Broadway's Aladdin has had a hugely successful run in New York for the past 12 years, and for the first time, a woman will play the Genie when the show's new cast hits the stage next month.
As we first reported on Toonado.com, Sherri Shepherd, a co-host on The View who headlined her own talk show, Sherri, for four seasons, will take on the role of Genie. This will be the first time a woman has played the wish-granting character in the Broadway show's history, and the first time in any of the 11 Disney-produced stage adaptations of the show worldwide.
The response to this news on social media has been mixed. Many Disney fans have celebrated this unorthodox casting decision, sharing their excitement to see what Shepherd brings to the role. However, just as many people have cried "woke," arguing that it's a misstep for the Genie previously played on screen by Robin Williams and Will Smith.
"Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true — and an incredible honor," Shepherd said today. "The Genie is such an iconic character, and I’m beyond excited to bring my own energy, humor, heart, and a little bit of magic to this role."
She added that she hopes "audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible."
Confirming she doesn't "take lightly" this history-making turn as the first female Genie, Shepherd enthused, "I'm ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway."
Major Attaway, Michael James Scott, and Caleb A. Barnett have previously played Broadway's Genie. Shepherd's run begins on Friday, October 16, and continues through January 3 of next year at the New Amsterdam Theater.
While Shepherd's casting is undoubtedly a significant change for the production, the Genie has always been a character that allows performers the space to put their own spin on the role. Attaway, Scott, and Barnett each brought something different to the Broadway production, while Williams and Smith offered two very different interpretations in Disney's animated and live-action movies.
It sounds like Shepherd is intent on making this Genie her own, and the actor's comedic background will likely lead to a very different take on the character.
Whether audiences embrace that change remains to be seen, but after more than a decade on Broadway, perhaps this is exactly what Aladdin needs to remain fresh. For now, we'll have to wait and see if her version of the character can cast a spell over Broadway.