Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Fantasia Barrino Wowing Critic on Broadway
Idol contestant and Broadway actress Fantasia has wowed critics in her role as Celie, the down-trodden character in the Broadway musical ‘The Color Purple.’
The former American Idol champ has not had a lot of acting experience other than a Lifetime Movie Channel movie about her life where she played herself, which would not have been remotely considered challenging.
The lack of acting experience certainly has not hurt Fantasia. She is putting her all into this show. Some critics believe that Fantasia has revitalized the show, which can be proven by more box office sales since she came to the show in April.
“Fantasia give the production new heart, soul and star power,” said Associated Press drama critic Michael Kuchwara and the New York Times has said “Fantasia is so terrific that this earnest but mechanical musical is more effective and affecting than it was when it yawned open a year and a half ago at the Broadway Theater.”
Fantasia has said the show is ‘kicking my butt’ as she performs eight times a week and is onstage for nearly the entire production according to CNN.
The role of Celie probably also takes a lot out of her as the character’s life is very much like Fantasia’s life. Both do not have much of an education. Fantasia quit high school. Both became pregnant in their early teenage years. Fantasia has a young daughter by the name of Zion.
The 23-year-old star has done so well on the show that the producers have talked her into extending the show for four months, until January. She did hesitate somewhat because she was worried that her recording career would suffer. So far it hasn’t. The ballad “When I See You” recently was number 1 on the Billboard R&B hip-hop charts.
Fantasia said her Broadway experience is teaching her discipline.
“I won’t look at things the same way anymore,” Fantasia Barrino said. “Once you have done Broadway, You can do anything.”
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