Sherri Shepherd, the television host and comedian, is set to join the cast of Disney's "Aladdin" on Broadway, taking on the role of the Genie for a limited run beginning Friday, 16 October. It marks only her second Broadway appearance, following a brief stint as the Evil Stepmother in "Cinderella" in 2014, and makes her the first woman to play the Genie in the long-running production. The casting is notable both for its rarity, given her limited stage history, and for breaking with the traditionally male portrayal of the character.

Shepherd's run will coincide with the lucrative holiday season, with her final performance scheduled for Sunday, 3 January 2027. Best known as a former co-host of "The View" for seven years, she has also fronted shows including "Dish Nation" and "The Newlywed Game", and appeared in films such as "Precious" and "Ride Along 2". In a statement, she described the casting as "an absolute dream come true", saying she hopes audiences will feel inspired to "believe in the impossible". Disney's "Aladdin" opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre in March 2014 and remains one of Broadway's most popular shows.