MTV behind the scenes: Fantasia in rehearsal- Page 2

[WilliamT]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 2:28pm

I'm SO excited to see her!! I think she's gonna blow the roof off the place.

[My2cents2]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 2:44pm

I'm not quite sure what show you were watching. La Chanze's vocals sounded like shards of glass grating on her vocal cords - and that had nothing to do with adding age in the second act. She sounded like that at the top of the show - as a very young teenager. Her acting was so forced and put on in Act 1, that it was sometimes just a distraction. (Of course it didn't help that she was working opposite an man who clearly couldn't understand that he was playing a role called Mister not Ms.)

What made LaChanze interesting was definitely her work in the second act - from an acting standpoint - again NOT vocals. Her voice is shot and it's clear that she hasnt been taking care of it over the years. Go back and listen to her early work - a great example is a clip from a concert she was a part of where she sang "When Daniel Marries Me" which was cut from "Island"...listen to that, then listen to Purple...it's sad what not taking care of yourself can do. THAT is not from just age.

And while Jeanette certainly had her faults in the acting arena - her Celie was so vulnerable and open. She was the perfect combination of being both awkward and gawky, as well as strangely beautiful and unique in Act 2. (And frankly, none of their "I'm Here" peformances hold a candle to Bayardelle's) I'm curious if you all saw her during one of her brief moments filling in for La Chanze or if you saw her when she'd actually gotten a chance to settle into the role on her own. It makes a difference - especially when Kenita was given much more rehearsal time during the process. (Bayardelle was basically always on for Nettie) Kenita's work speaks for itself. She's a wonderfully gifted woman with a great presence. I think she works much better in act one than Act Two. Jeanette, despite some of her delivery, was the clearest in both acts. Her change was subtle and wonderful to watch - it also helped that she had a great Mister to work with. I couldn't help but to think, gosh, "I wish they'd rerecord this with Bayardelle, Darlesia, and Alton...such a wonderful change" It was clear that they don't always get it right the first time.

LaChanze won the TONY b/c there was no other role in the season that demanded as much from it's actress...and she did a nice job with it - but that's not to say she was indispensable.

Fantasia being put into TCP just once again slaps so many capable and hardworking actors in the face. Montego Glover, the cover, is extremely capable and deserving of the chance to step up and play Celie, but it seems unless you're a "name" in Pop Culture, the chances are even slimmer - god forbid, you're trained and have actual talent vs. a glimmer of something that some director will try to squeeze and tug until they can get something presentable out of you. Re: Fantasia, as much trouble as she seemed to have playing herself - in her Lifetime Movie - i find it difficult to believe that she is capable of carrying a show like TCP on her back. Maybe in a smaller supporting role...but really? Celie? What is Broadway coming to....

[siny]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:03pm

Let me ask this again: Fantasia did not audition for this role. Is that a normal thing for a big star to bypass the audition process ?

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:12pm

Normally, stunt-cast performers usually don't audition. However, if they are so terrible, they'll probably kick him/her out of the show.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:16pm

Never liked her on American Idol.
But that was pretty darn amazing.
She's got it. She can pull it off.
Break a leg Fantasia!

[siny]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:17pm

Can they kick someone out of the show even if they have a contract for an x number of weeks ?

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:19pm

While Fantasia may have been hand picked for the role, there's no way a contract was signed until she came in and read/sang for the producers.

[My2cents2]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:21pm

No it isn't Normal for that to happen... Usually the person is brought in to audition for the role...even if they're a star. They aren't just given the part. Fantasia being asked to do it is kind of silly if you all knew some of the others who had been asked to AUDITION for the same role (And DID audition) - who were also BIG names in the Music industry. Haha. But, I guess the producers knew what they were doing, Fantasia has boosted ticket sales through the roof.

[Popular]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:22pm

Loved her on American Idol! I'm hoping she can pull off the 8 a week - theatre requires such a different discipline than anything else she's done thus far (as far as I know).

Stunt casting, yes, but I'd go again just to see her! BREAK A LEG, FANTASIA!

[siny]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:22pm

This article says she did not audition:
http://www.nola.com/living/t-p/index.ssf?/base/living-8/1176014017312450.xml&coll=1

[Virgo]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:52pm

"Fantasia being put into TCP just once again slaps so many capable and hardworking actors in the face. "

I disagree that with Fantasia being put in TCP that it slaps actors in the face. Stunt casting (or whatever) has been going on since before fantasia was even born. Furthermore, a hardworking qualified actress originated this role and won the tony, fantasia is doing TCP a favor by boosting the box office, a no name might not have given the musical a 6.5 million dollar advance and the show would have closed anyway and then NONE of the actors would be working. So we should be thankful for "stunt casting" as it saves lesser named broadway actors roles, even if there roles are only saved for six months that is still a very nice paycheck for them for six months.

Furthermore, this is the age of "reality tv", benie tensley (sp) a NY casting agent say's that he has someone in his office watching American Idol to try to get people to do broadway. So, since this is the age of reality tv, then the new route to broadway might be via a reality tv show, ie. american idol, star search (when it was on), american's got talent, etc.

Why do you think you see real stars in reality shows like "dancing with the stars"? It's because reality tv has taken over and those are likely some of the only paying gigs they can get at the moment.

Updated On: 4/10/07 at 03:52 PM

[jg4892]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 3:54pm

Fantasia being in TCP is helping the actors keep their jobs, not slapping them in the face.

[My2cents2]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 4:29pm

yes it is helping SOME actors keep their jobs - but every actor wasn't born to be in the Ensemble. I am clearly not saying Fantasia is the only instance of "stunt casting"...however, she IS who this thread is about.

And frankly, telling that Bernie Telsey has associates watching Reality TV to find out who can do broadway isn't something anyone with any kind of artistic integrity should be proud of. It's sad when even the Casting Directors have to turn on the television to see who is going to make the most money so that the artform can thrive.

I don't hate Fantasia, she's just a product that is being pushed on the Great White Way - maybe she'll surprise everyone and be stunning. If so, good for her. And yes, it may be true that Reality TV has taken over but that doesn't mean that those of us in the theatre community have to lay down and be doormats to it. And frankly, at $1500+/week...I'm sure if the show were to close (which it wasn't going to anytime soon anyway), those people would be just fine for a while. With a longstanding, high profile bway credit under your belt and money in the bank, believe me...I think the carryover until the next project would be just fine. (Especially since Telsey likes to keep it in the family) Sometimes that single credit alone will carry them into their next big job despite their performance in the audition/callback settings,haha.

In anycase, there are people in the community-living in NYC-with a much less desirable deck of cards in their hands...and they're still capable of pounding the pavement..as much as it would be a loss, I can't say I'd feel so bad for the cast/crew....bringing in $4000+/month (after taxes) is certainly enough to put a little in the bank for a rainy day.

[siny]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 6:01pm

Fantasia will bring in a whole new audience, just like all those idols are doing. And that can only be good for Broadway. So it's a win-win situation. Besides, Fantasia's run will not even last that long and then a professional actress will take over.

[ljay889]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 6:04pm

The Weissler's have flat out said they audition EVERY star before they cast them in the show. And I believe it.

[wicked4life51]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 6:21pm

well actually i mean if the person is talented then they can play the role . fantasia is amazing have you seen her sing im here , unless you have seen her performance then dont say a word , sorry i just think its rude to assume
lachanze was great , your opinion is fine but i think the theatre wing knows a thing a two about theatre and giving her the tony was that a mistake
Fantasia did have to audition, she had to train her voice a certain way so she wouldnt get that raspy sound in the show . fantasia is meant for this role and SHE DID HAVE TO AUDITION oprah did handpick her but shes amazing , she bring a lot of reality to the character and to the show
and shes the nicest girl
so my2cents2 think before you speak
FANTASIA IS AMAZING
if the person is talented then if they can do it , do it . And color purple didnt need a name , OPRAH IS THE PRODUCER IT CAN STAY OPEN AS LONG AS SHE WANTS , ITS HER MONEY AND PLUS TICKET SALES WERE DOING FINE
it wasnt to up the show at all, FANTASIA WILL PROVE YOU WRONG MYCENTS
IM MAD AT YOU HAHA
THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

[Danielm]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 6:22pm

Fantasia has a great voice. Her "Summertime" was fantastic.

[wicked4life51]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 6:25pm

siny
just because it says it in an article doesent mean its true


MY2CENTS

IM AN ACTOR TO AND I KNOW PLENTY OF OTHER ACTORS YOUR RIGHT OKAY I KNOW PLENTY WHO CAN PLAY THIS ROLE
BUT FANTASIA IS ACTUALLY AMAZING
AND REALITY TV IS CHANGING THE WORLD YES
BUT ITS ALSO BRINGING IN NEW TALENTED FACES WE WOULD HAVE NEVER SEEN
EVERYONE WILL GET THEIR CHANCE SOMETIME
YOU JUST HAVE TO PUSH AND PUSH AND BE POSITIVE
MY2CENTS THATS SOMETHING YOU GOTTA WORK ON IF YOU WANT TO STAY IN THIS INDUSTRY

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 4/10/07 at 11:33pm

LOL really...?! People will eventually be seen. Not always...
BTW you're a little intense about this!!
Personally Fantasia isn't all that amazing. We'll see...
Updated On: 4/10/07 at 11:33 PM

[My2cents2]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 9:22am

Think before I speak? Hahahahahahaaha.

Are you kidding me? You should do the same...your age is popping out all over the place. Your comments are clearly not well informed. But to pacify you...hopefully...

*Yes, I have seen Fantasia's "I'm Here". While it may sell records, one song does not a leading lady make.
*Yes, I have seen La Chanze's performance of the role.
*Yes, I have seen Bayardelle's performance of the role.

The truth of the matter is I do enjoy the show - and I've said before, Fantasia may prove everyone wrong and be wonderful. But again, "WONDERFUL" is relative. Every person is going to have their opinion - whether they are an 18 year old kid from the Midwest or a trained and working actor in New York City.

You'll learn I always "think before I speak" on boards of this nature. If I mention it, I've seen it - or know someone who's opinion I respect that has seen it. Being super positive is a wonderful thing...but you need to also be aware of reality. While Fantasia might be a unique and interesting talent (to some), examples of her as an actress thus far have been far less than acceptable. The Color Purple is not about Celie belting and singing her way through "I'm Here". It's about a young woman's journey to find the beauty in herself despite the turmoil and pain she lives with from day to day. THAT is the journey that I want to see a CELIE take onstage...it's a tall order to fill - especially for someone that's never stepped on a stage, let alone a Broadway sized house.

**And btw, I'm doing just fine in this industry my friend - even with my strong-yet supported-opinions :) Like I said, everyone is entitled to their opinion...I may have to pay my $26 to see this....

[wickedfiyeroofoz]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 2:12pm

Acting aside. wouldn't you say her run on american idol was more than enough proof that she can sing?...and therefore a sufficient vocal audition? Its obviously not protocol, but I think the producers would have gotten the idea of her vocal ability.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 2:15pm

I think the issue is characterization, not vocals. She looks the part, but how does it fit on her?

[My2cents2]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 2:32pm

Exactly. I think someone said it earlier - it's about more than just singing. ESPECIALLY when the show rests on your shoulders! And listening to someone sing a song on a recording is a far cry from asking them to sing a demanding track 8 shows a week...maybe that was why her rehearsal period was a little longer than normal. They might have been trying to help her build stamina and finding a more healthy way of singing as there is no way she'd get through six months, 8 shows a week, cooing and cackling like she did on American Idol...

[Danielm]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 3:49pm

My2cents2--pot--kettle--

In spite of your parsing ("She may be great") etc... You are also making uninformed statements. Until Fantasia opens in the show we won't know whether she's really right or not. I think she should get the chance before people dump on her.

She most likely did not "audition" in the way that an unknown or lesser known performer would. She was approached because she is a name and most likely she got with the musical director and worked on the songs to see if it would work. I understand they've lengthened the rehearsal process hopefully she will be up to the task when she goes in. When you are dealing with "stars" or "names" the treatment is different than when you're dealing with lesser known names--and that's the way it is and always will be. But, the rest of the cast, I'm sure, will be greatful to have full houses and the extension of the show for as long as possible.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 4/11/07 at 4:48pm

Guys it's not like Fantasia "saved" the show. People are talking about actors being so greatful to have jobs as if it were going to close next week. Fantasia def brought people out to see it. I for one would love to see her do it. The fact is that The Color Purple wasn't going anywhere before. She just gave a def boost to slightly sagging ticket sales