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Credit: Inside the MagicBIG news for Aladdin (1992) fans! On Tuesday, Disney on Broadway announced that, for the first time, a female actress will take over the iconic role of the Genie in “Aladdin,” originated onscreen by Robin Williams and on stage by James Monroe Iglehart.
The New Genie Grants Your Wishes in “Aladdin” Beginning October 16
After hyping up a big announcement earlier this week, the official Instagram account for Disney on Broadway’s “Aladdin” revealed on Tuesday that actress, comedian, and Emmy Award-winning former cohost of The View, Sherri Shepherd, would take over the role of the Genie for a limited run from October 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027:
Say HEYYYY to Sherri Shepherd as our newest Genie! 🧞♀️✨ Catch her granting wishes from Oct. 16 through Jan. 3, 2027. Visit our link in bio to book your tickets today! 🎟️
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Shepherd is the first-ever female actress to take on the role of the Genie, following in the footsteps of comedic legends and generational theatrical talents like Robin Williams, James Monroe Iglehart, and, in the 2019 live-action film, Will Smith. The current Genie in New York City, Caleb A. Barnett, took over in May after the departure of Michael James Scott, who has played the Genie on Broadway, on North American tours, and in several international productions since 2014.
“Joining ‘Aladdin’ on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor,” Shepherd said. “The Genie is such an iconic character, and I’m beyond excited to bring my own energy, humor, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role. I hope audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible. To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don’t take lightly. I’m ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.”
This isn’t the first time Shepherd has taken the stage. She made her Broadway debut in 2014 as the first African-American actress to play the Stepmother in “Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.”
Shepherd is also known for cohosting ABC’s The View from 2007 to 2014, and has occasionally returned as a guest contributor. She also starred in one season of the 2009 Lifetime sitcom Sherri, based on her life. From 2022 to 2026, Shepherd hosted four seasons of a talk show of the same name.
“Throughout her career, Sherri has represented delight, wit, and loving good humor, making her the perfect entertainer to play the life force that is the Genie,” said Disney Theatrical Managing Director Andrew Flatt and Executive Producer Anne Quart. “We can’t wait to see what happens when Sherri’s authentic, brilliant comic energy meets the joyous escape of ‘Aladdin.’ Audiences are going to adore her take on this iconic role.”
Sherri Shepherd will take over the role of the Genie in “Aladdin” on Broadway from October 16, 2026, through January 3, 2027, joining current cast members Rodney Ingram (Aladdin), Sonya Balsara (Jasmine), and Dennis Stowe (Jafar). Disney on Broadway has not announced who will play the Genie after Shepherd’s departure next year.
Get tickets to Disney on Broadway’s “Aladdin” here.
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