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 Aa
Ron 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.
