Fela!, Directed and Choreographed by Spring Tony Winner Jones, Opens Sept. 4
By Andrew Gans
04 Sep 2008
 |
 |
Fela! star Sahr Ngaujah
|
| photo by Monique Carboni | Fela!, a new musical based on the life of groundbreaking African composer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti, officially opens at Off-Broadway's 37 Arts Sept. 4. Previews began July 29.
Bill T. Jones, who won a 2007 Tony Award for his Spring Awakening choreography, directs and choreographs the production, which will play a limited engagement through Sept. 21.
Produced by Ruth and Stephen Hendel and Roy Gabay, Fela! features a book by Jones and Jim Lewis and utilizes Kuti's own music performed live by Antibalas and other members of the New York Afrobeat community. Lewis, a Tony nominee for Chronicle of a Death Foretold, has also penned additional lyrics.
The cast includes Sahr Ngaujah as Fela and Abena Koomson as Fela's mother with Anne Andre, Corey Baker, Calvin C. Booker, Lauren Deveaux, Nicole Chantal DeWeever, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Aimee Graham, Talu Green, Karma Mayet Johnson, Ismael Kouyate, Maia McKinney, Marcus Phillips, Daniel Soto, Sparlha Swa, Jill M. Vallery and Iris Wilson.
In Fela!, press notes state, "audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), [the musical] explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician."
The design team comprises scenic and costume designer Marina Draghici, lighting designer Rob Wierzel, sound designer Rob Kaplowitz and projection designer Peter Negrini. Musical director is Aaron Johnson.
Show times are Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 2 and 7 PM. Beginning Sept. 16, show times will be Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM.
37 Arts is located in Manhattan at 450 West 37th Street at Tenth Avenue. Tickets are available by visiting www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling (212) 560-8912.
For more information go to www.FelaOffBroadway.com.
 |
|
Fela! cast members Aimee Graham, Irish Wilson, Marcus Phillips, Corey Baker, Jill M. Vallery, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Daniel Soto, Lauren Deveaux and Maia McKinney.
|
| photo by Monique Carboni |
Contact Us | Advertise | Privacy Policy
Send questions and comments to the Webmaster
Copyright © 2009 Playbill, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|