IF I GO WILL THEY MISS ME

A Young Boy Sees His Father as a God Cast: Bodhi Dell, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Danielle Brooks, Bre-Z Director / Creator: Walter Thompson-Hernández Distributor: Rich Spirit Production Studio / Network: Spark Features, Further Adventures, Cedar Road, Merino Films, LinLay Productions Genre: Coming-of-Age Drama, Magical Realism Release Date: September 11, 2026 — Los Angeles, special limited theatrical engagement expanding to more than 30 US markets September 18

Sherri Shephard makes history as the first women to play Genie in Broadway production of Aladdin

Sherri Shepherd is heading back to Broadway, and this time, she’ll be making history. The Emmy-winning actress and comedian will become the first woman to play the Genie in Disney’s Broadway production of Aladdin. Shepherd begins her limited engagement October 16 at the New Amsterdam Theatre, where she will remain through January 3, 2027. Her casting marks a first for the Broadway production, which opened in 2014. Shepherd will also be the first woman to play the Genie in any of the 11 Disney-produced stage adaptations worldwide. The role was originated on Broadway by James Monroe Iglehart, who won a Tony Award for his performance. Major Attaway and Michael James Scott have since stepped into the part, with Caleb A. Barnett currently playing the Genie. “Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true,” Shepherd said in a statement, “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.” Shepherd added, “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.” The role brings Shepherd back to Broadway 12 years after her debut in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, where she played Madame, the Evil Stepmother, in 2014. Her other stage credits include the Off-Broadway productions Love, Loss, and What I Wore and Joy Behar’s My First Ex-Husband. She has also continued performing stand-up comedy while building a television career spanning several decades. The announcement comes months after Shepherd concluded the four-season run of her daytime talk show, Sherri, in May. The former View co-host’s television credits also include 30 Rock and The Sex Lives of College Girls. Her next screen appearance comes in the Lifetime film Angel in the Rubble, premiering September 12.

All Things Avocado

An Avocado a Day is a wonderful book about cooking with Avocado. It may even get those who are not too fond of the Avocado to at leave try out some of the recipes and after all an Avocado is really good for you. Try it I dare you. Avocado Hummus Dip Avocado Chocolate Mouse Avocado Lime Cheesecake

BLACK DISNEY PRINCESS

Three generations of Black Disney princesses shared the stage Thursday as Brandy, Anika Noni Rose and Halle Bailey took part in Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration at Disney California Adventure Park. Held during D23 Day at Disneyland Resort, the concert brought together performers who have portrayed some of Disney’s most famous heroines. For Black audiences in particular, seeing Brandy, Rose and Bailey on the same bill offered a rare look at the actresses whose respective roles expanded who could be seen as a Disney princess. Brandy made history in 1997 when she starred as Cinderella in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, becoming the first Black actress to portray the character on television. During Thursday’s concert, she performed “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” before joining Lea Salonga for “A Whole New World.” Rose later took the stage to perform “Almost There” from 2009’s The Princess and the Frog. Her role as Tiana introduced Disney’s first Black animated princess, a character who has remained a favorite among fans since the film debuted. Bailey represents the newest chapter. The singer and actress starred as Ariel in Disney’s 2023 live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. She performed “Part of Your World” alongside Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 animated film. Other Disney veterans participating in the show included Paige O’Hara and Susan Egan from Beauty and the Beast, along with Pocahontas singer Judy Kuhn. Auli’i Cravalho also appeared with Catherine Laga’aia, who stars in the live-action Moana. The evening concluded with the princesses coming together for “When You Wish Upon a Star,” placing Brandy, Rose and Bailey on the same stage for a fitting finale.

FEELING BLUE

DEAR LIFE

HELLO I KNOW IT'S BEEN A MINUTE SINCE I BLOGGED LIFE GOT IN THE WAY. I LOVE BLOGGING BUT I HAVE SO MUCH THAT I'M TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH. NEED TO FINISH THAT BOOK AND EXPAND MY JEWELRY LINE BUT SOME HOW I ALWAYS COMEBACK EVEN IF IT'S JUST FOR A SHORT SEASON. BLOGGING REQUIRES DAILY COMMITMENT I MAY NOT HAVE AT THE MOMENT BUT I PLAN ON RETURNING STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BLOG POST.

Why Did I Get Married Again

Tyler Perry's new movie Why Did I Get Married Again? is bringing back his iconic film series. Netflix has released the trailer for the upcoming installment, which returns with another dramatic reunion between a group of couples. Why Did I Get Married Again? premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, September 9. This upcoming comedy-drama serves as the third movie in Perry's beloved series. The franchise, which began with Why Did I Get Married? (2007), followed by Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010), features a group of couples and friends who go on an annual retreat where they try to rediscover the reason they got married. The upcoming movie will see the beloved couple reunite for the destination wedding of Marcus and Angela's daughter. The trip brings old dramas to the surface while also creating new ones as the couple once again asks themselves, "Why did we get married?" The trailer features a sneak peek into what this new installment has in store. The movie stars Taraji P. Henson, Armani Greer, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, and more. Creator Tyler Perry returns as Terry with Sharon Leal as his on-screen wife Dianne.

BE WHO YOU ARE

Goodbye Summer/Hello Fall

A Different World

Netflix has released the first images from its highly anticipated reboot of A Different World, offering a new look at life on the campus of the fictional Hillman College. Premiering September 24, the series follows Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the daughter of beloved original characters Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert, as she begins her freshman year. Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Cree Summer and Darryl M. Bell will reprise their roles, connecting the new generation to the show's iconic past. The series synopsis states, “Along the way, she’s joined by a new generation that reflects the breadth of Black life on campus: Rashida Duvall (Alijah Kai), a first‑gen criminal justice major; Shaquille Johnson (Cornell Young IV), a five‑star athlete choosing legacy; Amir Rodale (Jordan Aaron Hall), a sharp psych major better at fixing everyone else’s problems than facing his own; Hazel Henry (Kennedi Reece), a church‑raised small‑town girl defining her own values; and Kojo Achebe (Chibuikem Uche), a Ghanaian‑Nigerian fashion entrepreneur finding the courage to follow his vision.” Felicia Pride serves as writer, showrunner and executive producer. Debbie Allen returns as an executive producer and will direct three episodes, including the premiere. Mandy Summers, Tom Werner, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood also executive produce.