Sherri Shepherd Joins Aladdin as Broadway's First Female Genie!

 

Sherri Shepherd, Photo by Matthew Murphy

Big news out of Agrabah this morning as Disney Theatrical announced that Sherri Shepherd will be joining the cast of Broadway's Aladdin as the Genie!!

Yes, we have our first female Genie! I'll admit I haven't posted on this blog as much as I should have in recent year, opting instead to focus more on social media, but for news this big a blog post is definitely in order!

First off, I just want to say a massive congratulations to Sherri on not just landing the role but on becoming the first female Genie in the show's professional history! This is something that feels like it's been coming for a long time. Back in 2017 Whoopi Goldberg appeared on stage in full Genie regalia alongside James Monroe Iglehart and they said at the time there was no reason that the Genie couldn't be female. It's taken almost another decade but we finally have a female Genie!

Second, I'm extremely excited to learn how this changes the "bromance" dynamic of the show. I'm  intrigued as it feels like something where nothing could change or everything could without even affecting the book of the show. Every Aladdin and Genie find their own relationship and I can't wait to see some clips of Sherri and Adi and what their dynamic is like. I wish I could see the whole thing in person.

Sherri's casting was announced on Aladdin's official Instagram page this morning when they posted the following video.

Writing on Instagram, Sherri said:

Well…THE SECRET IS OUT! I’ve got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve!

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! 🧞‍♀️✨

That’s right… GENIE, BABY! 😂🙌🏾 Wishes do come true!

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.

Get your tickets to see me grant you all 3 wishes at sherrishepherd.com 😉

Now… somebody tell me where I can get a magic carpet!

Disney Theatrical's Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart added:

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. 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 will be bringing Genie to life for a limited run from October 16 through January 3 so make sure you grab your tickets fast to witness Broadway history being made!

Aladdin's current Genie, Caleb A. Barnett, will be the standby Genie during Sherri's run. It's unconfirmed but likely that Caleb will resume the role full time in January.

So, welcome to Agrabah Sherri, let's make some magic!

Welcome to the Lamp Caleb A. Barnett - Broadway's New Genie

 

Caleb A. Barnett as Genie, Photo by Matthew Murphy

There's a new Genie in the lamp today as Broadway welcomes Caleb A. Barnett as Aladdin's new Genie!

Of course Caleb isn't new to granting wishes having been Aladdin's standby Genie since 2023 (his Broadway debut) and now he takes on the role full time following the departure of Broadway's longest serving Genie, Michael James Scott on Sunday.

I just love that Aladdin frequently promotes standbys and understudies into the principle roles and I'm delighted to see Caleb continuing in that tradition.

Caleb, I wish you a magical run and hope that your time as Genie is as magical for you as it will be for all the audiences who are going to see you shine!

End of an Era! Michael James Scott Takes Final Bow as Broadway's Genie

 

Michael James Scott as Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Today we bid a fond farewell to Michael James Scott. From an original cast standby in Toronto to the longest serving Genie on Broadway and every country in between.

How do you sum up a journey of over a decade?

I've been lucky enough to see Michael as Genie during his short run in the West End, just after the show reopened on Broadway, and, of course, during Broadway's magical 10th anniversary. He has truly made the part his own.

Every time I've seen him, Michael's Genie has been crackling with pure energy as he bounds across the stage, dancing, singing and just radiating a joy that makes you want to stand up and join in. Where does he get all that energy? That's probably the real Genie magic. For over 12 years Michael has brought joy and laughter to Aladdin audiences all around the world. His energy is simply infectious and that smile reaches everyone from the front of the orchestra to the back of the balcony. You just can't help but get swept along by the energy of his performance.

This has been the magic carpet ride of a lifetime. Michael, what can I say? Thank you isn't enough. You have absolutely made the Genie your own and you leave a very large lamp to fill. As you start the next chapter of your journey, on stage and on screen, I wish you all the best and every happiness. Thank you for making so many wishes some true. It has been truly magical and I hope your final show today is everything you could wish for. Happy trails.