Strap on your seat belt, baby, and join the fun and dance at Olney Theatre Center with the best of 'em at Fela! the new stage show which will leave you breathless…and maybe several pounds lighter.
And the run is extended through August 20!
Co-produced with Round House Theatre, it's the first regional production, the first professional production anywhere in the world since Fela!'s national tour more than ten years ago.
It's an electric production of fast happenins with African music and gorgeous costumes, right from 1970s Nigeria, where Fela Anikulapo-Kuti (1938-1997) grew up to native sounds which he sculpted into his own music, a mix of Afrobeat with James Brown and some western instruments thrown in.
Don't be fooled at the beginning by the lazy spin of the ceiling fans as band members take their seats: They don't match the lightning speed of this show within a show!
Ten musicians (under the strong arm of pianist S. Renee Clark) play on stage with a colorful backdrop which scenic designer Arnel Sancianco has realistically modeled after Fela's real club, Lagos's Afrika Shrine. Here Fela's life unfolds in jukebox style in oranges, yellows, warm and bright pigments of the sun.
Director Lili-Anne Brown brings a huge, happy cast to the stage to sing and dance Fela's life wearing different African designs in splashing colors (by Rueben D. Echoles).
Fela Kuti was more than just a composer and sax player: He was also a poet, composer, band leader and activist who used his voice and music to assail Nigeria's oppressive regime which came looking to silence his message, kill his mother and commit other atrocities.
Leading the way for his followers is Duain Richmond, a Broadway star who takes hold of Fela with seeming ease which is no surprise after starring in the New York show and on national tour.
Richmond is an energetic saxophonist who plays his instrument often and astonishingly, in-between songs and stunning dance routines (by Breon Arzell).
But it’s Fela's mother, Funmilayo (Melody A. Betts) in an angelic appearance dressed from head to toe in white, who captures every scene when she utters a song's note, in a beautiful soprano voice bringing whoops and shouts from the audience in enthusiastic approval. Her too few duets with Richmond were the best vocals of the night.
Not to forget about all the other women in his life (and there were a few), some who line up with 'tude to stand by their man, the women dressed in colorful apparel of the day with striking headgear to match.
Despite tragedy, theatregoers leave with an an uplifting message that
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -That perches in the soul -And sings the tune without the words -And never stops - at all -*
As long as people use their voices, speak up, sing, and write, change will happen!
Fela! was nominated for 11 Tonys in 2010 and won for best choreography, costumes, and sound. The show was nominated for a Grammy in 2011.
Other cast members are:Malachi Alexander, Bryan Archibald, Terrence Bennett, Simone Brown, Patrick Leonardo Casimir, Shantel Cribbs, Jyreika Guest (also, intimacy consultant), Bryan Jeffrey, Raquel Jennings, and Emmanuel Kikoni (dance captain).
Also, Amadou Kouyate, Raven Lorraine, Vaugh Ryan Midder, Yewande Odetoyinbo, Nova Y. Payton, Jantanies Thomas, Galen J. Williams, Jalisa Williams, Kanysa Williams, Shawna Williams
Creative team members include Sherrice Mojgani, lighting; Kelly Colburn, projections; Matt Rowe, sound; Kim James Bey, dialects; and Jamie Berry, production stage manager.
Book: Bill T. Jones and Jim Lewis
Lyrics and music: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti
Related community events:
Fashion show and trunk sale, Sat., July 22, 4:00 p.m. free. Olney's first fashion show featuring designs by the works of local Nigerian creator Busayo Salahdeen, director of Bibiré International.
The movie, Finding Fela, Tues. July 25, 6:45 p.m., AFI Silver Screen 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910, $8 - $13.
How to dance Afrobeat, Sun., July 30, 6:30 p.m., Omi’s Pavilion at Olney, $10.
Viva Africa! Community Night at Olney Theatre, Thurs., AG 3, 6:00 p.m. $45
Aug. 10. 8 p.m., a sign-interpreted performance. Contact Weldon Brown, Director of Sales and Audience Experience (wbrown@olneytheatre.org) to confirm.
What: Fela!
When: Now through August 20, 2023, Wednesday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Where: Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.
Tickets: Start at $47. Sit side stage, cabaret-style for $100!
Ages: For mostly all ages
Rating: (Mostly) G
Masks: None required.
Refreshments available which may not be taken to seats.
Parking: Free, lighted and plentiful on-site
Duration: About 2.5 hours with one intermission
Printed programs? Yes! Thank you, Olney and Round House!
For more information: 301-924-3400 for the box office or 301-924-4485
patricialesli@gmail.com
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