By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

When I saw Fantasia Barrino belt out Prince's classic ballad 'Purple Rain,' during a sold out set at Madison Square Garden I didn't think about in the antonymic sense.

But the 'American Idol' winner is exemplifying quite a 'reign' on The Great White Way with her star turn the Oprah Winfrey-blessed hit musical 'The Color Purple.'

Since she first took the stage of thehumongous Broadway Theatre on April 10, the High Point, North Carolina native has been mesmerizing legions of theatergoers.

From all walks of life too.

During a recent Sunday evening performance, an omnipresent sea of sepia faces washed over the audience. Barrino, making her theatrical debut, graced the stage with a natural essence, bringing on a spirit of that is reminiscent of Stephanie Mills, another pint-sized powerhouse who made history on the Great White Way in the 1970s with 'The Wiz.'

As the down-trodden, faith-depraved Celie in the Gary Griffin-directed spectacle, Barrino shines quite brightly.

Her acting capabilities are surprising and on par with the seasoned cast members, which includes breakout Tony Award nominee Elisabeth Withers Mendes, 'Lion King' star Alton Fitzgerald White, and newcomers Chaz Lamar Shepherd, and gospel powerhouse NaTasha Yvette Williams.

They bring out the best of her on the stage.

Playing a character who ages 40 years throughout a three-hour time span, Barrino is a true force to be reckoned with.

"I actually think being on Broadway is going to take me to another level," she said in a recent interview. "You're rolling with the big dogs on Broadway. People who never heard of me or my music now see me on the stage. It's another fan base."

Though, in the initial weeks of the show, she is endured a fierce case of strep throat, the 22-year-old single mom, rises to the challenges of the awe-inspiring, orchestra heavy musical numbers.

"I was nervous, stressed and I didn't sleep at all," she told 'Jet,' about the diagnosis. "Every time I closed my eyes I was hearing 'Color Purple' lines or the words to the songs."

That may be a good thing because she doesn't miss a beat.

What she lacks in Broadway bravado, she makes up with a sincere acting ability. Not bad for the first go round at it. Actually, it's quite impressive.

Fanny Tae, as some call her, is on deck to play eight shows in six days a week until November.

It's truly something worth seeing, whether you are seasoned theatergoer or a novice.

There is a special offer to encourage interested theatergoers to experience Fantasia in 'The Color Purple.' When you buy two tickets to see the performance now through June 30, you will receive a $50 gift certificate to some of Harlem's most popular restaurants including the black-owned Amy Ruth's, new hot-spot Melba's, and the legendary Sylvia's.

At some of the Broadway-area restaurants, fifty smackaroos won't do much justice. But in Harlem, $50 can go a long way.

By mentioning special promotional codes CP8DINE (through Telecharge at 212-947-8844) or promotional code CP82DINE (through the website www.broadwayoffers.com), customers can enjoy a great meal in the historical cultural mecca known the world over as Harlem. For more information, log onto www.experienceharlem.com.

-- See Fantasia take a final bow on The Great White Way below.