Fantasia Gets Rave Reviews!
May 19, 2007 by Jeanne
The theater critic at the New York Daily News Loves Fantasia! She is currently starring in the musical “The Color Purple” on Broadway. Looking at these pictures, I cannot believe that is the Tasia we saw on American Idol. She looks just like Celie (Whoopi Goldberg played Celie in the movie). Here’s the review:
A new face on Broadway has done something that producer Oprah Winfrey couldn’t – convinced me “The Color Purple” is a must-see. But it is right now and will be through October.
“American Idol” winner Fantasia gives such a powerful performance in her Broadway debut that it’s almost, to borrow a lyric from the show, “too beautiful for words.”
What makes it even more of a triumph is that Fantasia had never acted on stage or even seen a Broadway show before stepping into the role that won La Chanze a Tony last year.
The show’s director, Gary Griffin, worked with Fantasia in Chicago to get her ready to play Celie, the long-suffering Southern woman Alice Walker created in her prize-winning book. Boy, Griffin did a good job. Fantasia’s natural ease and honesty come through from the moment she steps onstage at the Broadway Theatre. She doesn’t try to sell her acting or singing, but creates a beautiful aura around Celie that draws you in. It’s a deeper “Purple” as a result.
Spanning two continents and 40 years, the story is a challenge to adapt to the stage, and the show isn’t always effective.
The long second-act opening scene set in Africa, colorful and kinetic as it is, breaks the momentum.
And I’m still not sold on having three comic busybodies comment on the action in such a serious story.
“Color Purple” remains a lavish and soulful production with a strong cast, though, and its songs grow on you every time you hear them.
That’s certainly true of the title number, introduced in the show by the sexy juke-joint singer Shug Avery (Tony nominee Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, ravishing as ever), and performed by the whole company at the curtain call.
That moment follows Celie’s exultant and rousing finale, “I’m Here.”
It is a fitting song for Fantasia.
Thank goodness they found a place for her, maybe all that crying will be more useful on broadway. I was sick of her crying
Wow! I hope Fantasia can keep this fire going and that she is happy doing this. Great reviews. She must feel great!
Yeah, I much prefer Fantasia the stage actress over Fantasia the victim.
What di GerriG and Jeanne know about life and shedding tears. They are both probably so spoiled they only cry when the can’t but some extravagance they want.
What a wonderful and constructive comment, Denise. Also, I would like to congratulate you on your ability to know about the lives of strangers. That’s quite a talent!
Fantasia keep up the good work’ and cry all you want to because the lord if truly blessing you so cry on;;;;