By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
As expected, Fantasia's starring role in the Oprah Winfrey-produced Broadway musical 'The Color Purple' has been extended past its initial run.
The 'American Idol' winning singer -- originally slated to play the lead role of Celie in the Gary Griffin-directed tour-de-force until November -- has been confirmed to continue the show until Jan. 6, 2008, a spokesperson confirmed today.
As previously reported in The BV Newswire, Fantasia (legally known as Fantasia Barrino) made her eagerly anticipated Broadway debut in 'The Color Purple' on April 10.
Since the 24-year-old Grammy Award nominee first took the stage at the Broadway Theatre, the box office has been in a constant frenzy.
Not only has she garnered rave reviews from mainstream theater critics, Fantasia also received the 2007 Theater World Award for her performance.
Just as official news of her extension in 'Purple' comes to light, she's also reportedly being considered for the lead in another show – an upcoming musical about Ada "Bricktop" Smith – the legendary black- American nightclub queen of Paris in the 1920s and '30s. According to published reports, Fantasia's reps say they haven't seen a proposal yet, but backers are planning Chicago try-outs before bringing the show to Broadway in early 2009.
VIDEO: Fantasia's 'When I See You'
Comments: (114)
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By: Brenda on 7/13/2007 8:31AM
When I hear her voice I actually get chills; whan I watch her perform I cry. She sings from the heart. Only two other singers had voices that made me stop and actually listen to the words - Whitney & Celine. When I heard "Hood Boy", I said 'oh no' but I am soooo proud of Fantasia and with Oprah and Quincy working with her; she's going to be okay. This girl can Mary Had a Little Lamb and get a standing ovation.
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By: Sexy Chelle on 7/13/2007 1:19PM
I've been a fan of Fantasia since she was on A.I.. I was happy that she did the short movie about her life ( the good and bad) and how she got started. I can't wait for her third album, that first one was cool, tha second one ( well let just say she need better producers),, so hopefully the next one will be the ONE!!!!
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By: CeeCee on 7/13/2007 8:55PM
fANTASIA IS A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMEN. i AM PROUD OF HER.sHE IS NOT CONSIDERED A HOTTI BECAUSE SHE IS NOT LIGHT SKINNED WITH LAYERS OF MAKE UP AND HAIR WEAVE. sHE IS A TRU REPRESENTER OF BLACK WOMEN.
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By: CeeCee on 7/13/2007 9:09PM
FANTASIA IS A BEAUTIFUL BLACK WOMEN. I AM VERY PROUD OF HER AND HER ACCOMPLISHMENTS.DARK SKINNED WOMEN ARE GO GETTERS BECAUSE WE HAVE TO HUSTLE MORE.WE HAVE TO LET YOU NO WE ARE HERE AND ONCE THATS DONE NO TURNING BACK. THE BLACKER THE BERRY THE SWEET SWEETER THE JUICE.dONT PLAY!
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By: Mayo on 7/13/2007 11:46PM
I went to see fantasia in the Color Purple a feww weeks ago... I was blown away by her talent.. the girl can actually sing and she did very well on Broadway. I was surprised at how talented she really is... She was very funny and fit the partto a tee.... Fantasia is awesome. I think we all had the pleasure of seeing her come into form on American Idol.. especially when she sang the hell out of Summertime... well thats the exact energy and performance that she gives on Broadway the sister is BAD and I am now witout a doubt a fan for life GO to NYC and see this play.. I am sure without a doubt you will enjoy every minute of it and it will somehow impact your life!!! I promise
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By: Niecey on 7/14/2007 9:51AM
I am glad that her time has been extended so I can go see it again for the 3rd time.
She is doing a great job! and Oprah sure knew what she was doing :)
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By: Debbie Robinson on 7/14/2007 3:23PM
I have seen this awesome young woman twice so far. I plan on seeing her again on the 28th. I am besides myself with happiness and pride. I scream, I cry and I get the chills. Fantasia's performance must surely be a reflection of her beautiful spirit. I want to throw my arms around her in sincere embrace. I never believed Fantasia was given the exposure of the other contestants after winning Idol. Still, I don't see her represented in the New York media as much I think she should be.
It's also a beautiful site to see the Broadway Theater filled to capacity with people of color.
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By: Jesus Ortiz on 7/14/2007 3:37PM
Outstanding keep it girlllll
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By: Diana Brown on 7/15/2007 12:39PM
I have always been a fan. I have much respect for what she has done since AI. Fantasia did not get the same support as the other AI winners after the show. Look a Kat McPhee, every time I turn around she's on TV, offered movie rolls, at award shows, and her album didn't do much on the charts-she didn't even win. It's important for Black celebraties and executives support our own - Thanks Ophra.
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By: ROBERT H CLARK on 7/14/2007 8:38PM
ITS A WONDERFUL SIGHT TO SEE THAT OUR BLACK SISTAZ, ASWELL AS OUR BLACK BROTHAZ MOVING UP IN THIS WORLD!!
BE BLESSED MUCH!!
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