Fela!

FELA!!!
I really felt informed, empowered and moved after seeing FELA. The reviews don’t do this musical justice.
The energy of the performers and spectacular dancing and singing will make you move in your seat. Its like being at a concert without the standing or mosh pits.
The actor who played FELA commanded the stage and your attention and didn’t let it go. I was thoroughly entertained and appreciative I got to experience FELA.
If FELA comes to your town make sure you go and see it, it isn’t your usual Broadway experience… but that’s what live theater is about, difference.

SO glad this came back out this summer, since i missed it last summer. Went to see it with my mom on the first day of its reopening and it was nice. My mom in particular loved it to pieces. Lively in color, costume and music. Lots of dancing and wiiiiineing! Coming from a hispanic-​carribbean background I certainly enjoyed that. We were in the left aisle of the orchestra, I would say maybe 15 rows back, but I still had a fairly great view. We got discount tickets from their website by using some code, I think I paid about 60 for each ticket plus fees. I felt i wanted to pay a little less considering my seats and the show in total, maybe 40 per ticket would have been more appropriate, since i saw the tickets of the people right next to us were 37, but glad at least the extra ticket price is supporting an all black production. There were times i got lost in the plot because the nigerian accent was so heavy, especially in the second half, i couldn’t follow what was going on or why, but i did catch most of the emotions especially during a tragic scene of Fela’s house and wives being attacked. It would help to know the story of Fela beforehand, as it seemed most of the crowd already did. The crowd was super soulful brooklynites and harlem. There were even some celebs in the house. Dont know their names but def know their faces. Overall, very glad I got this one in before its end again.

Okay, so I know this show closed in January, but since Fela! was such an unusual Broadway experience, I feel compelled to review it anyways.
Let’s start with the good: African dancing. Being an avid SYTYCD fan, I’ve become quit fond of African dancing over the years. Plus Ryan from SYTYCD season 2 was actually in the show!
The bad: The plot or seemingly lack thereof. There was a lack of cohesion between the scenes and the dancing and the whole production just didn’t work for me. Plus, my rush ticket gave me a seat right by where part of the stage jutted out into the audience which put me frighteningly close to some of the dancers.
I’m all for trying out the new and different, but this just didn’t work for me.

Can I give this 0 stars! I am amazed how awful this musical was. I must assume that those who wrote positive reviews have never been to a broadway play/​musical.
When the evening began the band was on the stage playing music. There was an indication of a great night to come. That hope died not to long after.
There was a lot of boot shaking. At-​times it did not appear to be african dance — it appeared as gratuitous body girations. I think writers and directors thought sex was a replacement for a plot and story line.
I have no ideal what Fela was fighting or why the authorities came after him and his group.
There is a solom moment in the play where text flashes on a screen describing what atrocities occured to each member of his troup.

I went to this simply because of a titillating and intriguing billboard I saw and what I got when I went was a mind blowing experience of recent African (Nigeria) history, music and dance.
An energetic evening of the music of Fela Kuti, a promiscuous and yet socially conscious bandleader who also became quite the social leader in the 1960’s.
With music as his weapon (which he wielded with power and accuracy aimed at the soul) he was able to fight back when the senseless oppressions of his life were becoming overwhelmed by the racism and hatred that fed his government.
This afternoon as people were all but running into the theater to be seated, the band was already in full groove, immediately giving audience members the sense that it was there was a unifying force at play that would also be an anchor throughout the rest of the show.
They did not fail to deliver.
The Character, Fela Kuti, narrated the show and also functioned as band leader, saxophone player, sex God and all around raconteur.
The dancers, vibrant, sensual and regal in their individual and powerful contributions, provided both action and scenery and they seemed to always be on stage, and thus the audience remained connected and energized through them, even in their (few) moments of stillness.
At intermission I wondered how could there possibly be a second act considering the vast array of music, history, dance (theirs AND mine), acting and unbridled passion I had just witnessed. But upon re-​entering their world for the second act, I found that there was much more to be experienced.
Without saying much more I can only guarantee that you COULD NOT be bored and you’d be hard pressed to disconnect or be distracted by anything during this presentation other than that which they allow you to be distracted by. And I can promise you, you’ll be happy you spent the money to be a part of the rich culture and music of FELA.

I’m not sure if I was expecting more because of all the hype from the reviews and advertisements, but I left the show just not as enthusiatic as most of the Unilocal reviewers thus far…
Got tickets that same day at the TKTS south seaport ticket booth for about 50% off Orchestra tickets which way cool.
When we first walked in… the set was simply amazingly colorful and beautiful. Boy was I excited!!! The lively band played some great music that just flowed through your body and got the audience excited. Honestly the main things I liked about this show was the dancing (especially all the booty shaking), the beautiful costumes, and the live music. At one point the lead actor helped the audience discover their ‘clock’ which woke me up and was fun to see audience participation. At the end, it started feeling repetitive and at times it was difficult to understand what was being said. Some messages being flashed were blocked pending on seat location.
Although the musical focus on true life story of just one young man named Fela… I did not enjoy the storyline much because it seemed like would stated a few points would be made or stated and then it was like, ok now let’s go back to dancing and music.
Fela’s life story was focused on political adversity he faced which is just what it was. Honestly I felt like something was missing to this musical. I was hoping for more of a storyline or dialog or more interaction between the cast other dance routines (which isn’t a bad thing), but it’s not your typical musical type of play where there is a whole lot of acting going on other than the lead himself telling his story. Still gotta give props for its uniqueness in the messages it relayed.

Great show, loved the music.
Soo great to be in a room full of fat people dancing shaking their bom boms.

Amazing, energic show! The dancing is really fantastic! The show encourages audience participation.
I wouldn’t advise sitting in the front row of the balcony, I had no leg room at all.

Great play! I bought the CD right after the play. First time I have ever done that. I’d see this play again. I had a hard time understanding what was being said sometimes, but I still enjoyed it and the message came through loud and clear. Great dancing too! I want to take african dance lessons now :-)

I’m always humbled and grateful to learn — well into my adulthood — about a slice of «history» that I’d never before known.
Bring on Fela! And welcome to Lagos…
From the vibrant and clubby first half, through the trippy, other-​worldly latter half, the show is both stunning and enlightening.
The sheer energy of the performance is mesmerizing. At the same time, the details, from costumes to scenery to language, are extraordinary.
«I refuse to live my life in fear,» said Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Would that we all embrace this, in sentiment and in action — and expect no less from our leaders, whomever we choose them to be.

AWESOME!
I saw FELA! at the Sunday afternoon matinée performance. It was great. The theatre was small which really enhanced the experience. The music, singing, dancing, story-​telling, staging, and lighting were all spectacular. The way the dancers and actors interact with the audience, the ‘special effects’, and the experience are not to be missed.
It would be a good idea to at least Google Fela Kuti before going but it is not essential. I have never had so much fun at a show. I recommend this show for everyone!

This by far is one of the best musicals I’ve ever attended!!!
Fela Kuti’s music is inspirational… and it makes you want to get out and do something!!! say something!!! fight back against whatever crappy government/​poilticians are ruling wherever you live… This musical takes you through some important stages in his life and along the way… you are asked to get up out of your seats… interact with everyone around you… as you are in his club you know… «The Shrine»… There are even bartenders walking around that will make you mixed drinks :)…
This show is full of energy!!! and I love African dancing… being that I’ve been taking classes for over 15 years… so its great to attend a show. where the women are dancing full out!!! no holding back… everything shaking… the way it supposed to be… Nothing is watered down in this show… The decoration of the theatre is colourful and alive… Everyone that I talked to after said they were thoroughly moved… and they can’t wait to come back…
The music is Amazing!!! I used to see Anitabales at SOB“s all the time… back in the day… so its great to see them in this production!
I can’t wait to go and see Fela! …again…and again… its one of those shows that you can’t just see once…
Go! you will not be disappointed!!!

Interesting story line and very amazing dancing. To be perfectly honest, it was often hard to understand what was being said, which I tend to like. This is probably a personal problem however. The use of lights and sounds was really innovative.
I’d recommend reading a bit up on Fela before you see the show — not required, but it’ll make the story more meaningful.
I’d also recommend not sitting too far back on the first level. The top part of the set will be obstructed at certain points in the show.

«Music is the weapon — music is the weapon of the future.»
–Fela Kuti
My heroes are Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Che Guevara, Bob Marley and now Fela Kuti is on that list. This is a musical that stands for something. For human rights, for equality, for the people of Nigeria, for a tribute to a phenomenal man, Fela Kuti.
Fela made meaningful music. He made music with passion and each song carried a message, be it political or controversial. He made music he believed in and he was willing to fight for what he believed in. That makes him a hero to me.
The setting is Lagos, Nigeria in Fela’s club called the Shrine. The club is filled with disco balls, African masks, African art, colorful neon lights. The stage is colourful and lively with Antibalas playing in the background. Shortly after 8PM, «Fela» arrives on stage in a svelte sky blue 70s style outfit. Immediately, he starts entertaining the crowd, along with the beautiful «Shrine» dancers. The music is Afrobeat, and infectious. At one point during the musical, Fela gets everyone on their feet, and you can’t help but shake your bonbon!
The storyline of the musical is the biography of Fela’s life told by «Fela» himself. Highlights include:
1. Studying music in the UK (allegedly told his parents he wanted to study medicine).
2. Meeting a Black Panther partisan (Sandra Smith) in LA and falling in love with her.
3. A dream-​like sequence where Fela meets his deceased mother, with fantastic use of black lighting.
Fela! will move your feet and your heart, even if you are not the «musical» type. And everybody say, «yeah yeah!»

A must-​see. The music pumps, the actors throb and as a whole, the musical just pulses heat and joy and love. I loved the live musicians onstage and how part of the stage extended out toward the audience, giving the show the feel of a concert, which was exactly the point since we’re supposed to be in Fela’s nightclub.
The set design was also something to behold, with disco balls, colored Christmas lights, paintings on in roofs, African masks, even black light! It’s a visual and aural spectacle that keeps opening and opening and opening like a fine red wine. It’s not just entertainments, it’s an education about where we were in the world in that moment in time in Nigeria and that we must fight to make things right now. I love that. As an organizer I so appreciated that, and something I didn’t expect would be such the soul of this show.
Bravo, Fela! And prepare to get your funk on!
P. S.: This is NOT a family-​friendly show. Foul language, sexual and violence references.
P.P.S: Try to get tickets on the main floor and close to the stage. I’ll bet the show reads to the back of the house, but it was pretty incredible to be 8 rows from the front to be so close to the dancing especially, since they move in and out of the aisles.

The play, in my view, was good: Interesting, fabulous dancing, worth seeing but not the greatest I’ve ever seen. Terrific energy level (no doubt the reason for all the cast injuries we read about). I’d give it the Tony awards for Best Costumes and Best Choreography. But if it gets the Tony for Best Musical, it’ll be because of the lack of competition.
Several segments drag on well beyond what a top producer would allow. But you won’t ever see anything else like this on Broadway. If you are lucky enough to see a few shows a year, include this one.

ELECTRIFYING!!! I didn’t even notice that the time was passing. This show literally had you up on your feet and breaking it down with beat. The musicians and dance crew were really passionate about their parts and roles.
Fela’s music cannot be fully appreciated for its artistic genius unless it is heard live and played by talented musicians. The band members were unquestionably top-​notch. And for the dancers, I left so jealous of the dance moves (and the outfits) of the girls that I just had to sign up for a west african dance class!
Unlike other Broadway fair with your typical glee-​style singing and Hollywood cliché story line, this musical is 100% real! True to the characters, true to the issues, and deeply touching and inspiring. And instead of following some scripted scene by scene model, the play simply invited you into a Fela’s world, his nightclub Shrine. His storytelling felt more like a conversation than a monologue.
The main actor playing Fela! was phenomenal! He really got into the role and portrayed Fela’s style, personality, swag, and everything else perfectly. He sang, danced, and played the sax. He is an incredibly talented actor. Fabulous from beginning to end.

Don’t let the fact that Jay-​Z and Will Smith are producers throw you astray. The music, dancing and general atmosphere was great. It did feel a little long; and there is no strict plot per se although the story of the last night of de shrine club is told.

Good show about Fela Koti, with lots and LOTS of live Afro-​Cuban music and dancing– i couldn’t stop nodding my head and tapping my feet. The dancers were amazing and the lead actor in the role of Fela was SO charismatic– he held the theatre in his hand the entire evening. We were enthralled by the story and music.
I recommend seeing this musical, albeit on a Friday or Saturday night because it was a bit long… not like that’s a bad thing.

If you see this show, you’re going to have a great time. Fantastic music, dancing, lighting, multimedia, costumes, acting.
Fela! tells a story about Fela Koti, a Nigerian musician/​political activist, explaining how through international travel and experiences, he melded musical styles (traditional African, jazz, funk, soul, highlife Cuban) and the politics of his day (including Black Power), into the style that’s become known as Afrobeats.
Similar to other recent Broadway musicals like Hair, Fela! bring the audience into the play. A short hip thrusting dance lesson, direct interaction with the audience as if you’re in Fela’s Nigerian nightclub, The Shrine. Dancing in the aisles. But it works well and doesn’t come across hokey or gratuitous.