Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label theatre. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Olney's 'Soprano' is a scream!


Carolann M. Sanita and Tom Patterson in Lend Me A Soprano at Olney Theatre Center/Teresa Castracane 

It's that good, that charming, that delightful! 

As my friend Sheila says:  "I don't want 'preachy' at the theater; just give me fun."  This, Sheila, is fun. 

From left, Rachel Felstein and Carolann M. Sanita in Lend Me A Soprano at Olney Theatre Center/Teresa Castracane 

Upon my arrival at the Olney Theatre Center and from the moment I spied the luxurious set, I was happy to have a few moments to sit and swoon a bit with no action on the stage, enthralled by the opulence, the exaggeration, to admire and take it all in, and catch my breath. 

A set which was fit for royalty with the chair rail, the arched doorways, chandeliers, the French provincial look of gay Paree, the view outside the windows, and the vases (pronounced vaaa-sis, darhling) overflowing with flowers, a heavenly contrast for my eyes fixated on the gray drabness of winter on my way to the Olney, awaiting spring and here it was!

"The rich are different from you and me." 

Say it again, Scott, but enough about Andrew Cohen's set, already!

From left, Tina Stafford, Rachel Felstein, Dylan Arredondo, and Carolann M. Sanita in Lend Me A Soprano at Olney Theatre Center/Teresa Castracane 

I loved, loved, loved Lend Me A Soprano! Hilarious and with the acting, the costumes, the plot, combined, it's absolutely smashing. 

Hometown playwright Ken Ludwig has done it again, written another fantastic play, this farce based on his successful Lend Me A Tenor, which won two of nine or ten Tony Award nominations (depending upon which Wikipedia site you read), and opening in London in 1986 three years before it reached Broadway. 

Tenor has been translated into 16 languages and has run in 25 countries, and it's not necessary to know a Tenor to enjoy a Soprano.

Soprano is a delightful escape with Shakespeare thrown in (both playwright and director are Shakespeare scholars, but don't let that keep you away), mistaken identities, doors opening, closing, mismatched persons, and the list goes on.  (Shakespeare knowledge is not required for pure enjoyment.)

Lucille Wylie (Tina Stafford), is a strong, domineering woman who's also the Cleveland Grand Opera's manager and absolutely beside herself with worry that the diva hired to sing the title role in Carmen for a "one night stand" will not show up. 

The time is 1934.  

Suddenly, there's commotion and ... boom!  

Enter, please, the diva Elena (Carolyann M. Sanita) and her perfectly stereotypical husband, Pasquale (Dylan Arrendondo), a big, robust fellow with a voice to match. 

Like the fiery Italians they are with passions inflamed, their ardor knows no bounds, and they continue their argument upon landing, surprise!

Elena becomes "incapacitated," unable to perform, and who's this?

Jo (Rachel Felstein) is Mrs. Wylie's assistant, an "understudy" who comes to the rescue and away we go.

Not only are we treated to hysterics, but beautiful singing, including duets by Ms. Felstein and Ms. Sanita (and how I wished for more! Musical direction is by Christopher Youstra).

In and out of bed(s) and couches they roll and one of the most hilarious characters is "Leo" (Tom Patterson), who struts his talents (in several ways), gathering more likes with every appearance as his apparel takes off (?). 

He is Jo's boyfriend, but wait, that is Jerry (skillfully acted by understudy Ben Topa when I saw Soprano), so maybe Leo belongs to Elena when her husband is "away"?

Sweet "Julia" (Donna Migliaccio) is the opera guild president, who makes a late arrival on set to temper things, dressed in a beautiful gown with a crown on top, reminiscent of New York's Chrysler Building.

Meanwhile, the impish, mischievous bellhop (Natalya Lynette Rathnam) pops in every so often, producing more audience laughter whenever she's on stage.

Soprano debuted worldwide in Houston in 2022 with the same Olney director, Eleanor Holdridge, and aren't we lucky to have her experience? ("Practice makes perfect"! She's also "local," chair of the Catholic University's drama department.)

Chandelier lights (by Alberto Segarra) dim and glow, depending upon who is where.  And the costumes!  Oh, la, la!  Sarah Cubbage has made them more than adequate for a Met gala, gowns, resplendent in exquisite designs. Larry Peterson was wig designer. 

Other members of the creative team are Ashara Crutchfield, assistant director; Matt Rowe, sound designer, and Ben Walsh, stage manager.  

Also, Robb Hunter, fight choreographer; Helen Aberger, intimacy choreographer; Melissa Flaim, dialect consultant; and Tori Niemiec, assistant costume designer.

At the end, Mr. Topa received special recognition from the cast while the rest of us wildly applauded the entire cast and team for a  marvelous show.    

What: Lend Me A Soprano

When: Now through Mar.10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m.

Where: Main Stage, Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.

Tickets: Start at $40 with discounts for seniors, students, military, and groups.

Ages: PG-13 

Refreshments available.

Parking: Free, lighted and plentiful on-site

Duration: About two hours with one 15-minute intermission

For more information: 301-924-3400 for the box office or 301-924-4485


patricialesli@gmail.com




Tuesday, December 5, 2023

A play for all seasons: Folger's 'Winter's Tale'


Hermione (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) and Polixenes (Drew Kopas) talk stayovers in Folger Theatre's The Winter TaleBrittany Diliberto, photo


Shakespeare is alive and well at the newly renovated Folger Theatre, inaugurated by one of the master's so-called "problem plays," simply defined as a mixture of drama and comedy, a "tragicomedy," the latter scattered throughout The Winter's Tale.

Sex, murder, and (surprise!) a love triangle  take center stage as the jealous King Leontes (Hadi Tabbal) falsely accuses his wife, the pregnant Hermione (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) of infidelity with his best friend, Polixenes (Drew Kopas), king of Bohemia.

King Leontes sends his wife to prison for her supposed infidelity where she dies after giving birth to Perdita. 

Grief stricken over the death of his mother causes Leontes and Hermione's beloved son, Mamillius (Richard Bradford and/or Clarence Michael Payneto fall ill and die, one of the play's tragedies.

But back to the baby whom King Leontes proceeds to exile in what turns out to be, yep, Bohemia, where she is raised by shepherds for sixteen years and falls in love with the son of Leontes's friend, who is - surprise!- Polixenes.  

When Perdita (Kayleandra White) returns home, a statue of Hermione miraculously "comes to life," and everyone is reconciled for another of the master's happy endings. (Shakespeare has a way of tying all the loose ends together for what is a story with a happy ending in the middle? Not a good one!)

When Hermione's friend, Paulina (Kate Eastwood Norris) tries to persuade the king of his irrationality, one wishes that Pauline's words prevailed in today's political discourse: 

The silence often of pure innocence

Persuades when speaking fails.
his stay in Sicilia.
King Leontes (Hadi Tabbel) talks evil with Camillo (Cody Nickell) in Folger Theatre's The Winter TaleBrittany Diliberto, photohis st


The powerful performance of Hadi Tabbal as King Leontes is dramatic with delivery and actions which easily command every scene he's in, as it should be. 

At the end when all the living players are united, and Hermione comes alive from her statuesque position to enchant her husband all over again, there is much rejoicing and good cheer. 

Shakespeare even tries to assuage Paulina's sorrow over the death of her husband, Antigonus (Stephen Patrick Martin), who has been killed by a bear while sleeping on the Bohemian beach to protect the infant, by marrying Camillo (Cody Nickell). (You have to be there.)

(One of the marvels of the show was Crowe-Legacy's ability to stand silently without movement for several minutes like the statue she was, and my proximity to the stage allowed me to view her closely.) 

The Winter's Tale is one for all seasons for it kept me going all night without my breaking into slumber which usually is my condition around the second act.

Raul Abrego, Jr.'s minimalist scenic design detracts none from the action and dialogue, often seized by the whimsy of Autolycus (Reza Salazar) who periodically shows off his shiny new bicycle with a radio to streak across the stage and into the background (with sound).

Costume designer Sarah Cubbage mixes up the old with the new which fits Autolycus's antics just fine.


All's well that ends well which it does here for we like happy endings, especially at this time of year! Thank you, Folger and Shakespeare.

Other cast members are Nicholas Gerwitz, Jonathan Del Palmer, and Sabrina Lynne Sawyer.

 

The creative team included Tamilla Woodard, director;  Chelsea Dean, propertiesMax Doolittle, lighting; Matthew M. Nielson, sound and composer.


Also, Kaja Dunn, intimacy; Joya Powell, choreographer; LaShawn Melton, hair and wigs; Michele Osherow, dramaturg; Lisa Nathans, vocal coach; Leigh Robinette and Taylor Kiechlin, production stage managers; Kacie Pimentel, assistant stage manager; Shana Laski, assistant director; and Tara-Whitney Rison, assistant to the director.

Folger's Winter's Tale is one of 12 different Shakespeare productions in the District's  Shakespeare Everywhere Festival, some performed through the end of the year.

(It always benefits me to read a summary of the play before I see it, rather like reading up on a country's history and culture before I visit it.)  

WhatThe Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare

When: Now through Dec.17, 2023


Where:
 Folger Theatre, 201 East Capitol Street, SE, Washington, D.C. 20003

TicketsBuy online, by phone (202-544-7077), or at the box office.


Metro station: Capitol South or Union Station

For more information: 202-544-4600 or info@folger.edu

Duration:  2.5 hours with one 15-minute intermission


patricialesli@gmail.com



Saturday, November 4, 2023

Alexandria's 'Young Frankenstein,' the hit of the season!

 


Dr. "Fronkensteen" (Noah Mutterperl) and Inga (Claire Jeffrey) take a buggy ride in Young Frankenstein at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matt Liptak

Attention, theater lovers and others: rush, do not tarry, but go straight to the Little Theatre of Alexandria‘s website for tickets for Young Frankenstein, if there are any tickets left. You can send me thanks later.

It's a hoot!

A delight!

Lots of fun throughout the night! 


Love makes the hair of Elizabeth (Liz Colandene) stand on end when she mixes it up with the Monster (Joshua Nettinga) in Young Frankenstein at Little Theatre of Alexandria/Photo by Matt Liptak




Although billed as an adult comedy, the matters at hand go by so swiftly, youngsters of all ages will enjoy the music, the action, the costumes without getting too caught up in the fast-paced adult themes.

It's the work, music and lyrics of Mel Brooks (still kickin') just so you know you're in for a good time.

The story centers on the inheritance of a spooky castle in Transylvania by Frederick Frankenstein (Noah Mutterperl), the grandson of the celebrated monster scientist of the same last name (Joshua Nettinga).

Frederick (who insists on being called Dr. "Fronkensteen" to separate himself as much as possible from his famous ancestor), needs to sell his new castle quickly so he can return home to the arms of his fiancee, the gifted (in real life) singer, Elizabeth (Liz Colandene).

Off he ventures to see his grandfather's castle and find out just what his grandfather did.

Along the way he meets a humpback, Igor (Joshua Redford) and a lab assistant, Inga (Claire Jeffrey), no relation (we don't think) a young lass who yodels and whose presence, alas, takes Dr. Fronkensteen's mind from Elizabeth as much as he tries to keep the faithful.

Together they all recreate his grandfather's monster who comes alive, escapes into the town and later meets up with Elizabeth who has suddenly arrived in town to find her fiance mixing it up with Inga. 

Alass!


Meanwhile, the townspeople are going  mad.

That Redford was able to maintain his stooped back and moving hump through the show is a marvel. Inga's playful innocence and gestures are perfect for the role and hear! hear! to those ninnying horses who don't care too much for she "vas his girlfriend," the grandfather's totally serious amour 
(Judy Lewis) who was able to make the good doctor rise from the dead.

Nettinga's stalk and enormous height with his makeup (by Natalie Turkevich) match all the visuals you may have mentally stored for decades.

The rich sounds of music from the hidden 10-member orchestra under the direction of Francine Krasowska and Christopher A. Tomasino make the show all the more enjoyable.

There's lots more to make the evening one of solid entertainment.

Give me laughs!

Make me smile and let's talk about the show to all who'll lend me an ear!

Other cast members are: James Maxted (the Hermit), Brian Ash (the Inspector), and ensemble members,
Daria Butler, Emily Carbone, Andrew Edwards, Louis, Eggleston, Odette Gutierrez del Arroyo, Patrick Kearney, Evie Korovesis (also dance captain), Luke Martin, James Nugent, and Lourdes Turnblom.

Congratulations to director Frank D. Shutts II who has outdone himself!

Additional crew members are Sherry Clark and Rob Cork, stage managers; Robert S. Barr, Jr., set design; Mike Taister, set decoration; Donna Reynolds, properties; Ken and Patti Crowley, lighting and special effects; Allan Wray, sound; Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley, costumes; Robert Worthington, wardrobe coordinator; Kadira, Coley, hair and wigs; and Kathy Murphy, set painting and design.
 

Music and lyrics by Mel Brooks who co-wrote the book with Thomas Meehan.
Rachel Alberts and Russell M. Wyland, producers. Stefan Sittig, choreographer

When: Now through Nov. 11, 2023, Wednesday - Saturday nights, 8 p.m.

Where: Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St., Alexandria, VA 22314

Tickets:
$29 (Wed.- Fri.), $37 (Sat.). Prices includes fees.

Audience: General

Duration: About 2 hours with one 15 minute intermission

Public transportation: Check the Metro and Dash bus websites. Dash is free to ride and has routes which are close to LTA.

Parking: is free on streets and at Capital One Bank at Wilkes and Washington streets, a block away. Paid parking is available at nearby garages.


For more information: 
 Box Office: 703-683-0496; Main Office, 703-683-5778 or boxoffice@thelittletheatre.com.


patricialesli@gmail.com



Friday, October 27, 2023

Vienna's charming 'Golden Pond'

 

Carolyn Corsano Wong is Ethel, Michael Mehaffey is Norman, and Matteo Hope (on floor) is Billy in Vienna Theatre Company's On Golden Pond/Shayne Gardner, photo

Norman is a grumpy old man. He’s nearing the end of his life, almost 80, and what’s it worth anyway? Life is no fun.

He’s fortunate to have a cheering, enthusiastic wife, Ethel, who’s always helping and encouraging him to look on the bright side of things, why doncha for a change?

After all, here they are again at their lovely summer home in Maine with outdoor scenery to match what surely must be heaven with tall, sweeping pines to reach the clouds, trees which edge the shoreline of the lake whose water movements do seem to wave every now and then (in a set design by Vincent Worthington).

The scene offers beauty and serenity as peaceful as anyone can imagine (to contrast with friction between dad and child soon to screen).

This environment is all part of On Golden Pond presented by the Vienna Theatre Company at the Vienna Community Center, the play certain to remind those of a certain age of the 1981 movie by the same name which followed the play and starred Jane Fonda with her father, Henry Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn, the daughter and father experiencing their own interpersonal struggles in real life.

At the show, nothing seems to be working right now for Norman (Michael Mehaffey), not even that confounded screened door, constantly falling off its hinges, much like Norman himself.

"We're not getting any younger, Ethel!"

Hold it!

Well here comes their daughter, Chelsea (Deena Walter) stopping by to wish her old man a happy birthday, accompanied by her fiancƩ, Bill (Will Jarred) who's towing his teenaged son, Billy (Matteo Hope).

"Oh, say! Mom and Dad, would you mind watching Billy for a few days while we take off for Europe?"

Gulp, sure daughter, not exactly what we had in mind for our stay here, but whatever makes you happy! Don't mind us.

Turns out, Billy is the gift that keeps on giving, who turns Norman's key to more spring in his step. While the lovebirds are off galavanting across the pond, Billy and Norman are developing their own repartee which becomes the subject of envy when Chelsea returns to Maine and tries to improve her relationship with her dad who's a tad lost.

Director Terri Ritchey has no trouble convincing the audience that Mehaffey's droll and gait make him certifiably "old," while his mate, the energetic and sunny Carolyn Corsano Wong, shines as the opposite.

Zell Murphy is the longtime friend and postman, Charlie, who drops in every so often to reminisce about old times and lighten the mood which, like life, has its ups and downs.
Shayne Gardner is the dynamic telephone operator.

Whatever your age and your spirits, they will be brightened by the message found at this summer home: To count your blessings, hug your loved ones, and celebrate each day as if it were the last which Norman realizes before it is.

Other production team members are Reece Smyth and Pete Storck, producers; Erika Horton and Bob Jordan, co-directors; Sprite Briner, make up and hair; Linda Comer,
properties; Jason Crosby,master carpenter;
Peter Ponzini, lighting; David Ritchey, stage manager; Sue Ellen Smoot, set dressing; Lelah Sullivan, costumes; Wil Taft, sound; Steven Wong, back stage manager; and the playwright, Ernest Thompson.


On Golden Pond  
is presented Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 5, 2023 at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St., Vienna, VA 22180 (703) 255-6360. Tickets, $15. For more information: vtcshows@yahoo.com


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Saturday, October 14, 2023

Olney's ghoulish gal terrified us all




From left, Lolita Marie, Tommy Bo, and Eymard Cabling in The Brothers Paranormal at Olney Theatre Center/Christopler Mueller, photo

At the Olney Theatre Center during the second act, I was so taken by the story I never lifted my pen to take a note.

The Brothers Paranormal is a Halloween story for the thinker, with a thickening plot, twists and turns that I dare say there is 
nobody who can accurately predict the outcome. (I deplore predictability. Surprise me every time, please.) 

It begins sweetly enough as Max (Tommy Bo) describes his and his brother's new business of ghost busting to a first customer, Delia (Lolita Marie). To help with family finances, Max and Visarut (Eymard Cabling) have a few tricks to get rid of the weird.

Delia explains why her house needs "cleansing"; crazy things are going on. 

Really?

Is she, or isn’t she, off her rocker?  Maybe, some dementia?  

But, who's to turn down a customer and perhaps reject mental health issues when income is the goal? 

In humorous dialogue, the brothers accept the assignment and away they fly to Delia's house, to scout it out, and meet her husband, Felix (DeJeanette Horne), a loving man who, with Delia, come to steal the show with their acting, palpable chemistry, and dances of mayhem (?).

Every so often the brothers' mother, Tasanee (Cindy Chang) makes an appearance to scold her youngest (Max) for not taking better care of his brother.  Only in the second act does Mom become a little too preachy in a monologue (and for me, in the center of the audience, difficult to hear since she was not directly turned center).

Make up artist (?) weaves an incredible design of hair, makeup and gown for the supernatural Jai (Justine "Icy" Moral) that (or whom) you won't soon forget. 

Olney first time directors, Hallie Gordon and Aria Velz, polish performances with emotion and strength to make audience members writh and feel (temporary) pain. But, hope?  

This is not a happy Halloween show filled with funny characters and whimsy but it carries themes (some, ever so slightly) of love, loss, suicide, addiction, grief, but not enough to create confusion and wonder of "what's going on?"
  
The set includes two parlors, a kitchen and a hospital room, all effectively laid out and designed by Misha Kachman with sudden sounds (expertly crafted by Sarah O'Halloran) to leave you a little jumpy. 

Jim Steinmeyer is illusions consultant; Robert Ramirez, illusions instructor; Minjoo Kim, lighting designer; Jeanette Christensen, costumes; and Ben Walsh, production stage manager. 

Jason Loewith, Olney's artistic director, writes in program notes that the theatre is proud to present its first by a Thai-American playwright, Prince Gomolvilas, with the regional debut of Brothersclose to a masterpiece and, no doubt, to be found on other nearby stages in the future.  

Special events:

Brothers and Sisters Paranormal Trivia Night, Thursday, October 19, 6:30-7:30 PM, Actors Hall, $5.

Ghost Stories with Weldon


Sunday, October 29, 430 to 5:30 PM, 1938 Original Theater, free with RSVP. Weldon Brown is the director of sales who’s been at Olney for 30 years and has scary stories to tell. Come dressed for Halloween! 

What: The Brothers Paranormal

When:  Now through Oct. 29, 2023, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday matinees at 1:30 p.m. 

Where: Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832.

Tickets: Start at $50 with discounts for seniors, students, military, and groups. 

Ages: PG-13 and above for intensity and some adult language  

Masks: None required.

Refreshments available which may not be taken to seats.

Parking: Free, lighted and plentiful on-site

Duration:  About two hours with one intermission

Printed programs? You may print your own or buy one for $2 at the theatre.

For more information: 301-924-3400 for the box office or 301-924-4485  

patricialesli@gmail.com











Friday, July 21, 2023

Extended by popular demand! Olney's 'Fela!'

 

Duain Richmond as Fela Kuti and Melody A. Betts as Funmilayo in Olney Theatre Center and Round House Theatre's Fela! By Teresa Castracane


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.

Duain Richmond as Fela Kuti in Olney and Round House's Fela! By Teresa Castracane

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!

Duain Richmond as Fela Kuti in Olney and Round House's Fela!  By Teresa Castracane 

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).

Duain Richmond as Fela Kuti in Olney and Round House's Fela! By Teresa Castracane


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, soundKim 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 BibirĆ© 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