# Sherri Shepherd in Broadway's Aladdin

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sherri-shepherd-in-broadways-aladdin
> Updated: 2026-10-20T21:29:45.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Emmy-winning actress Sherri Shepherd has made her Broadway debut as the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Her engagement, which began on October 16, 2026, marks the first time a woman has portrayed the character in the production.

Shepherd described her interpretation of the role as bringing a “nurturing perspective” to the character, viewing the bond between the Genie and Aladdin through a “maternal lens.” She also noted the physical demands of the performance, specifically citing the musical number ‘Friend Like Me’ as a significant challenge.

## Claims

- Sherri Shepherd is the first woman to play the Genie in the Broadway production of Aladdin. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The song ‘Friend Like Me’ lasts seven minutes and fifty-two seconds. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Shepherd previously worked as a legal secretary. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-20: Sherri Shepherd becomes first woman to play Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Sherri Shepherd makes Broadway history as the first woman to play the Genie in the musical Aladdin, bringing a nurturing perspective to the iconic role.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sherri-shepherd-becomes-first-woman-to-play-genie-in-broadways-aladdin

### 2026-10-16: Sherri Shepherd debuts as first female Genie in Broadway's Aladdin

Sherri Shepherd has become the first woman to play the Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, with her limited engagement running through January 3, 2027.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sherri-shepherd-debuts-as-first-female-genie-in-broadways-aladdin

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Cite as: Sherri Shepherd in Broadway's Aladdin. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sherri-shepherd-in-broadways-aladdin