Fela The Play
From producers Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith comes Fela!. This eclectic new musical opened at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on November 23, 2009. This electrifying production comes directly from off-Broadway where it gained much acclaim and success. The show explores the extravagant and rebellious life of Afrobeat and multi-instrumentalist legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Before the curtain even rises, the audience is taken to another time and place. The theater is transformed in the “Afrika Shrine”, a 1970’s Lagos nightclub and political stage. Through song, dance and on-stage banter we see Fela’s life as a Nigerian artist, activist, composer and performer displayed before us. The musical explores his journey through life using his band and his “tribe” of wives (twenty-seven in total) to spin the tale. While many of his tales were tragic, they all unfold and manage to inspire through music and dance. The entire vibe of the show is felt through his pioneer music, a blend of jazz, funk, and African rhythm and harmonies. The book was written by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, who also choreographed. The shows signature, explosive dance routines are fresh and like nothing currently playing on Broadway. The character of Fela is being played by two very talented and diverse actors. Because of the demanding role and schedule the actors alternate performances. Two -time Emmy award winning actor Kevin Mambo comes to the Great White Way from off-Broadway’s Ruined. He has been seen in such television shows as Guiding Light, One Life to Live, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Spin City and Family Matters. Also taking on this role is Sahr Ngaujah. His background is in direction and has worked on such films as Passing Glory (TNT) and A Lesson Before Dying (HBO). He began directing under Freddie Hendricks, National Black Arts Festival. He is currently art director for Sierra Leone hiphop act Bajah and The Dry Eye Crew. Come see why USA Today said, “Delivering exuberant storytelling through song and dance, Fela! achieves something closer to the essence of great musicals than many more conventional shows of late.” Fela The Play tickets are on sale now for this open-ended production. The show runs two hours and forty minutes with one intermission. Fela the play tickets are selling at the box office for between $55.00 and $122.00. Premium seating and sold out performances are running between $82.00 and $239.00. You can view a great online selection of Fela The Play Tickets by clicking the link! Sahr Ngaujah Direction and Choreography - Bill T. Jones Matinee: Sat & Sun 2PM
|
