First Female Genie
Sherri Shepherd makes history as the first female Genie in Broadway's Aladdin.
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Shepherd said she has taken family members, including nieces and nephews, to see “Aladdin” and hopes children in the audience will feel the same inspiration she experienced watching Stephanie Mills in “The Wiz.”
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To prepare for the physically demanding role, Shepherd is taking dance and voice lessons and practicing “Friend Like Me” on long walks through New York City.
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Shepherd described the role as outside her comfort zone, saying, “My whole career has never been the easy way. My whole life is, ‘If it scares you, then you say yes.’”
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Shepherd said she has sought advice from Broadway performers including Kristin Chenoweth, Steven Boyer and Wayne Brady as she prepares for the production.
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The current Broadway cast includes Rodney Ingram as Aladdin, Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, Dennis Stowe as Jafar and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago; the production opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014.
Sherri Shepherd will make Broadway history this fall as the first woman to play the Genie in a Disney-produced version of
The talk-show host and comedian, known for her work on
A Decades-Long Dream Role
Shepherd described the Genie role as outside her comfort zone but perfectly aligned with her life philosophy.
Intensive Preparation for a Physically Demanding Part
To master the high-energy role, Shepherd is taking dance and voice lessons and practicing the song
Seeking Guidance From Broadway Veterans
Shepherd has reached out to established Broadway performers for advice as she prepares for the run. Yahoo
A Genie Role With Global Significance
According to Perth Now, Shepherd becomes the first female Genie across all 11 of Disney's stage adaptations of
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