Sherri Shepherd to debut as the Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Sherri Shepherd confirmed she will step into the role of the Genie in the Broadway adaptation of Aladdin, performing from October 16 to January 3. The Emmy-winning host is undergoing intensive dance and vocal training and has been practicing the iconic song “Friend Like Me” on city walks. The Genie part, which earned James Monroe Iglehart a Tony Award in 2014, is known for its fast-paced humor and physicality, pushing Shepherd out of her comfort zone.

This will be Shepherd’s second stint on Broadway, following her 2014 portrayal of the evil Stepmother in Cinderella and various off-Broadway credits. She cited childhood memories of seeing Stephanie Mills in The Wiz and wants children in the audience to feel the same excitement, encouraging especially young girls to imagine themselves in bold, non-traditional roles. Shepherd has sought advice from Broadway colleagues such as Kristin Chenoweth, Steven Boyer and Wayne Brady as she prepares for the role.