National Theatre Live Presents FELA!, Broadcast At La Mirada 1/21

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the fourth production of National Theatre Live's second season - broadcast live from London's National Olivier Theatre, the musical sensation and Tony nominee for Best Musical, FELA!. FELA! will be broadcast on FRIDAY, JANUARY 21 at 8pm at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd. in La Mirada.

A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T Jones's 2010 Tony Award-winning choreography, this original new creation comes via Broadway to the National Theatre, where it will be broadcast live from the Olivier Theatre. Sahr Ngaujah (who won an Obie Award for his performance as Fela Kuti) will lead a new cast for the London production, which also includes Paulette Ivory and Melanie Marshall.

FELA! has a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, and music and lyrics by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, with additional lyrics by Jim Lewis and additional music by AaRon Johnson and Jordan McLean. It is based on the life of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. The production is directed and choreographed by Bill T. Jones; the designer is Marina Draghici, with lighting design by Robert Wierzel; sound design by Robert Kaplowitz; projection design by Peter Nigrini; and wig, hair and make-up design by Cookie Jordan. Niegel Smith is associate director; Maija Garcia is associate choreographer.

National Theatre LIVE performances are filmed live in high definition and broadcast via satellite to over 300 cinemas around the world, live in Europe and some US cities, and time-delayed in countries further afield. There are over 75 venues in the UK alongside venues in the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Scandinavia and Europe. The performances at the National are nominated in advance to allow cameras greater freedom in the auditorium.

THE UPCOMING SEASON INCLUDES:

HAMLET January 2, 2011 - 2pm
Shakespeare's HAMLET, directed by Nicholas Hytner, will be broadcast from the National's Olivier Theatre. Following his celebrated performances at the National in Burnt by the Sun, The Revenger's Tragedy, Philistines and The Man of Mode, Rory Kinnear plays Hamlet; the cast also includes Clare Higgins (Gertrude), Patrick Malahide (Claudius), David Calder (Polonius), James Laurenson (Ghost/Player King) and Ruth Negga (Ophelia). Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, sees his father's ghost. Tormented with loathing and consumed by grief, he must avenge his father's murder. What he cannot foresee is the destruction that ensues.

FELA! January 21, 2011 - 8pm
A provocative and wholly unique hybrid of dance, theatre and music, FELA! explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), FELA! reveals Kuti's controversial life as an artist and political activist. Featuring many of Fela Kuti's most captivating songs and Bill T Jones's 2010 Tony Award-winning choreography, this original new creation comes via Broadway to the National Theatre, where it will be broadcast live from the Olivier Theatre. Sahr Ngaujah (who won an Obie Award for his performance as Fela Kuti) will lead a new cast for the London production.

Donmar Warehouse's KING LEAR February 20, 2011 - 2pm
Derek Jacobi plays the title role in the Donmar Warehouse production of Shakespeare's KING LEAR, directed by Michael Grandage, which will be broadcast from the Donmar's home in London's Covent Garden. An ageing monarch. A kingdom divided. A child's love rejected. As Lear's world descends into chaos, all that he once believed is brought into question. One of the greatest works in western literature, KING LEAR explores the very nature of human existence: love and duty, power and loss, good and evil.

FRANKENSTEIN April 3, 2011 - 2pm
Danny Boyle's new production of FRANKENSTEIN, a play by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley, will be broadcast from the National's Olivier Theatre. Contains themes of a sexual and adult nature, including some on-stage nudity.

THE CHERRY ORCHARD July 22, 2011 - 8pm
Anton Chekhov's THE CHERRY ORCHARD will be directed by NT Associate Director Howard Davies, whose recent productions of Russian plays (including Philistines, Burnt by the Sun and The White Guard) have earned huge critical acclaim. Zoë Wanamaker will play Madame Ranevskaya.

Subscriptions to this extraordinary season are still available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801. Single tickets are $20 per show and are available by calling the Box Office at 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or online at www.lamiradatheatre.com.

 

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