‘PURPLE’S’ FANTASIA CONTINUES TO BANK GREEN: Church groups encompass bulk of the audiences at Broadway musical. Email to a friend | Print Friendly *While “The Color Purple” has enjoyed a steady stream of business last year, the addition of “American Idol” winner Fantasia in the lead has led to a huge financial windfall for the production. According to the New York Post, the play has been grossing more than $1 million a week since Fantasia’s arrival in April, and advance ticket sales are nearing $10 million, thanks in large part to scores of church groups across the country who board buses and attend shows as part of package deals.
Last Wednesday, the Post followed one such group “The Jewels of Ebenezer” from Fort Washington, Md’s Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church. They were 56 deep – including some grandchildren and one husband – as they arrived at the Broadway Theatre following a 6 hour trip. After the show, The Post arranged a surprise for some of the Jewels: a meeting with Fantasia.
Ebenezer Jewel Lucille Goldsborough, 82, hugged the star and said, "Oh, Fantasia, I watched you from the very beginning, and I prayed for you, I prayed for you." "Mama, keep praying for me," Fantasia said, wiping away tears. "You all got me crying now," she added.
Jean Hicks, a semi-retired health-care worker, said: "Look what God has done for you. You are so blessed." She added: "I'm your new grandma!
" "Yes ma'am, you sure are," Fantasia replied, hugging her. Currently, 10 comments have been made on this story. View Comments or Post Comments.
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