Book by Jim Lewis, Stephen Hendel
Directed and Choreographed by Bill T. Jones
Synopsis:
In this new musical, 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.
NEW YORK TIMES:
"That the beat goes on, insistently and persuasively, makes “Fela!” nigh impossible to resist. If you set aside your basic nervous and circulatory systems, though, you might observe that by the standards of the well-made musical, “Fela!” leaves a lot to be desired. "
Read the whole review HERE.
NEW YORK POST:
"DON'T expect to sit on your butt or your hands at "Fela!" This rousing new bio-musical - full of the pulsating, rhythmic Afrobeat music for which its subject was famous - threatens to tear the roof off the intimate confines of the 37 Arts. "
Read the whole review HERE.
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS:
"You're heard of the Disco Inferno. Well, "Fela!" is the Afrobeat Volcano. It erupts with music, movement and multimedia visuals. Rousing and unruly, like its real-life hero, it's one of the most exciting shows to come along since "Spring Awakening." "
Read the whole review HERE.
THEATERMANIA:
"The main reason to see Fela!, the bio-musical about Nigerian activist, composer, and performer Fela Anikulapo Kuti currently at 37 Arts, is the exuberant choreography by director/choreographer Bill T. Jones, beautifully danced by a hard-working ensemble. "
Read the whole review HERE.
VARIETY:
"What it lacks in structure and concision "Fela!" makes up for in heat, energy and sensuality. Like last season's "Passing Strange" and this summer's "Hair" revival, this dance-intensive bio-portrait aims to be less traditional musical theater than cathartic experience, lacing its communicative passion with infectious euphoria, rebellious anger and heartfelt despair. "
Read the whole review HERE.
NEW YORK SUN:
"But while the book by Mr. Jones and Jim Lewis has its share of lumps, the telling goes down remarkably smoothly, thanks to the Brooklyn-based Afrobeat ensemble Antibalas and, in a star-making performance, the hypnotic Sahr Ngaujah. "
Read the whole review HERE.
AM NY:
"The resulting creation, which resembles an elaborate college thesis paper, is likely to please only those who already appreciate Fela's personality. But given the intense inspiration and commitment that runs through the show, we'd really like to see "Fela!" get fixed up. "
Read the whole review HERE.
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