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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: Lillian on 7/18/2007 2:05AM
I saw Fantasia in The color Purple and was absolutely blown away. My mother used to bring me to NY just to see top Broadway plays, so I am very familiar with quality theatre. I am now a New Yorker, and I assumed only country out-of-state black folks would come in droves to see TCP mess on Broadway. How silly. but when my Arkasas 7 Oklahma family visited, that's the play they wanted to see, so we went. BOY was I wrong!! This was the best play I have ever seen in my life, and Fantasia is one of the best actresses I have ever seen in my life. People do not know Fantasia until they see this play. She IS the character. She is God-sent. Amazing!!!!
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By: Delores Tyson on 7/18/2007 5:39PM
I had the pleasure of seeing Fantasia perform. I must truly say that she was fantastic. I was on a bus trip with my church. My oldest brother(Albert, Jr.) & only sister(Hazel) grew up with Fantasia's Grand-parents in Clio, S.C., I understand her Grand-father (Neil) past away sometime ago, but her Grand-mother now lives in High-Point, S.C. Please let Fantasia know that we pray for her success, thanks!:)
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By: A Huge Fantasia FAN! on 9/04/2007 1:08AM
WAY TO GO FANTASIA! GOD HAS TRULY SMILED ON YOU!
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By: Carola on 9/27/2007 4:53PM
I am thrilled at Fantasia's success. She has given young women everywhere of any color the courage to dream. Believe in yourself and don't let anything or anyone stop you.
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