Fantasia, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight and Natalie Cole join AFTER MIDNIGHT

I really hope that July 1 - July 6 thing isn't an Aretha Franklin joke. Because that's just mean.

Ha. Jordan! No, it was not a Re-Re fat joke. I do not make fun of the Queen of Soul. I love her, her music and her hats.

That said, i suppose the two choices are: no guest star that week or a REALLY big get they're waiting to confirm. I'm gonna guess it's the former. That's what happened the last time there was a gap in the schedule between guest stars.

Is that a thing? Do Broadway shows ever go dark the week of July 4?

Does her talk show tape in LA, Chicago or New York??

I also wonder who they have up their sleeves for the Fall, or if the show will even remain open by then? Of course, Fantasia could always return.

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I've seen an interview where the Queen said she wouldn't do Broadway because the schedule was too taxing. But a gurl can change her mind. I'd pay to see Tony Bennett.

I love Patti LaBelle and all her excesses, but I do wonder if Wynton & co can reign in the diva. She sure knows how to oversell a song. Did anyone see her in FELA!? How was she?

Hmm, no I have a decision to make - After Midnight with Gladys Knight or Lady Day with Audra on July 19th. Both are 90 minutes shows that could be squeezed in before Hedwig if I really want a three show day...

Brilliant casting!

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For ncgator-- though we are huge fans of the incomparable Audra, we found Lady Day not much of a play and certainly not much of a musical-- basically a cabaret act with Audra doing a great job of mimicking a singer whose instrument was much weaker than her own. Some gorgeous work there, but a very small meal.

After Midnight, on the other hand, is dynamite stuff! Spectacular dancing, a brilliant 20-piece live swing band onstage, magical costumes, awesome specialty acts, in parts a true time-tripping tour of vintage Cotton Club vaudeville. It's not really a musical play either, but you leave the theater euphoric!

And for those who are sad to be missing Vanessa Williams' stint here, oh don't be. No offense to Miss Williams, but she is among the least of the potent attractions on that stage. It's the permanent cast that knocks your socks off here, not the guest star.

I am BEYOND excited for Patti Labelle! CAN NOT WAIT!! she gets a lot of hate, but whatevs

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Wow! I'd pay full price for Gladys and Natalie both. Makes me want to see a not-so-great show again--especially if the show-stopping Adriane Lenox is still there!
I'd have to check TKTS first for Miss Patti. I just don't think this is the right show for her. Fantasia seemed waaayyy out of her comfort zone, almost sad to be there, the night I saw it. Did anyone see KD Lang? Was it the train wreck I imagine?

I wanted to see Vanessa but now I'll have to wait for Gladys. Psyched!

Why wait? Go twice

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