Am I the only person who hated FELA!?

[Alan Henry]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:16pm

Honestly felt like walking out at intermission, but didn't. I just ran right out at curtain call - really hated the show. The concept just didn't work. The cast was awesome, btw, so it wasn't for lack of talent.

A friend of mine just started rambling about how it's the best thing she's ever seen!


Anyone else really dislike it?

[jeffmiele]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:18pm

I didn't enjoy it at all when I saw it the first time it was on Broadway. I've never walked out of a show but that was one that I really came close to.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:20pm

Here are some thoughts from the original Broadway production. I liked it and probably would have voted for it to win the Tony that year (which isn't saying much considering the nominees but I digress).

It was certainly...a very divisive show.

https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.php?thread=1005819 Updated On: 4/11/13 at 10:20 PM

[jnb9872]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:21pm

Fair play to you if it did nothing for you, but I thought it was a special thing indeed. Knowing a passing amount of Fela's music and influence (but not a lot about his life or political struggles), it was such a treat, to me, to see him get a spotlight in front of an audience not likely accustomed to his story or his style. The performers were tremendous, as you rightly noted, and I also loved getting a chance to see Antibalas live as the house band (their albums are great stuff.)

I thought the concept was thin but very effective at showcasing a great amount of the man's story, and most of all incredibly entertaining on both a theatrical and musical level. That it was unlike most everything I've seen and likely will see again just added to it. Loved it, and it made me more interested in his music and his legacy.

[JackHell]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:21pm

No I hated it I did understand the point of the show

[JBroadway]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:37pm

I didn't hate it, but you can count me among the unimpressed. It had redeeming elements, but overall it was not my thing.

[Kevn520]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:42pm

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 4/11/13 at 10:42pm

Let's focus on what's important... How was Michelle?

[oasisjeff]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:27am

If you walk out mid-show, you're kind of dissing the show. Which is fine, if you hate it.

But if you walk out as soon as the curtain call starts, you're dissing the actors. What did they do wrong? Perform the show you paid to see very well?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:38am

I never saw the show on B'way, but saw the original off b'way production (with Susan Sarandon sitting next to me). I was totally immersed in the world and moved.


To each his own. But, yes, to leave AT curtain call is rude.

[srg129]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:44am

No. You are right. This show was a complete and total disaster. Boring and with screeching singing all night long. Basically a waste of space on Broadway.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:59am

It was awful

[Patash]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 10:36am

I didn't hate it, but if it hadn't been so loud it would have been a PERFECT show to sleep to.

[HeyMrMusic]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 10:41am

I loved it on Broadway. The only show I'd recommend SRO over an actual seat.

[WickedOne2]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 12:30pm

I wouldn't go so far as to say I hated it but it was definitely not my cup of tea.

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 12:36pm

I loved Fela. The rush seats by the runway were a lot of fun and you got to interact with cast at times. I knew nothing about Fela's life nor music before seeing it and now I'm a fan.

The production was very theatrical and the choreography excellent. I was rooting for Sahr to win the Tony too.

It wasn't the best year for new musicals, but Fela was the cream of that crop, IMO.

[tazber]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 12:41pm

I'm not a fan of Fela Kuti's music, but the cast's energy was infectious.

And Lilias White is a goddess, so that was a plus.

I'd never see it again though.

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 1:49pm

I had no desire to see it at all, so I can't say that I "hated" it.

[Wildcard]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:07pm

I didn't like the show and the music wasn't my cup of tea but it made me curious to learn more about Fela Kuti's story.

[OrdinaryJukebox]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 2:34pm

I'm sure you're not the only person who hated it. I wouldn't even consider seeing it. How/why there would be a musical produced about an ignorant, chauvinistic, homophobic, and sexist individual is beyond me. Would anyone on this board be quick to flock to (and praise) a musical about a racist?

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 5:24pm

There is no show that isn't disliked by someone. Am I the only person who knows this?

[frontrowcentre2]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 6:31pm

My reaction after seeing the original production was more admiration for both the cast and creating such a vivid theatrical experience, but at the same time - not being a fan of the music I felt somewhat distanced.

The touring company played Toronto about a year later and once again though I enjoyed the performances, I still did not connect with the show. My friend who attended with me made no bones about it - he HATED it. He did not even appreciate teh theatricality of the show. So you are not alone. No one is alone...

[julesboogie]

Posted: 4/12/13 at 6:35pm

I didn't hate it, but I didn't get it. Or go gaga over it like most. After about 20 mins and settling in, I started wondering how long it was going to be ... Performances were amazing, just not exactly my kinda show.

[jayinchelsea]

Posted: 4/13/13 at 8:58am

I was totally bored. When asked to get up and dance around, I felt as though I were at a tacky wedding. Definitely not my cuppa.

[DAME]

Posted: 4/17/13 at 1:46pm

It was a waste of my money.