FELA! on Broadway: Absolutely Magical!

It's hard to find the words to adequately convey the rush of beauty, color, music, and spirit that is FELA! on Broadway. The musical, which is currently playing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre kept the audience grooving in their seats from beginning to end. With live Afrobeat music performed by Antibalas and thundering African drums, Fela Kuti's musical legacy is brought to life.

One of my favorite things about the show is its improvisation. Call and response is encouraged (actually it's demanded), and Fela (played flawlessly by Sahr Nagaujah) spoke directly to members of the audience. At one point, when Nagaujah emerged from the wings in a particularly striking pink suit, an audience member wolf-whistled. Fela paused and said, "Oh, you like this?" And proceeded to do a slow turn to uproarious applause.

The set is visually stunning, a postmodern mashup of original photos and newspaper clippings from Fela's life, along with larger than life technicolor paintings and drawings.

The dance numbers gave me goosebumps, and it was hard to sit still. My favorite number is one where Fela prays for the help of the Orishas, and the set transforms into a surreal world of neon lights where the spirits dance and become a bridge between the living and the dead.

It's an amazing show. I've seen it twice and would definitely see it again. Both times I came away thrilled, and their isn't a dull moment in the whole show. Don't let this one pass you by. If you see it, you're in for a real treat.