Disney's "Aladdin" production has a new Genie, and she's ready to "make some Broadway magic."
Sherri Shepherd announced in a Sept. 8 Facebook post that she will play Genie in the Broadway production of Disney's "Aladdin" during its upcoming run from Oct. 16 to Jan. 3, 2027.
"Well…THE SECRET IS OUT! I've got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve!" the former "The View" cohost said. "I'm beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp."
Shepherd, 59, will become the "first woman to ever play the genie" for the production, according to her social post.
"That’s right… GENIE, BABY! Wishes do come true!" the post continues. "From comedy clubs to film & tv screens, to talk shows to the Broadway stage… what a journey! I cannot wait to bring my own brand
of joy, laughter, BIG personality and a little bit of sass to this role."
This isn't Shepherd's first foray into Broadway, having played Madame, the evil stepmother, in "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" in 2014. Her return to the Broadway stage also comes after her daytime talk show, "Sherri", aired its final episode on May 21, ending a four-season run.
Here's more on the play and Shepherd's new gig.
What is 'Aladdin' on Broadway about?
Based on the popular Disney animated film, "Aladdin" on Broadway follows a street urchin named Aladdin who "dreams of a better life beyond poverty in the city of Agrabah," according to the production's website. He eventually meets Princess Jasmine, "who longs for freedom and resents the royal expectations placed on her."
When Aladdin discovers a magical lamp inside the Cave of Wonders, his journey truly begins.
Shepherd will play Genie, a magical being trapped inside the lamp who grants Aladdin three wishes, one of which is to become Prince Ali. Under his new persona, Aladdin is "hoping to win Jasmine's heart." But he must defeat the villainous Jafar, who plots to steal the lamp and seize power of the city.
How to get tickets for 'Aladdin' on Broadway?
"Aladdin" on Broadway tickets are available on the production's website and at the New Amsterdam Theatre's box office in New York.
While Shephard will play Genie during most of the upcoming performances, there will be some scheduled absences:
- • Oct. 17 matinee
- • Oct. 18 matinee
- • Nov. 1 matinee
- • Nov. 1 evening
- • Nov. 2 evening
Who else has played the Genie in 'Aladdin'?
Multiple people have played Genie in the Broadway production and animated and live-action films of "Aladdin," including:
- Caleb A. Barnett: Began playing the Genie in "Aladdin" on Broadway on May 5, according to the production's Instagram post. He congratulated Shepherd on her casting in an Instagram story, which reads: "HISTORY IN THE LAMP!"
- James Monroe Iglehart: Created the Genie role and won Best Featured Actor in a Musical at the 2014 Tony Awards for his performance.
- Major Attaway: Took over the Genie role following Iglehart's departure in February 2017. He played the character from 2017 to 2020.
- Michael James Scott: Played the longest-running Genie with roughly 4,000 performances, spanning from 2013 to May 2026.
- Robin Williams: The legendary comedian played the Genie in the original 1992 animated film.
- Will Smith: The Oscar-winning actor played the Genie in the 2019 live-action version.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sherri Shepherd makes history as first female Genie in 'Aladdin' play
