New York...Part 3

I started heading toward the Eugene O'Neil theater where "Fela!" was playing to pick up my ticket from the box office when I got a text from my friend Al. He, coincidentally, was in the city visiting family and friends. "I'm in front of 'The Lion King,'" the text read. "Cool. I just passed you. Coming back." I turned around and headed back to a familiar face.
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Al is a classically trained opera singer with a Master's from Julliard. As he'd previously lived in the city, he acted as my tour guide for the next 3 hours. We walked from the theater district to the Upper Westside of Manhattan to BBQs on 74th Street (I think that's where it is...could be off by a few numbers) for a late lunch. On the way there he pointed out Julliard, his old dorm room, Carnegie Hall, and the Metropolitan Opera House, where he'd performed before. We conversed, joked, ate, walked, laughed, and walked some more until it was time for my show to start. I waked him to the subway entrance on 42th street and headed to experience "Fela!"

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I walked inside the theater and was amazed to see that it had been transformed into a nightclub...The Shrine to be exact...Fela Kuti's club. I went to my seat...second row mezzanine (sweet!)...and sat for a moment...then decided that I wanted to some souvenirs. I went downstairs to the souvenir booth and bought the cast album, two keychains, and a tote bag (the bag and one of the key chains for the friend that couldn't make the trip but who wanted to see "Fela!"). I took my goodies back to my seat and waited for the show to start.

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8 o'clock rolled around and the show didn't seem to have started...in the traditional sense. But the musical...a musical like none other...wasn't traditional. A smooth chocolate brother with sunglasses, an unbutton beige shirt exposing his dedicated chest and stomach, and fitted brown slacks grooved his way to the middle of the stage to the sound of the band...he cut a step...rotated his knee...swiveled his hips...saluted the audience...yeah...he was smooth. Another brother joined him on stage...dressed in clothes that seem melted on his frame...chile....yes. Then "the Queens" danced out on stage...popping, sashaying, enticing the crowd with their beautiful brown bodies barely covered in fibers struggling to stay in place and reserve their dignity.

Then Sahr Ngaujah (Fela) made his way to the stage. As soon as he hit the stage you felt his energy. He pulled us out our seats and made us dance to the sounds of the bands and sing "Original! No artificiality!" Then he got into the show.

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The musical is written as if the audience is attending the club...the Shrine...for Fela's last performance. The country has gotten too hostile and dangerous for Fela and he's leaving the next day. It's part history lesson, part concert, but fully amazing. Tony-winner Lillias White portrays Fela's mother Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti and is nominated for her role in the musical. But honestly, she won't win. She's rarely on stage, but delivers a powerhouse vocal performance whenever she is. But that won't win her a second Tony.

She was last to exit the stage door, and was kind enough to sign my Playbill and take a picture with me.

The actress that should have been nominated is Saycon Sengbloh. She was immensely sensual as Sandra Izsadore, Fela's love interest. Her voice was like amber coating a stone...clear, smooth, intentional, precise. And she looks as beautiful as she sounds.

But the true star, of course, is Sahr. He oozed passion, conviction, power, sex, and sensuality as Fela. Point blank...when he is on stage you want some of him...or what he has. It is a true testament to his acting abilities because when he exited the stage door to sign my Playbill and take pictures he didn't display any of those qualities. He's was rather unassuming and even-tempered. (However, I guess you can say that's expected. The man is tired after dripping all the swear onstage. lol. He actually runs and workouts BEFORE each performance. So, his demure persona should be expected.) He should win the Tony and would be a deserving winner.


After I got my Playbill signed by the cast and took pictures I hailed a cab and called it a night.