Joan Vassos recently achieved another milestone, bringing a touch of Broadway magic to her already extraordinary journey. The 61-year-old Golden Bachelorette star took center stage on September 19 at New York City’s New Amsterdam Theatre for a one-night-only performance in Aladdin. Playing the Fortune Teller, Joan shared the stage with Adi Roy as Aladdin and Sonya Balsara as Jasmine, delighting audiences with her surprise appearance.
Ahead of the show, Joan shared her excitement in a behind-the-scenes YouTube video. The New York theater’s marquee, illuminated in purple and gold, proudly read, “Tonight: Joan Vassos.” The video captured her meeting the cast, walking the stage, and expressing her nerves before the big moment. “Now, I’m a little nervous,” she admitted with a smile, after exchanging high fives with the show’s leads.
Dressed in costume and having gone through hair and makeup, Joan glowed with anticipation as she prepared for her entrance. During her scene, Joan’s Fortune Teller character enchanted Jasmine with predictions, holding a crystal ball before changing topics at Aladdin’s request. The audience responded warmly, reinforcing the joy of the performance.
The most touching moment came during the curtain call. In a heartfelt gesture, the Genie, played by Michael James Scott, surprised Joan by presenting her with a bouquet of red roses, a nod to the roses she distributes on The Golden Bachelorette. The crowd erupted in applause as the Genie exclaimed, “She said yes!”
Joan beamed as she accepted the roses, making the evening even more memorable. The cast shared their congratulatory message on Instagram, celebrating Joan’s Broadway debut and wishing her well on her Golden Bachelorette journey. “May your heart’s wish come true in this season of @thegoldenbacheloretteabc! 🌹✨ #bachelornation #thegoldenbachelorette.”
This Broadway appearance came just one day after Joan’s Golden Bachelorette premiere on ABC. During the September 18 episode, Joan was introduced to 24 contestants, including Mark Anderson, the father of The Bachelor season 28 winner Kelsey Anderson. Joan shared with Us Weekly that the night was long and filled with excitement as each new man arrived, adding unique touches to their entrances.
Among the most memorable was Dave, who brought a horse, and Captain Kim, who arrived in full uniform. Jack’s performance of “My Way” stood out, and Keith, who won the first impression rose, impressed Joan with his nostalgic station wagon. “I could have given out 10 [first impression roses],” Joan confessed. Keith’s simple yet heartfelt comment about enjoying life on the beach resonated deeply with her, sparking fond memories of her own childhood.
While narrowing down her choices was challenging, Joan is thrilled with how her season is unfolding. “The journey ended exactly like it should. I feel like I found a lot of love and there’s all different kinds of love,” she shared. Joan expressed that the experience bonded her with the men, fostering connections that she believes will last a lifetime. “Every one of these men is going to be in my life forever,” she said, adding that they shared deeply personal moments that will always stay with them.
