Sherri Shepherd to join 'Aladdin' on Broadway

Q: What is Aladdin about?

Based on the beloved animated Disney movie, the Aladdin musical features romance and adventure as a Genie helps Aladdin win Princess Jasmine's affection. Don't miss this energetic, dazzling spectacle that will delight audiences of all ages. Rekindle the magic and travel to a whole new world when you get tickets to this Tony-nominated musical.

Q: Who wrote Aladdin on Broadway?

Chad Beguelin wrote the script for the Aladdin musical, adapted from the 1992 movie's screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio. Alan Menken composed the score for both the film and the musical, and lyrics for the various songs are by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Beguelin.

Q: What songs are in Aladdin on Broadway?

Aladdin on Broadway has 18 musical numbers. These include songs from the film, like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me"; songs cut from the film, like "Proud of Your Boy"; and songs written for the musical, like "Diamond in the Rough."

Q: Does the Aladdin musical change anything from the Disney movie?

Aladdin added more songs that weren't in the original movie, and Aladdin has a trio of friends as his sidekicks instead of the monkey Abu. Otherwise, the plot and characters from the movie are mostly the same.

Q: Who directed Aladdin on Broadway?

Two-time Tony Award winner directed and choreographed Aladdin. He earned a Tony nomination for Aladdin and has won for Some Like It Hot and The Book of Mormon.

Q: When did Aladdin open on Broadway?

Aladdin opened on Broadway in February 2014 and is now the 17th-longest-running Broadway show of all time with more than 3,000 performances.

Based on the hit 1992 Disney film, Aladdin follows a poor man's journey as he attempts to win the heart of a princess — with the help of a genie and a magic lamp — all while taking on an evil royal advisor.

Olivia RookSeptember 8, 2026, 09:00

Emmy Award winner Sherri Shepherd will star as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway for a limited run from October 16 through January 3, 2027. She will be the first woman to play the Genie in the production.

The talk show host, comedian, actress, and best-selling author made history as the first African American actress to play the Evil Stepmother in Cinderella. She has also starred in the Off-Broadway shows Love, Loss, and What I Wore and Joy Behar's My First Ex-Husband.

Shepherd said: “Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true—and an incredible honor. 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. I hope audiences see themselves in this Genie and leave the theater feeling so much joy and inspired to believe in the impossible.

"To step on that stage as the first woman to ever play the Genie is something I don’t take lightly. I'm ready to rub the lamp, unleash some magic, and have the time of my life on Broadway.”

Aladdin features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin, with a book by Beguelin. The musical is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw.

The rest of the creative team includes scenic designer Bob Crowley, lighting designer Natasha Katz, costume designer Gregg Barnes, sound designer Ken Travis, illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette, makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly.

Get Aladdin tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Sherri Shepherd. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Frequently asked questions

What is Aladdin about?

Based on the beloved animated Disney movie, the Aladdin musical features romance and adventure as a Genie helps Aladdin win Princess Jasmine's affection. Don't miss this energetic, dazzling spectacle that will delight audiences of all ages. Rekindle the magic and travel to a whole new world when you get tickets to this Tony-nominated musical.

Where is Aladdin playing?

Aladdin is playing at New Amsterdam Theatre. The theatre is located at 214 West 42nd Street (between 7th and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.

How long is Aladdin?

The running time of Aladdin is 2hr 30min. Incl. 1 intermission.

What's the age recommendation for Aladdin?

The recommended age for Aladdin is Ages 6+..

How do you book tickets for Aladdin?

Book tickets for Aladdin on New York Theatre Guide.

Who wrote Aladdin on Broadway?

Chad Beguelin wrote the script for the Aladdin musical, adapted from the 1992 movie's screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio. Alan Menken composed the score for both the film and the musical, and lyrics for the various songs are by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Beguelin.

What songs are in Aladdin on Broadway?

Aladdin on Broadway has 18 musical numbers. These include songs from the film, like "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me"; songs cut from the film, like "Proud of Your Boy"; and songs written for the musical, like "Diamond in the Rough."

Does the Aladdin musical change anything from the Disney movie?

Aladdin added more songs that weren't in the original movie, and Aladdin has a trio of friends as his sidekicks instead of the monkey Abu. Otherwise, the plot and characters from the movie are mostly the same.

Who directed Aladdin on Broadway?

Two-time Tony Award winner directed and choreographed Aladdin. He earned a Tony nomination for Aladdin and has won for Some Like It Hot and The Book of Mormon.