Fela Kuti Book Author Sues Broadway Production

According to the Associated Press, Charles Moore, author of a book about Fela Kuti, has filed suit against the producers of the Broadway musical Fela!. As presented to federal court in Manhattan today, November 8, Moore claims that producers of the show 'stole his work', and wants performances of the show to stop. Moore, who reportedly declined an offer of $4,000 in 2007 from the show's producers, is seeking at least $5 million.

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Fela! will celebrate its 400th performance on Tuesday, November 8 @ 7pm. This follows the November 6 kick-off of the limited run of Fela! at London's Royal National Theatre. Produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, this critically acclaimed show now starring Patti LaBelle is based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Kuti. Fela! began performances at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) on October 19 of 2009 and opened to rave reviews on November 23, 2009. The final performance will be January 2, 2011. Tickets for Fela! on Broadway are available through www.Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office.

While the Broadway production of Fela! continues its run at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre, The Royal National Theatre in London will simultaneously present a limited run of the show - in repertory with HamletFela! is currently being booked by Margaret Selby of CAMI Spectrum and Gary McAvay of CAMI Theatricals. Dates to be announced shortly. - which began performances on November 6. This marks the first time ever that the National Theatre has produced a show that's simultaneously running on Broadway. An international tour of

Fela! is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Kevin Mambo (Emmy Award-winning star of "Guiding Light" and "One Life to Live") plays the title character at alternate performances, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of AaRon Johnson, perform Kuti's rousing music live onstage. Fela! was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel.

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.

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 present Fela!, a new musical, based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue).