After an acclaimed run Off-Broadway in 2008, Fela! began previews on Broadway Oct. 19, 2009. On closing night, the musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer Fela Anikulapo Kuti starred Kevin Mambo in the title role with Grammy winner Patti LaBelle.
Here is a look at the final curtain call and party:
Patti LaBelle, Sahr Ngaujah and company
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
The cast of Fela!
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
The cast of Fela!
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo and Sahr Ngaujah
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Saycon Sengbloh, Kevin Mambo, Sahr Ngaujah and Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo and Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Lillias White and Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo and Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Saycon Sengbloh
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Kevin Mambo
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Sahr Ngaujah
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Patti LaBelle
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Sarah Dash
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Sahr Ngaujah
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Adesola Osakalumi
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Justin Prescott
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Spike Lee and Gelan Lambert
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Manu Narayan
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Spike Lee
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Ismael Kouyatè
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Iris Wilson
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Lillias White
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Chanon Judson
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Maija Garcia
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Sandra Izsadore
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Bill T. Jones
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
In Fela!, according to production notes, "audiences were 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] explored Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician."
