Bill T. Jones' Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Fela! is closing in January but going out with a bang. Patti LaBelle will join the cast on September 14 as the title character's mother, Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti.
"After seeing the show, I was struck by the choreography and work of Bill T. Jones, and the passion and joy that overflows from the stage," Ms. LaBelle tells Playbill. "Fela’s mother, Funmilayo, was a strong, truly inspiring woman, and I am so privileged to be able to pay tribute to her on the Broadway stage."
In June, Bill T. Jones won his second Tony for Fela! The iconic choreographer
is the co-creator, director and choreographer of the musical based on
the life of Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, known for creating pioneering Afrobeat rhythms. Fela! was nominated for 11 Tonys and won for Best Choreography, Costume Design and Sound Design. This fall, Fela! is scheduled to be produced in Lagos and London.
Get your tickets now. The children will turn out for Ms. Patti. Watch some of the music and Jones discuss Fela! WHEN YOU JUMP ....
Go Patti!!
Posted by: Cedric | 13 August 2010 at 12:06
I predict lines AROUND THE BLOCK for Patti in Fela!
Posted by: Reggieh | 13 August 2010 at 16:02
Y E S !!
Posted by: Demetrius Bagley | 13 August 2010 at 21:30
I hope they have big aisles at this theatre because I plan on walking them!!!!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 14 August 2010 at 07:31
TOTAL OVAHNESS!
Posted by: MRCHOCOLATE615 | 14 August 2010 at 09:58