Fela!

Last night we went to see recording superstar Michelle Williams at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in the touring production of Tony award-winning Broadway musical Fela!

[caption id="attachment_35131" align="alignnone" ] Carol Rosegg[/caption]

The incredibly exciting, interactive show was produced by Jay-Z and Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. Michelle, a former member of Destinys Child, stars in the production except this weekend, when there are rumors of Super Bowl half time shows.

[caption id="attachment_35132" align="alignnone" ] Monique Carboni[/caption]

It tells the true story of legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, whose soulful Afrobeat rhythms became a hit around the world. In the 70s and 80s, he defied a corrupt military government, and devoted his life and music to the struggle for freedom.

[caption id="attachment_35133" align="alignnone" ] Sharen Bradford[/caption]

During this scene, Fela, played to perfection by Adesola Osakalumi, asked the audience to stand up and taught everyone how to move to the stirring percussion and big horn sounds by the live band, one of the funkier ones this side of Lagos. We also loved the touching musical numbers that showed how much his mother meant to him. The show is only here till Feb. 10.

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