Running since October 2009 A new musical based on the life of Nigerian composer and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (the father of the hypnotic, percussive style known as Afrobeat) comes to Broadway. Winner of 3 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography.
This show, directed and choreographed by downtown legend Bill T. Jones, originated Off-Broadway, where its 2008 production was embraced by audiences and critics. The same has been true on Broadway, and the show seems set for an exciting awards season and a solid run.
"Fela!" captures the jubilant nature of Afrobeat (which combines Afro-Caribbean rhythm, jazz brass, Yoruban chant, and R&B) in a hybrid format that mixes concert, dance, and musical theatre. As the USA Today critic wrote, "Fela! earns its exclamation point, joyfully and relentlessly.”
Some critics found the story-telling somewhat lacking, but as the NY Times noted, the musical "doesn’t so much tell a story, as soak an audience to and through the skin with the musical style and sensibility" of the wildly-talented, extravagant, decadent, and rebellious Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Casting Note: Grammy-winner Patti LaBelle will take over the role of Fela's mother, Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, beginning Sept. 14.
Here's a promotional video that will give you a good sense of production:
May be inappropriate for 12 and under due to strong language and adult subject matter. Children under the age of 4 are not permitted in the theatre.
2010 Tony Awards: Best Choreography, Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Costume Design of a Musical. 2010 Outer Critics Circle Awards: Outstanding Choreographer.
Save Document - This effect is saved as a single HTML document (No support files required!). To view and edit your saved effect, open the document in your browser.
Shinichi from New York , NY Billy Elliot 4 tickets. Saved $130
Robert from Cary, IL Come Fly Away 3 tickets. Saved $156
Frances from Warwick, NY Rock of Ages 2 tickets. Saved $107
Michelle from Elmwood Park, IL In The Heights 5 tickets. Saved $234
