Producers For 'Fela! The Musical' In Talks For Nigerian Run

Stephen Hendel, lead producer of the recently bowed Broadway musical Fela! is in discussions with producers in Lagos, Nigeria, to present the show in late winter or early spring in that African nation, home of the title character.

Hendel, who co-conceived the show about the late Afrobeat musician and political figure, recalled in an interview where he promised members of Fela Kuti’s family that he would bring the show to Lagos one day.

“We’re in the process of trying to make arrangements to do so,” Mr. Hendel said. “No Broadway show has ever been to Nigeria in this fashion. It’s premature to announce anything, but it’s our hope to bring the show there soon.”

Hendel said he was also organizing an international tour of the show that is expected to start this summer. He hopes to bring the show “to some places in the world where no Broadway musical has ever been.”

The musical closed on Sunday after more than 14 months of performances but it’s now underway at the National Theater in London. [New York Times]