Photo Coverage: FELA! - Up on the Marquee!

The Broadway run of Fela! this summer at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre (302 West 45th Street) begins previews for its limited four-week run on Monday, July 9, with an official opening set for July 12, and will play through Saturday, August 4, 2012. The marquee is up! See below for a first look.

Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson and The National Theatre of Great Britain present the return of the Broadway and National Theatre of Great Britain production of Fela! Fela! is directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, and music and lyrics by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The scenic design and costumes are by Marina Draghici, the sound design by Robert Kaplowitz. Lighting design is by Robert Wierzel and make-up and hair design is by Cookie Jordan.

Exploring the extravagant world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, the production is directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones, with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. The world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of AaRon Johnson, again perform Kuti’s music live onstage.

Olivier and Tony Award-nominated actor Sahr Ngaujah leads the cast of Fela! He is joined by Melanie Marshall and Paulette Ivory. At certain performances, the title role will be played by Adesola Osakalumi and Duain Martyn.

After this summer’s return to Broadway, Fela! will continue its world tour with stops in Australia, Japan, a return to Africa, a reprise engagement at the Ahmanson in May 2013 followed by the Chekov Festival (Moscow, Russia) in June 2013 and numerous other cities around the world still to be announced.