"E!online reports that Barrino, who was also a front-runner for the role of Effie in the hit movie musical “Dreamgirls,” will join the Oprah Winfrey-produced musical in the role of Celie, the part created by LaChanze to Tony-winning effect. Barrino is expected to make her Broadway bow in the spring."
Stop worrying if your vision is new.
Let others make that decision-
They usually do.
You keep moving on.
Anything you do,
Let it come from you.
Then it will be new.
Give us more to see...
~Sunday In the Park with George
I guess Reidel's story about trouble selling tkts was right. I would send her out as the tour lead and let her get some "legs" before letting New York Critics and Bloggers attack her. I feel bad for the actress who just got the part.
i think i could see her as more of a Shug than a Celie.....
Stop worrying if your vision is new.
Let others make that decision-
They usually do.
You keep moving on.
Anything you do,
Let it come from you.
Then it will be new.
Give us more to see...
~Sunday In the Park with George
This is a very smart move on the producers' behalf. THE COLOR PURPLE has been running at a loss for the past month and a half (though January-February does tend to be the most difficult time of year to sell), but the fact that they went from practically sold-out houses to playing at 50% capacity was a huge drop, and desperate measures do need to be taken if they want to remain open.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Has the role of Celie been announced for the tour? Is it possible that the actress currently playing the role (Jeanette Bayardelle (sp?)) on Broadway could be doing the tour? If not, what a shame since she just started. Then again, their numbers haven't been great, so I guess they're doing what they feel is necessary.
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
Since the show has already broken even and returned its investment, it’s a very smart move by the producers to keep the show running at a profit. They really have nothing to lose in this situation. Fantasia will sell tickets and then once she finishes her run, I wouldn’t expect the show to be around much longer.
luvtheEmcee, I completely agree with you! ugh! I think her voice is terrible! Anyway, I'm a huge Idol fan and I think it's kinda cool how so many contestants are becoming Broadway stars.
"In theater, the process of it is the experience. Everyone goes through the process, and everyone has the experience together. It doesn't last - only in people's memories and in their hearts. That's the beauty and sadness of it. But that's life - beauty and the sadness. And that is why theater is life." - Sherie Rene Scott
Mrs. Link, the irony of your statement is that Simon would say the word "Broadway" in terms of someone's voice like it was a bad thing. Who's having the last laugh now. I'm just wondering if she'll really sell that many tickets. How have her CD sales been?
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
Yeah, but think -- get her on Oprah a couple times singing from the show, tickets will sell.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
Granted she'll sell tickets, but I'm not sure how many. Her CD sales are lackluster and she's one of the least successful out of all the American Idol winners. I doubt she'll do a whole lot, and even if she does, I think the people going to see her will run out quickly. I guess it just goes to show that there wasn't much demand for this show beyond the Oprah audience, and the bus tours.
Well it's still a fantastic show with one of the most talented casts on Broadway.
"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)