Sherri Shepherd to Play Genie in Broadway's 'Aladdin'

Sherri Shepherd, a Daytime Emmy Award-winning talk show host, will step into the magical role of the Genie in the Broadway musical “Aladdin,” producers announced. Shepherd is scheduled to perform from Oct. 16 to Jan. 3.

Shepherd expressed her excitement for the opportunity, stating, “I’ve taken my family, my nieces and nephews, to see this musical and I never dreamed that I would one day be a part of the ‘Aladdin’ family. So I am beyond thrilled.” She aims to inspire young theatergoers, hoping they will feel the same sense of wonder she experienced as a child seeing "The Wiz."

To prepare for the high-energy, wisecracking role, which previously earned James Monroe Iglehart a Tony Award in 2014, Shepherd is taking dance and voice lessons. She is also practicing her rendition of the song "Friend Like Me" during long walks.

Shepherd described the role as being outside her comfort zone, a characteristic she associates with her career path. "My whole career has never been the easy way," she said. "My whole life is, ‘If it scares you, then you say yes.’ And this is no different because it’s completely out of my comfort zone."

This engagement marks Shepherd's second Broadway appearance. In 2014, she portrayed the Stepmother in “Cinderella.” Her previous theater credits also include off-Broadway productions such as “Love, Loss and What I Wore” and “My First Ex-Husband."

Shepherd, who has also hosted "The View" and her own talk show, "Sherri," has been seeking advice from Broadway colleagues, including Kristin Chenoweth, Steven Boyer, and Wayne Brady.

The musical “Aladdin” is based on the 1992 Disney film and follows the story of a street urchin who discovers a genie and seeks to win the heart of a princess. The production is often a first Broadway experience for children. Shepherd hopes the role will encourage young girls to see the breadth of possibilities, stating, “I want the little girls to say, ‘Oh yeah. I know I used to dress as a princess, but I could be the Genie. I can make wishes come true. Maybe I could be president.’”