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FELA! OPENING NIGHT
By Wilson Morales
Novemer 23, 2009
Last night, a star-studded crowded came out for the opening night of 'Fela!, which is playing on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street).
Among the celebrities in attendance were Filmmakers Lee Daniels and Spike Lee, Harry Belafonter, Jeffrey Wright, Danai Gurira, Billy Porter, Judith Jamison., Chestor Gregory, Bobby Canavale, Gayle King, Lou Reed, Jimmy Fallon, Ben Stiller, dancer Maija Garcia, Tamara Tunie, Sandra Isidore, recording artist BaJab and the Dry Eye Crew and executive Producer Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter.
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones, the musical is based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Set in the Shrine on the eve of Fela’s planned departure from Nigeria, months after a violent government raid on his compound that left many of his followers wounded and his beloved mother dead, the production shifts between past and present.
Shawn Carter (Jay-Z) and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith are executive producers on the show.
Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo will play the title character on alternate performances. Also part of the cast are Tony-Award winner Lillias White as his mother and Saycon Sengbloh as one of Fela's many wives.
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