Broadway Couples Shine in 'Aladdin' and 'The Lion King'

Newlywed co-stars share the stage in Disney musicals

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rodney Ingram and his wife Sonia are both part of the cast of the Broadway production of 'Aladdin', with Rodney playing the title role. A few blocks away, Mduduzi Madela and his wife Nteliseng Nkhela are both in the cast of 'The Lion King', with Mduduzi stepping into the role of Simba. These real-life couples have found love and success on the Broadway stage, working together in some of the most iconic Disney musicals.

Why it matters

Workplace romances are rare, especially at the highest levels of musical theater. These couples' stories highlight the unique challenges and joys of sharing the stage with a spouse, as well as the incredible dedication required to make it on Broadway.

The details

Rodney Ingram and Sonia met in 2021 during the first day of rehearsals for the 'Aladdin' production in Mexico City. Sonia later joined the Broadway cast in 2024, and the couple got married last December. Mduduzi Madela and Nteliseng Nkhela have been in the Broadway cast of 'The Lion King' since 2013 and 2010 respectively, and got married in 2021. Both couples have had the rare experience of performing together on stage, with their children watching from the audience.

  • Rodney Ingram and Sonia met in 2021 during the first day of rehearsals for the 'Aladdin' production in Mexico City.
  • Sonia joined the Broadway cast of 'Aladdin' in 2024.
  • Rodney Ingram and Sonia got married in December 2025.
  • Mduduzi Madela and Nteliseng Nkhela got married in 2021.
  • Mduduzi Madela is set to take on the role of Simba permanently on Broadway later this month.

The players

Rodney Ingram

The actor who plays the title role in the Broadway production of 'Aladdin'.

Sonia

Rodney Ingram's wife, who covers multiple roles in the Broadway production of 'Aladdin'.

Mduduzi Madela

The actor who is set to take on the role of Simba permanently in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King'.

Nteliseng Nkhela

Mduduzi Madela's wife, who is part of the ensemble cast and understudies the role of Rafiki in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This is so rare. This is such a gift and a dream. I couldn't have thought to have even prayed for it.”

— Rodney Ingram (beaumontenterprise.com)

“This is her show. I'm just living in it.”

— Rodney Ingram (beaumontenterprise.com)

“It's beyond any of my wildest dreams. My wife is the one who's the proudest and she's the very first person to announce it to anyone.”

— Mduduzi Madela (beaumontenterprise.com)

“It's not a usual phenomenon to see both your parents on the Broadway stage at the same time.”

— Mduduzi Madela (beaumontenterprise.com)

What’s next

Mduduzi Madela is set to take on the role of Simba permanently in the Broadway production of 'The Lion King' later this month.

The takeaway

These real-life Broadway couples have defied the odds, finding both love and success on the stage. Their stories highlight the unique challenges and joys of sharing the spotlight with a spouse, as well as the incredible dedication required to make it to the top of the musical theater world.