#PickoftheWeek | Watch the Great Fela in Queens on July 16
BY QEDC It's In Queens
He was born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, but most people called him “Fela.”
In the 1970s and 1980s, the charismatic Nigerian bandleader pioneered a music genre called “Afrobeat” that basically combined the best of West African sounds with the best of the African Diaspora, especially Funk and Jazz. He also had a political side, and as his star rose, his issues with his government grew. Add the countless concerts, colorful outfits, girlfriends galore, an attack on his compound, and a stretch in prison, and Fela’s life was truly incredible.
In fact, it made a great musical that ran on Broadway and Off-Broadway for various years in the early 21st century and amassed 11 Tony nominations.
Well, it’s time to get the band back together and take it on the road to the world’s most diverse borough. Members of the Broadway cast will offer a night of fantastic, infectious music, dancing, and storytelling via Fela! The Concert at Queens Theatre on Saturday, July 16, at 8 pm.
Nine singers and dancers display constant energy alongside a live 10-piece band and in front of a soaring canvas of projected images. The plot is a loose retelling of Fela’s life with many of his songs.
Tickets in the rear and side sections cost $25. Seating in the front is $35. Students and seniors qualify for a 10 percent discount.
Plus, cast members invite the public to join a free, pre-show Community Drum Circle at the Unisphere at 5:30 pm.
Queens Theatre is located at 14 United Nations Ave. S. in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. A large public parking lot is nearby.
Editor’s note: Queens Theatre asks that Community Drum Circle participants RSVP by sending an email with the names of participants to ddandrea@queenstheatre.org by Friday, July 8. A limited number of comp tickets are available for participating students and community groups.
Images: Flushing Town Hall