The New York Times reports that Femi Kuti, son of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, saw FELA! while in New York on Sunday. Previously, Kuti would not see the production unless it was brought to Lagos, where his father originally built the nightclub. On Saturday, over a World Cup viewing with FELA! co-conceiver and producer Stephen Hendel, Kuti was promised the show will see a production in Lagos. Said Hendel: "We're going to keep our word."
Kuti was seen at the production singing along quietly, clapping, and moving his feet. During intermission, he said, "It's very emotional. I've been crying. It takes me way back." His feelings were overall positive: "I'm impressed. It's an excellent play."
When asked about the new arrangements of the songs, Kuti replied that "it has to be presented to the American public the American way. The play is fantastic. Americans are seeing the story. Nigerians should be seeing the story, too." At the end of the show, he was embraced by the cast, who sang and cried with Kuti.
FELA!, recipient of three 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Choreography, celebrated its 250th performance on Wednesday, June 30 at 8pm. Produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, this critically acclaimed show based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Kuti, began performances at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) on October 19 and opened to rave reviews on November 23. Tickets for Fela! on Broadway are available through www.Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office.
Fela!, the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation, is a triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, featuring Kuti's captivating music and the visionary direction and choreography of Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones. Inspired by his mother, a civil rights champion, Kuti defied a corrupt and oppressive military government and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom and human dignity.
Fela! is produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Douglas G. Smith, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Susan Dietz/Mort Swinsky and Knitting Factory Entertainment. In association with Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson.
FELA! Performance Schedule
Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday at 2pm & 8pm, Thursday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 3pm (NOTE: Performance on Sunday, July 4 is at 2pm). Tickets range from $27 - $127 (prices include a $2 Jujamcyn Theatre facility fee) and can be purchased online at www.Telecharge.com, by phone (212) 239-6200 or in-person at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office, located at 230 West 49th Street. For more info visit www.felaonbroadway.com.
