Fantasia in Dreamgirls Movie

[MusicalMan2]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 8:10pm

Ok, have you guys read the article done by Fox's Lisa Bernhard about the Dreamgirls Movie. Apparently Fantasia (American Idol Winner)Barrino has auditioned and the demo of "I am Telling You I'm Not Going" is amazing. She also talks about her acting and how her story relates to Effie's or something. Anyway, I would have to hear it to believe it. I'm not too blown away by Fantasia and think that she actually screams more than sings and if she would hold a note out for longer than 2 seconds before freaking out then she would be pretty damn good. However, I feel bad for the girl who gets cast as Effie because although it will be a huge accomplishment.. she will no matter what be compared to Jennifer Hollilday who was infact untouchable in that role. I hope however they choose can atleast match her vocally and act the part well. The article also mention that Anika Noni Rose from Caroline or Change is going to be one of the Dreamgirls too along with Beyonce. Yea! I'm happy for Anika.

Thoughts anyone on Fantasia as Effie?

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 8:53pm

Is the article online?

[MusicalMan2]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 9:11pm

I just copied and pasted it for all to read below:

Enjoy!

Star-Studded 'Dreamgirls' Cast

More buzz on the in-the-works movie version of the hit Broadway musical “Dreamgirls” — and all of it focused on "American Idol" queen Fantasia Barrino. Those who’ve seen Fantasia’s audition tapes for the role of Effie — once played to staggering, star-making capacity by Jennifer Holliday — say Fantasia is a revelation.

Directed by Bill Condon, whose “Chicago” screenplay razzle-dazzled, "Dreamgirls" is, of course, loosely based on the Supremes, and stars Beyonce (in the “Diana Ross” role) and Anika Noni Rose, who scooped up the 2004 Tony Award for “Caroline, or Change.”

Oh, and there are guys in it, too: the none-too-shabby Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.

Fantasia’s audition tapes are not only awe-inspiring for her singing (who’d have thought she, or anyone, could hold a candle to Holliday’s mind-blowing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”?), but for her acting as well.

The role of Effie is multilayered — from rejection to rejuvenation and everything in between. Though only 21, this single mom has clearly lived enough of a life to tap into something achingly real.

Having interviewed Fantasia on more than one occasion, seen her sing live at the "Idol" finale and even danced with her on-air (in an attempt to soak up even one-eighth of her rhythm), I’m rooting for Dreamworks exec David Geffen to give her the green light.

She’s gutsy, gracious and deserving of his, uh, "supreme" confidence

[CapnHook]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 9:13pm

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168962,00.html

Found it.

[BroadwayBettini2]

Posted: 9/9/05 at 9:15pm

oy vey

[Thetruth]

Posted: 9/10/05 at 6:05pm

Am I the only one who doesn't want Anika to play Lorell? I don't see her having the sass to play the role. I love her, but she's the poor man's Stephanie Mills. How old is she anyway?

[Caleb]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 12:41am

Not to bash Fantasia, because I wish her all the joy and happiness in the world, but please God don't let her be cast as Effie. There's nothing about her that I think is particularly wrong for Effie, and she certainly has the same kind of live intensity in her performances that Jennifer Holliday has (although I don't really care for it from either woman.) But I simply can't stand the sound of Fantasia's voice. She sounds like Donald Duck doing gospel. After about a high C (belt), there's absolutely no tone to her sound, it's just gravel.

I have a feeling that she's probably a terrific actress. She's a very emotional performer, and I bet it translates to acting. But I've been hoping for this movie for a long time (although MUCH less longer than a lot of other people, I bet) and we deserve an Effie with an astounding voice, not just a gutsy and flashy performer.

[jarred03]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 4:15am

This article does not say that Fantasia has been cast as Effie, all it says is that she has a great audition video. That's it. If they wanted Fantasia then they would have already given her the role, she auditoned months ago.

[JoMarch]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 4:59am

FOX News, huh? Yep, no bias there.

[Virgo]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 10:41am

The article says she's gutsy and GRACIOUS --- not gutsy and flashy. Gracious and Flashy are almost the complete opposite of each other. The article was 100% complimentary as all of the articles have been regarding her and dreamgirls.

[jwsel]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 11:16am

re Anika as Lorell:

I disagree. Her character in Caroline, Or Change had a lot of sass. I think she could carry the role well.

[Thetruth]

Posted: 9/11/05 at 4:20pm

To me she came off more precocious, which is how she came off in From Justin 2 Kelly. It's something in her nature that makes her come across like that, which makes her perfect to play children.