 |
| 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!
