Multi-Grammy Award-winner and international recording superstar Patti LaBelle opened in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fela! last night, September 14. LaBelle will perform in Fela! through its scheduled closing on January 2, 2011. BroadwayWorld was on hand for LaBelle's opening night curtain call and after party and brings you photo coverage below!
Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith present Fela!, the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms ignited a generation. Fela! 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. Tickets for Fela! on Broadway are available through www.Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or in-person at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office, located at 230 West 49th Street.
"I am both thrilled and honored to be joining the cast of Fela! on Broadway. After seeing the show, I was struck by the choreography and work of Bill T. Jones, and the passion and joy that overflows from the stage. Fela's mother, Funmilayo, was a strong, truly inspiring woman and I am so privileged to be able to pay tribute to her on the Broadway stage," says LaBelle.
For more information on Fela!, visit www.felaonbroadway.com.
Photo Credit: Monica Simoes
Saycon Sengbloh
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Saycon Sengbloh, Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelleSahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Lynn Whitfield
Nicole Chantal De Weever
Saycon Sengbloh & Daniel Soto
Iris Wilson
Saycon Sengbloh, Shakira Marshall,Oneika Phillips & Shaneeka Harrell
Daniel Soto
Iris Wilson, Lauren De Veaux & Rujeko Dumbutshena
Gelan Lambert
Saycon Sengbloh & Lynn Whitfield
Oneika Phillips, Ismael Kouyaté & Elesea Douglas
Saycon Sengbloh
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah & Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
Sahr Ngaujah, Patti LaBelle & Kevin Mambo
Sahr Ngaujah, Patti LaBelle & Kevin Mambo
