Not really sure how a normal blog would start when the writer might be considered a critic to some and a student to others. As far as the introduction goes, this blog is dedicated to some suprising and extravagant criticizement on one of the most mind blowing musicals I've ever attended. If you haven't figured it out by now, I am in fact talking about Fela! The Musical which is now on Broadway.
Taking place at the shrine in Lagos Nigeria, people come to see the crazy musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti play for the FINAL time since he feels as though he can do bigger and better things in New York where the jazz music was booming and lighting up the streets during the time. For people that have absoleutely no idea WHO Fela is or WHAT he is about, this is no problem. The Eugene O' Neil Theatre has been professionally Designed and Refurvished to completely give the Stage, People, Dancers, and of course YOU a totally different feel of ambience of a really hip and active nightclub. Once you enter the theatre, you are no longer who you were before attending this show. Critics such as Associated Press says "Riveting, Surreal, Hip Outstandingly Sensuous". Time out of NY gave it 5 stars! "An Ecstatic Phenomenon" Ben Brantley says "There has never been anything like this on Broadway".
So What is it exactly that makes this musical so famous? so exciting? so....GOOD?
well, for the people that know who fela is, they will aslo know how great his music is. Afrobeat, following the same compostion as jazz with a mix of african drums and chants, and a horn section as good as it gets, the music will give off the energy to everyone sitting down and pick them right up to dance. Robert Kaplowitz does a sensational job as the sound designer to really get music fans right off their chairs. Following the great scenery and the music is the ENERGY that everyone on stage brings. the voices of all the singers are heart hitting really expressing the emotion that follows the dance or role that they play. Moments as overwhelming as the prescence of funmilayo (Fela's Mother) shows everyone what a serious person Fela was as to doing what he has to do as strongly as he should.
The most important part to me, was the chant that he sings during the end of the first and last act. This chant not only showed how strongly he hated the way the government was ran but how badly he wanted to fix it (Keri ke keri ke keri gee ke ke). During this chant all of the dancers are shouting, the drum is beating, and the anger from fela is felt through every single person hearing the chant. This chant shows how loudly and proudly he fought towards fixing nigeria and helping all of its people across the land.
As a Producer, I guess I really must say that I was really interested in seeing what type of fight he led through during the 70's when he was in a different band before becoming who he is now. However since the musical shows more of who he was after, it goes on to show you what he fought for, how he lived, what type of person he was (funny, amazing, smart, and a good idol). The musical as is is such a fantastic experience and YES I as well as many others do advise critically to any readers of this blog to go see this show IMMEDIATELY or ASAP!
Fela is now showing in the Eugene O' Neill Theatre!
230 west 49th street south side of 49th street between broadway and eighth avenue
Tuesday-Sunday
Tickets may vary upon # of people or where you sit
Have fun and Enjoy the Show!
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