The amazing Fred Astaire – suave, sophisticated and could dance up a storm! No wonder he was voted one of the 5 greatest male stars of classic Hollywood cinema.
Adelaide’s Joe Meldrum
Photo: Mark Flower
When I heard that there was to be a Tribute show to the performer, A Fine Romance: The Magic Of Fred Astaire, I was very excited. But when I found out that the lead performer was to be Joe Meldrum, I was even more so. Having directed Joe when he was a boy and a young teen, I now had the chance to catch up with him to find out more about the show and what has been happening to him career-wise.
Adelaide born Joe started acting in the amateur musical theatre scene in 2006 when he was 10/11 years old. “I started with the Pelican Musical Theatre Camp in January of that year and found that I could gain the confidence to audition for shows” says Joe. “I’m very grateful to them“. Joe found the camps so fulfilling and helpful that he returned to them for 10 years, even while he was studying at WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts).
At 21, this is Joe’s first professional job since graduating from WAAPA at the end of last year (2015). He is thrilled to be allowed to pay tribute to such an incredible identity. “Astaire introduced the world to the Great American Songbooks and worked with some of the most amazing females – Ginger Rodgers, Audrey Hepburn and Judy Garland in particular. This show is not just a tribute to him but them as well”.
Imogen Moore & Joe Meldrum
Talking to Joe, it is clear to see that he has a huge respect for the man and his work. But Joe seems to have the same respect for the people he is working with on this venture: female lead Imogen Moore, Director/Choreographer Jeremy Hinman, Musical Director Shanon D Whitelock, and Costume/Set Designer Christina Logan-Bell.
“I’m just so happy that the show will premiere in my home state” says Joe. After a rural tour here, A Fine Romance will then tour country Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in early 2017.
A Fine Romance plays at the following:-
Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier – Wednesday 13 April at 11am
Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie – Thursday 14 April at 11am
Hopgood Theatre, Noarlunga – Friday 15 April at 11am
Book at www.countryarts.org.au
Interview by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
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