Photo Coverage: FELA! Meets the Press
By: Eddie Varley Sep. 28, 2009
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Tony winning director and choreographer Bill T. Jones welcomed the press on Wednesday, September 23 to Theater A at 37 Arts as he introduced his Fela! cast, including stars Sahr Ngaujah, Kevin Mambo, Tony winner Lillias White, and the always stunning Saycon Sengbloh.
The afternoon featured the dynamic music and dancing of this upcoming Broadway musical that gained a powerful following when it played Off-Broadway.
As previously announced, Fela!, the new musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will arrive on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) where performances will commence on Monday, October 19 with an official opening set for Monday, November 23. This new musical is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo will play the title character on alternate performances, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of AaRon Johnson, will again perform Kuti's rousing music live onstage. Winner of this year's Lucille Lortel Award for Best Musical, Fela! was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. Fela! had its world premiere at Off-Broadway's 37 Arts in September 2008, where it enjoyed a sold-out limited run. Tickets for Fela! on Broadway are available through www.Telecharge.com or by calling (212) 239-6200. The Eugene O'Neill Box Office opens Monday, September 28 at 10am.
In this revolutionary new musical, directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones with a book by Jim Lewis, 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), Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones's imaginative staging, Fela! is a provocative hybrid of concert, dance and musical theater.
Fela! will feature a multi-cultural cast led by Sahr Ngaujah (recipient of an Obie Award for his performance in the title role Off-Broadway) and Kevin Mambo (MTC's Ruined), alternating in the role of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Lillias White will play Funmilayo Ransome Kuti (Fela's mother) and Saycon Sengbloh (Hair) plays Sandra, Kuti's love interest. The company also includes Corey Baker, Hettie Barnhill, Nicole Chantal DeWeever, Lauren Deveaux, Elasea Douglas, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Catherine Foster, Talu Green, Shaneeka Harrell, Abena Koomson, Ismael Kouyate, Gelan Lambert, Farai M. Malianga, Shakira Marshall, Afi McClendon, Adesola Osakalumi, Jeffrey Page, Daniel Soto, Jill M. Vallery, J.L. Williams, Iris Wilson, Aimee Graham Wodobode. Scenic and costume design is by Marina Draghici, lighting design is by Rob Wierzel, sound design is by Rob Kaplowitz and projection design is by Peter Nigrini. Musical arrangements and additional music by AaRon Johnson and Jordan McLean, and Jim Lewis provided additional lyrics.
Fela! is produced by Stephen & Ruth Hendel, Roy Gabay, Edward Tyler Nahem, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner and Daryl Roth/True Love Productions.
Fela!, a new musical, based on the life of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will begin performances on October 19 at the Eugene O'NeillTheatre (230 West 49th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue) with an official opening set for Monday, November 23.
FELA! Performance ScheduleOctober 19 - 24: Monday - Saturday at 8pm.
October 26 - November 22: Monday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm.
November 23 - 29: Monday at 6pm (opening night), Tues & Wed at 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 2pm & 7pm. NO performance Thursday, November 26.
Beginning November 31 the performance schedule will be as follows:
Tuesday at 7pm, Wednesday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, Sunday at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets range from $27 - $99 for previews (October 19 - November 21) and $27 - $122 post-opening (prices include a $2 Jujamcyn Theatre facility fee). Tickets can be arranged through www.Telecharge.com or by calling (212). For more information about Fela! please visitwww.FelaOnBroadway.com.
Photos by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.
Afrobeat band Antibalas and Ensemble attending the FELA ! - Rehearsal and Press Preview
Afrobeat band Antibalas and Ensemble
FELA! dancers
Afrobeat band Antibalas and Ensemble
The FELA! dancers delight!
Afrobeat band Antibalas and Ensemble
Sahr Ngaujah and the Ensemble
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