Rumor Mill: Is Fantasia Pregnant?

In the last day we've gotten confirmation that 16-year-old Jamie Lynn Spears is with child, and that Lily Allen is knocked up, and now, if internet rumors are to be believed, American Idol champ and current Color Purple star Fantasia is also pregnant. The baby-daddy is apparently rapper Young Dro.

MediaTakeout.com is reporting that, according to a Color Purple insider, Fantasia has been talking openly to the cast about her new condition. The insider explained, "She told [one of the cast members] that she's pregnant and she's really excited"

The insider also claims that while Fantasia isn't showing yet, she's definitely acting pregnant, saying, "She's walks with her hand on her hip and all of a sudden she's taken to chewing ice."

Looks like they'll have to release 'Tasia's song "Baby Mama." B-A-B-Y!

UPDATE: Fantasia's rep says that she is not pregnant, although some Broadway sources are still not convinced. Thanks to the commenter below for the update.

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American Idol's LaKisha Jones to Join the Broadway Cast of The Color Purple

The Idols keep on comin' to Broadway.

The latest former contestant to debut on the Great White Way will be Season 6 fourth place finisher LaKisha Jones. According to a press release, she will join the Broadway company of The Color Purple on December 19, 2007, as the church soloist in the musical's opening number. She will also play Sofia at the matinee performances.

There will be a few weeks where Kiki will be performing with Fantasia, who is currently winning raves for her performance as Celie. LaKisha is actually the third former Idol contestant to appear in The Color Purple -- Latoya London, the fourth place finisher from Season 3, is currently playing Nettie in the Chicago company of the show.

After delivering showstoppers like "And I Am Telling You," "God Bless the Child, "and "This Ain't a Love Song," is there anyone who believes LaKisha won't kill it on Broadway? Welcome to the club, girl!

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Fantasia Extends Stay in The Color Purple, May Star in New Musical

It looks like Fantasia has been bitten by the theater bug -- big time.

After receiving rave reviews for her Broadway debut in The Color Purple (I saw her, and she is truly sensational), Fantasia has decided to stay with the show through the end of the year. She was originally scheduled to be in the show for just six months, which would have taken her through the beginning of October.

In addition, the New York Daily News' Rush & Molloy are reporting that Fantasia is in discussions to star in a new musical based on the life of Ada (Bricktop) Smith, an African-American expatriate in Paris in the 1920s who became a nightlife queen. The show is being written by Chuck Seffan and Ron Abel. Click here for the full story.

It's been a good few months for Ms. 'Tasia, who picked up a Theater World Award for her Broadway debut, and saw her single "When I See U" hit #2 on the Urban radio chart.

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Theater Notes: Spring Awakening, Grease, and Tamyra Gray

Summer is generally a pretty slow time for theater in New York, but there's still a few exciting things going on worth noting:

-I caught Spring Awakening, the recipient of 8 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), again this past weekend. I had seen the show when it played Off-Broadway last year, and saw the show a few times when it was in previews, so I was excited to see how it was holding up about 6 months into it's run. I'm happy to report it is as good, if not better, than ever. The music is so incredibly beautiful, and the lyrics become more meaningful with each additional listen. The actors, meanwhile, seem to have found new nuances that make the show's story of adolescent sexual repression and the dangers of parents not being honest with their children resonate even deeper.

Tony winner John Gallagher, as tortured soul Mortiz, has definitely amped up the angst, and while he is slightly more affected than he was earlier in the run, it's still a very powerful performance. Lea Michele is as effective as ever as the ill-fated Wendla, but it's Jonathan Groff who really stands out as the rebellious Melchior. His singing voice is superb, and his acting is nothing short of sensational -- he's funny, he's moving, and he's gorgeous! If you can, catch this show while the three young stars-to-be are still around. Click here to buy tickets.

-Tickets for Grease, starring reality show winners Laura Osnes and Max Crumm, went on sale yesterday. After seeing these kids everywhere during the awards season it's a little hard to believe they just started rehearsals last week. I can't imagine the show is going to be anything but a trainwreck, but somehow it's a trainwreck I don't think I can avoid missing. Click here to purchase tickets.

-Finally, I revisited the old chestnut Rent last week to check out American Idol alum Tamyra Gray in the role of Mimi. While she is not giving the kind of tour de force performance Fantasia is giving in The Color Purple, she acquits herself quite nicely as the drug addicted, HIV-infected spitfire. If her acting leaves a little bit to be desired, her voice is sensational (she may be the best singer who has ever played the role) and her dancing is surprisingly powerful.

While Christopher Hanke as Mark disappointed a bit (bringing very little humor or charm to the role), the rest of the show is in fine shape -- Troy Horne makes an excellent Tom Collins, Nicolette Hart is a feisty (and loud!) Maureen, and Tonya Dixon brings an unexpected power to Joanne. Best of all, though, was understudy Luther Creek as Roger. Not only does he sing the hell out of the part, his subtle acting choices and rich inner life made me truly believe this guy had shut himself off from the world and was just biding his time until his death. As a result, songs that have at times bored me ("I Should Tell You," "Your Eyes") became incredibly emotional, as you watched this woman (Mimi) actually touch his soul and cause him to change and open himself up. Creek's performance was the heart of the show.

It'll be interesting to see what happens when original stars Anthony Rapp and Adam Pascal return to their roles this summer. Will they seem too old, or will they bring a special energy to The Nederlander? Guess we'll have to wait and see...

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Jordin and Melinda Stop In To See Fantasia

Over on Paul Wontorek's "Stage Notes Blog," there are photos of American Idol Season 6's first and third place finishers, Jordin Sparks and Melinda Doolittle, stopping in to say hi to Season 3 champ Fantasia at The Broadway Theater, where she is currently earning rave reviews in The Color Purple.

Melinda and Jordin took time out of their busy post-show schedules to see 'Tasia's tour de force performance, which she will give at-home viewers a taste of on this weekend's Tony Awards. (See Fantasia to Perform at Tony Awards)

Always good to see Idol folks stoppin' by The Great White Way!

*The photo above was taken by Bruce Glickas for Broadway.com

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