NewsPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: A Two-Show Day With Saycon Sengbloh of Fela!Ever wonder about the routine of a Broadway actor on one of those grueling two-performance days? Saycon Sengbloh, who plays the pivotal role of Sandra Izsadore in Fela!, offers Playbill.com readers an exclusive look at a recent day at the theatre.
By
Matthew Blank
December 02, 2010
Armed with a digital camera, Sengbloh, who plays one of Fela Kuti's "queens," snapped everything from pre-performance rituals to between-show errands to after-show wind-down.
Here is a two-show day at Fela! with Saycon Sengbloh:
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A Two-Show Day With Saycon Sengbloh of Fela!
A Two-Show Day With Saycon Sengbloh of Fela!
Saycon Sengbloh, who plays the pivotal role of Sandra Izsadore in the Broadway production of Fela!, offers Playbill.com readers an exclusive look at a recent two-show day, from morning preparations to post-show drinks. Read the Playbill.com story.
35 PHOTOS
First show of the day. I just got my wig on for the matinee now its time to paint my face!
Saycon Sengbloh
I gotta make my circles and dots to wear for the opening number!
Saycon Sengbloh
Once my dots are done, I do the opening number and come back to the dressing room to wipe my face and simplify my makeup for my next scene.
Saycon Sengbloh
Back to my dressing room, which I like to call the "Presidential Suite." Note the tiny photo of President Obama above my name!
Saycon Sengbloh
Mindy my dresser is mending Patti LaBelle's "Gele," also known as headwrap! She will wear this in the second act. OMG Patti!
Mary from Sound has come to "blow my microphone" with her pressurized can of air! Is that my cowery-shell bra hanging on the chair?
Saycon Sengbloh
Before I go out onstage Mary's gotta blow the microphone piece nice and clear!
Saycon Sengbloh
I try to do some sit-ups and crunches before my big entrance, "Lover." Dear God, can I have a six-pack when I grow up?
Saycon Sengbloh
All alone in the dressing room, everyone's onstage except me!
Saycon Sengbloh
This dressing room is the best, with all the bright lights. I come to pay Oneika Phillips a visit.
Saycon Sengbloh
During the second act, Oneika and I marvel over Patti LaBelle's photo. We love Patti! Patti! Patti! Patti!
Saycon Sengbloh
Our doorman Dimitri greets me before I venture out to find food and do some Christmas shopping before our evening performance. He says, "No Saycon, you did not get a package."
Saycon Sengbloh
I'm hungry after that matinee but I've gotta start my holiday shopping. I think I may just eat this Christmas tree!
Saycon Sengbloh
Before the second show, I grab a festive holiday-flavored coffee drink with sprinkles and whipped cream and the evening paper. I like to read in between scenes!
Saycon Sengbloh
Abena Koomson's got the right idea, ordering food delivery to the stage door.
Saycon Sengbloh
Talu prepares his drum for the stage. Tightening the strings to make sure its just right!
Saycon Sengbloh
I decided to pay Patti LaBelle a visit before the evening show begins.
Saycon Sengbloh
Patti always smells nice! She sprays her fragrance several times a day!
Saycon Sengbloh
Air kisses, honey! "Diva" to "mini-diva" style!
Saycon Sengbloh
Time for show No. 2! Most of our show is performed barefoot, so foot care is imperative. Some of us tape our feet or wear gear to protect the feet from the floor. Justin Prescott and Hettie Vyrine Barnhill are getting ready!
Saycon Sengbloh
Shaneeka Harrell's got her makeup dots on, too, and tons of bracelets — so she's ready to go. Our costumes are pretty bare and it's cold in the theatre. We're wearing our robes to keep our bodies warm before the show.
Saycon Sengbloh
The production stage manager Linda Marvel stops for a moment at intermission to pose for the camera!
Saycon Sengbloh
We gotta get to "places" on time for the second act.
Saycon Sengbloh
Hettie, one of Fela's "Queens," sneaks in a five-minute power nap on the floor next to the bandstand. Shhh — do not disturb!
Saycon Sengbloh
After the second show, we're ready to get out into the night air!
Saycon Sengbloh
Elasea Douglas and I take a moment under the Fela! marquee!
Saycon Sengbloh
Were jumping for joy, because we love our show and we have a day off tomorrow!
Saycon Sengbloh
I met my sweetheart, Danny, after the show.
Saycon Sengbloh
Danny decides to recreate the back bend on the poster outside the theatre.
Saycon Sengbloh
Danny gazes deeply into my eyes and says, "Honey, which train should we take tonight, the A or the Q?"
Saycon Sengbloh
Jeffrey Page has just arrived at our favorite post-show hang out spot. We all go there after a long day to unwind.
Saycon Sengbloh
Nicole Chantal de Weever and Talu Green say "Yeah, Yeah!" in the restaurant next door after our Sunday night show.
Saycon Sengbloh
I'm gonna have a chat with the guys from our band! There's nothing like an ice cold drink after the last show of the week.
Saycon Sengbloh
Hey, its Kevin Mambo! He's Fela! You'll see him on stage non-stop, but he stops by to have a bite to eat.
Saycon Sengbloh
The end of a long week. Danny and I try to catch a nap on the subway train home to Brooklyn.
Atlanta native Sengbloh has previously appeared on Broadway in the recent revival of Hair, The Color Purple and as the title character in Aida. She served as the Elphaba standby in Broadway's production of Wicked and was the first African-American woman to perform the role. Her album, "Southern Pin-Up," is available on CD and for download at CDbaby.com and on iTunes. Visit www.sayconsengbloh.com.
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In Fela!, according to production notes, "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."
Fela! won three 2010 Tony Awards: Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design and Best Choreography.
