Ainsley Melham & Sonya Balsara From 'Aladdin' Talk Representation On Stage

The magic of Disney on Broadway came alive in our NYX Cosmetics Sound Studio when Aladdin stars Ainsley Melham (Aladdin) and Sonya Balsara (Jasmine) stopped by for a special visit! The duo, who lead the hit Broadway production at the New Amsterdam Theatre, sat down to chat with Danielle Monaro from The Elvis Duran Show about all things Aladdin, from the power of representation to the joy of stepping into these iconic roles every night.

For Sonya, portraying Princess Jasmine is more than just a dream come true, it’s an opportunity to inspire. She spoke about how meaningful it is to see diverse stories and performers represented on one of the biggest stages in the world, and how that visibility can make a lasting impact on audiences of all ages. Ainsley echoed the sentiment, reflecting on the global reach of Aladdin and the way the show brings people together through its timeless story and dazzling spectacle.

The pair also shared a peek behind the curtain, talking about how they’ve built their strong onstage chemistry from rehearsals to live performances. And, of course, we had to ask: if they could trade places for one night, which role would they choose? Their answers just might surprise you!

With its breathtaking sets, unforgettable songs, and heartfelt performances, Aladdin continues to be one of Broadway’s most enchanting shows. You can catch Ainsley and Sonya making magic eight times a week at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Watch the full interview in the video player about and get your tickets here.