Broadway Couples Shine in Disney Musicals

Newlyweds Rodney Ingram and Sonia star in 'Aladdin' while Mduduzi Madela and Nteliseng Nkhela perform in 'The Lion King'

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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This Valentine's Day, two couples are living out their Broadway dreams together, starring in Disney's hit musicals 'Aladdin' and 'The Lion King'. Rodney Ingram and his wife Sonia both perform in 'Aladdin', while Mduduzi Madela and his wife Nteliseng Nkhela are both part of the 'Lion King' cast. The couples met through their work in the shows and have found rare opportunities to share the stage.

Why it matters

Broadway couples working together on the same show is an incredibly rare occurrence, making these two sets of performers unique examples of love blossoming on the big stage. Their stories highlight the passion and dedication required to make it on Broadway, as well as the special bond that can form between co-workers in the high-pressure world of musical theater.

The details

Rodney Ingram, who is originally from a small Mexican fishing village, has risen to play the title role in 'Aladdin' after first joining the show as an understudy. His wife Sonia also performs in the show, covering multiple roles. Meanwhile, Mduduzi Madela and Nteliseng Nkhela, who met at a 'Lion King' workshop in South Africa years ago, are both part of the Broadway cast of the Disney classic, with Madela recently being tapped to take over the role of Simba permanently.

  • Rodney Ingram and Sonia met on the first day of 'Aladdin' rehearsals in 2021.
  • Sonia joined the Broadway cast of 'Aladdin' in 2024.
  • Rodney Ingram and Sonia were married in December 2025.
  • Mduduzi Madela joined the Broadway cast of 'The Lion King' in 2013.
  • Nteliseng Nkhela joined the Broadway ensemble of 'The Lion King' in 2010.

The players

Rodney Ingram

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

Sonia Ingram

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

Mduduzi Madela

A South African actor who is set to take over the role of Simba 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'.

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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 (wbal.com)

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

— Rodney Ingram (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

These couples' stories showcase the rare and special opportunities that can arise when partners work together in the high-stakes world of Broadway, blending their personal and professional lives in a unique way that inspires and delights audiences.