Sherri Shepherd makes history as first female Genie in ‘Aladdin’ play

Disney's "Aladdin" production has a new Genie, and she's ready to "make some Broadway magic."

Sherri Shepherd announced in a Sept. 8 Facebook post that she will play Genie in the Broadway production of Disney's "Aladdin" during its upcoming run from Oct. 16 to Jan. 3, 2027.

"Well…THE SECRET IS OUT! I've got a whole new kind of magic up my sleeve!" the former "The View" cohost said. "I'm beyond excited, honored, and ready to rub the lamp."

Shepherd, 59, will become the "first woman to ever play the genie" for the production, according to her social post.

"That’s right… GENIE, BABY! Wishes do come true!" the post continues. "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."

This isn't Shepherd's first foray into Broadway, having played Madame, the evil stepmother, in "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" in 2014. Her return to the Broadway stage also comes after her daytime talk show, "Sherri", aired its final episode on May 21, ending a four-season run.

Here's more on the play and…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/entertainment/