Sherri Shepherd to Make Broadway History as Genie

Sherri Shepherd is set to make Broadway history as the first woman to portray the Genie in a Disney-produced stage production of Aladdin. She will take on the iconic role this October.

The 59-year-old actress, comedian and television host will perform at New York’s New Amsterdam Theatre from October 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027.

Sherri celebrated the news on Instagram, calling the opportunity a “wish come true”.

“I’m beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp and make some Broadway magic as the first woman to ever play the genie in Disney’s Aladdin!” she wrote.

Key Highlights:

• Sherri becomes the first woman to play the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway
• She will perform at the New Amsterdam Theatre from October 16, 2026, to January 3, 2027
• Shepherd is preparing for the role through dance and voice lessons and hopes to inspire young girls to see new possibilities for themselves

Reflecting on her career, Sherri continued: “From comedy clubs to film & TV screens, to talk shows to the Broadway stage, what a journey!”

She was excited to bring her own personality to the role, with some joy, laughter, personality and a bit of sass. Shepherd told the Associated Press that she had been a fan of Aladdin and didn't expect that she would ever get the chance to star in it.

“I’ve taken my family, my nieces and nephews, to see this musical and I never dreamed that I would one day be a part of the Aladdin family,” she said. “So I am beyond thrilled.”

Sherri is currently studying dance and voice lessons to prepare for the high energy role, and has called on Broadway friends such as Kristin Chenoweth and Wayne Brady for advice.

It will be her second Broadway role. In the past she performed the role of the evil stepmother in Cinderella.

Sherri’s job as the Genie, however, also is a chance to demonstrate to younger viewers just what is possible.

“I want the little girls to say, ‘Oh yeah. I know I used to dress as a princess, but I could be the Genie. I can make wishes come true. Maybe I could be president,’” she told the Associated Press.

Disney’s Aladdin has been running on Broadway since 2014 and is based on the 1992 animated film. Shepherd will join the production for a limited run beginning October 16.