REVIEW: FELA THE MUSICAL

FELA "THE MUSICAL"



If I could describe it in just word,  I couldn't!  It is everything you would expect from the producers Will and Jada Pinkett, Jay Z and the Hendels.  If you know anything about FELA, or if you know nothing, you will leave this production enlightened! For it is a fully aesthetic learning experience Electrifying!  And the best thing is the fact that is interactive, which kept the audience fully engaged.  You will Dance, you will sing, you will clap, you will repeat sayings in Swahili,  You will be fully immersed in the Nigerian Culture, if only for an evening!  The Shrine will never forever take it's place in history.  Oh, did I mention the Dancers?   You have to give it up for Choreographer Bill T. Jones.

I'd like to know how Sahr Ngaujar who so perfectly depicted  the Nigerian Musical Genius Fela Anikulapo-Kuti came out of nowhere to play this role. His orator, acting, saxophone playing, and dancing skills kept the flow of the musical going seamlessly.  Before you knew it the journey with FELA was over.  Oh, and did I forget to mention the live band that played many of FELA's well known 20 minute anthems while the dancers showcased their finest African dance techniques?  Now with all this being said I cannot go without saying that the costumes were beautifully authentic, and even the light show was daunting.

Big props to the supporting roles, such as Melanie Marshall, who plays Fela's dear mother, from which the story stems from. As well as Paulette Ivory who plays Fela's first love, and boy can this sista blow! Thank You Carlos Moore for writing the book which has now transformed into one the of the greatest musicals I have ever seen.

Okay, I finally have one word to describe this masterpiece of a musical... FIYAAA!!!

YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!

FELA the Musical will continue playing at the Los Angeles Ahmanson Theatre through January 22nd.
You've read the review, now go see it...


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