowing, bubbling exercises, tea with honey and
ginger and you know, all the good things. Lots of
just basically hydrating the voice and trying to give it
a moment to recover.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Yeah, Sonia, same for you.
Speaker 3 (17:38):
Yeah, you can use you know, steam and hailers and
nebulizers to those are great tools. Also just giving yourself
a vocal nap.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
A little rest. Well, thank you again. It's so wonderful
to talk with both of you. Ainsley Melms, Sonia Balsara.
We can catch them at Disney's Aladdin at the New
Amsterdam Theater. Tickets visit aladdinthemusical dot com. Thank you so
much for listening. Guys, be sure to follow iHeartRadio Broadway
on all your favorite social media platforms. Check out the
(18:09):
iHeartRadio Broadway channel to hear all your favorite Broadway tunes,
dream and free on the iHeartRadio app, and please add
it to your presets and keep the music and magic
of Broadway with you wherever you go. Till next time.
On Christine Nagy, This is Inside Broadway.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.