The Center Theatre Group hosts two Tony award-winning stage plays this weekend as the afro-beat musical ‘Fela!’ dances it’s way through the final weekend, ‘Raisin in the Sun’ will be taking center stage opening night January 22. These two compelling Broadway stories depict racial challenges transformed into universal empowerment in very unique places and times in history. One play an international musical, the other an American drama each has carved it’s own timeless tale that audiences will pass on for generations.
The legendary Nigerian musical ‘Fela’ is ending it’s one month run at the Ahmanson Theatre located Downtown Los Angeles with it’s final show Sunday, January 22nd. The dynamic Broadway performance presented by Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith has accumulated rave reviews and accolades in its 12 years of production. The musical received three Tony Awards since its inception in 2000 for Best Choreography, Best Costumes and Best Sound. Led by director and choreographer Bill T. Jones, the musical tells the story of the Nigeria musician and political activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti creator afro-beat.
Returning to Los Angeles is ‘Raisin in the Sun’ debuting at the Kirk Douglas Theatre located in Culver City, Thursday January 19through February 19, 2012. The production of the American classic, originated by Lorraine Hansberry, will be directed by Phylicia Rashad under the Ebony Repertory Theatre. The acclaimed actress shined in the 2004 Broadway play as ‘Lena Younger,’ garnering her achievement of becoming the first black woman to receive a Tony Award for Best Actress. ‘Raisin in the Sun’ hit the Broadway stage in 1959 with Hansberry breaking ground as the first African-American women to have a play open on Broadway and later on the silver screen starring Sidney Poitier & Ruby Dee. The story is set in the 1950’s about a family pursuing the American dream and the heartache of struggle while facing multiple obstacles along the way.
Show times and ticket information for ‘Fela!’ and ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ are available by calling (213) 628-2772 or online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org.
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