FELA! tells the true story of the legendary Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti who introduced the world to Afrobeat? rhythms never heard before.? He was an activist that influenced numerous during his tumultuous life span.? He experienced many beatings and was arrested 200 times for fighting against the injustices and oppressions experienced by those in his native homeland.? He died of AIDS in 1997 and millions attended his funeral to pay homage to him.
Now!? History lesson over, wanna know how the Shawn ?Jay-Z? Carter and Will and Jada Smith version of the musical fared in ATL?
Here’s the good, the bad and the ugly…
The costumes, choreography, musical compositions, singers, crowd interactions, jokes, and stage production were delightful and stunning.
The politically relevant message of the musical stands strong even in 2013.? The ability of the show to get across the underlying theme, while yet being sensual and humorous was brilliant!!!? Loved it!
The bad?? At times I just couldn?t understand what was being said due the speed of the main character?s speech.? I don?t know if it was where I was sitting or maybe it was because he just talked to dayum fast. *shrug*
Now?the ugly.? While I appreciate Jay-Z getting his wife?s former bandmate a nice paying gig, I would have liked for him to get her a few dance lessons as well.?
It was a little disappointing to see all those booties shaking and then Michelle Williams’ bony non-dancing ?A?zz comes out.?? For the record, I?m gonna cut her some slack on the singing ?cause it did seem like she got a few voice lessons.? Michelle will never be a “great” singer.? That?s just fact. What?? Keyshia Cole said it… I didn’t.? But her voice overall played well in the production.
Overall FELA! was an extraordinary production.? It didn?t win all those awards for nothing!? Hurry up and get your tickets and show it the A-town love it deserves….
