Disney Theatrical Group announced Sherri Shepherd is joining Aladdin on Broadway for a limited-time run as the first woman to play Genie.

Sherri Shepherd as Genie

Shepherd will portray Genie from Friday, October 16, 2026 through Sunday, January 3, 2027.

She replaces Caleb A. Barnett, who will remain on standby during Shepherd’s run. Michael James Scott, the show’s longest-running Genie, stepped down earlier this year.

“Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor,” said Shepherd. “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.”

Shepherd’s Broadway debut was as Madame, the evil stepmother in the 2013 version of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She’s known for her stint as a co-host of The View and her own syndicated daytime talk show Sherri. She starred in The Jamie Foxx Show, Less Than Perfect, Trial & Error, and Mr. Iglesias. She also starred in her own sitcom in 2009.

Based on the 1992 Disney animated film, Aladdin has been performed at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Broadway since March 20, 2014.

For this year’s Festival of the Arts, the large magic lamp was on display at EPCOT.

Tickets are available at AladdinTheMusical.com.

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