FELA!

Today will see Lillias White give her last two performances as Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, the mother of the titular character in the hit Broadway musical, Fela! White has been with the show since its Broadway opening on 19 October 2009 and performed the role to critical acclaim, earning herself a Tony nomination along the way.

Grammy Award winner Patti LaBelle, who performed in the show twice last week, will officially take over performances of the role on 14 September. LaBelle will stay with the show through its closing on 2 January 2011.

Fela! tells the story of the extravagant, decadent and rebellious Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music, which blends jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies, the show is an exciting blend of traditional musical theatre with contemporary Pan African performance styles. See it before it closes!