Is FELA! definitely transferring...?- Page 2
Is FELA! definitely transferring...?
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#25
Posted: 11/5/08 at 2:50pm
<< This is sounds destined to close immediately! It just does not sound appealing. I can't imagine this show finding an audience.
Did anyone see this when it was Off-Broadway? If so, can you give your thoughts on it?
>>
Tom,
The show is amazing ! Extremely moving, and Ngaujah gives a great performance... that being said, it might be tough for it to find an audience on Broadway, but not because the show is not good.
It stayed with me for days !
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#26
Posted: 11/5/08 at 2:51pmIt seems very In the Heights-y.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#27
Posted: 11/5/08 at 2:58pm
It is nothing like ITH. It explores the life of an African musician and activist.
It was beautiful indeed....but I doubt it would find an audience on B'way. Keep it off b'way and it could be quite successful.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/06
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#28
Posted: 11/5/08 at 3:04pmLife of a musician? Kinda like Passing Strange?
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#29
Posted: 11/5/08 at 3:15pm
It makes me laugh that Riedel would think this would be, in any way, competition to BILLY ELLIOT.
FELA! is a spectacular production, but the story isn't well-told, and I can't help but feel that the Tony voters will only see the show as a concert.
I don't know. It could succeed, maybe. But PASSING STRANGE didn't find an audience, and FELA! is kind-of in the same vein.
But hey, "nobody knows anything," right?
-Nellie McKay on the 2006 Broadway production of The Threepenny Opera, in which she played Polly Peachum
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/1/04
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#30
Posted: 11/5/08 at 3:39pmHow long is it? I heard rumors that it was 3 hours long.
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#31
Posted: 11/5/08 at 7:17pm
<< It seems very In the Heights-y.
>>
It is NOTHING like "ITH" at all (and I LOVE "ITH")
Its really hard to compare it to anything that I have seen before.
Would not compare it to "PS" either. Different vibe, and its political in nature.
I believe it ran just about 2.5 Off-Broadway. It definitely could have been shortened a bit. Only negative, IMHO.
Updated On: 11/5/08 at 07:17 PM
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#31
Posted: 11/5/08 at 7:17pmdouble Updated On: 11/5/08 at 07:17 PM
Featured Actor Joined: 8/3/05
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/13/04
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#34
Posted: 11/6/08 at 7:42am
For some reason, I'm less skeptical about FELA! finding an audience if it transfers. I know a lot of people that saw it and loved it (and expected to hate it) and many others who couldn't get a ticket to the off-Broadway run. I think it could find an audience though...it won't be easy but it could definitely be done. I think PS's main issue was their odd, unclear ad campaign. I really disliked PS though ... but from what I hear FELA! has strong musical numbers, a solid lead performance, and a terribly pedestrian book.
This is turning out to be a very interesting Broadway season.
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#35
Posted: 11/11/08 at 9:50pm
I, for one, am reeeeally hoping it transfers.
From what I can tell, it's not at ALL like In the Heights, except for the "world music" factor: it tells the story of Afrobeat musician Fela Kuti using his own music, so technically it's a jukebox musical. On that note, is it possible that Fela Kuti fans would come to see a production like this? A star presence like Fela Kuti (even only in name) could likely boost interest and thus sales.
re: Is FELA! definitely transferring...?#36
Posted: 11/12/08 at 12:32am
I doubt this is still planning to come in.
It was brought-up once a while back...
That's the last I've heard of it.
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