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Irate Fans Ask For Money Back After Fantasia Misses Color Purple Performance

According to EUR Web:

Looks like it might not be a good idea for Fantasia, the star of “The Color Purple,” to get sick and take the day off. At least while the production is playing Chicago.
According to ABC7 Television, the show went on without the star at the Arie Crown Theatre both Saturday afternoon and evening. Theater officials say Fantasia took ill just before the matinee production.

Her understudy filled in, but that didn’t go over too well with some patrons who let their feelings be known.

“We want our money back!” several of the ticketholders chanted outside of the theater.

According to ABC7, all the afternoon theatergoers saw was red after learning they would not receive refunds for tickets purchased to see Fantasia star in the Chicago production of the hit musical. Saturday night, however, an offer was on the table to refund money.

“I was excited to see her, but now, I’m disappointed. I think she could have been more professional and tried, at least, to perform,” said ticketholder Roscoe Mohead of Gurnee Saturday afternoon.

“I voted for her a hundred thousand times for her to win that. I mean, I’m just very moved by her, and I’m very disappointed. And I just think the theater, Oprah, or somebody should just give us our money back,” said fan Charlotte Czarnecki of Wheaton.

The ticketholders said they were in their seats when they were informed that an understudy, not the American Idol alum, would star in Saturday’s performance.

The show’s management says Fantasia became ill after eating a turkey sandwich and could not appear in the production, which was made famous by Oprah Winfrey’s movie role.

“Fantasia’s equally upset because she’s very committed and compassionate about delivering for her fans. We don’t take anyone for granted. We understand there were about 300 to 400 individuals who were quite upset and asked for refunds,” manager Brian Dickens said. “The company is trying to work it out, whether they get a refund or they come back for tomorrow’s show.”

The disappointed crowd became irate after theater officials told them there would be no refunds, only exchanges for tickets to tonight’s show, which some said was already sold out.

“[I bought] an $85 ticket, and they want to give me a balcony ticket? I don’t think so. That’s just not right. And I’m on a fixed income. Why should I have to pay? Fantasia’s already been paid,” said Homewood’s Paulette Foster.

“If Oprah can shut down Michigan Avenue, then why can’t we get a refund?” said Letitia Brevard of Evergreen Park.

Management officials for Fantasia said she was taken to a Chicago area hospital where doctors diagnosed her with food poisoning and dehydration.

We understand that Fantasia returned Sunday and a national press spokesperson for “The Color Purple” says that affected ticketholders from Saturday were allowed to exchange the tickets for Sunday’s show, or they’ll be able to seek a refund from where they purchased the tickets.

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