Hair Hippie Saycon Sengbloh Joins Fela!; Broadway Cast Set

The cast for the upcoming Broadway transfer of the off-Broadway hit Fela! is set, according to the show's website. Conceived, choreographed and directed by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones, the new musical will begin performances at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre on October 19, with opening set for November 23.

In addition to the previously announced Sahr Ngaujah, who plays groundbreaking composer and performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, and Tony winner Lillias White, who co-stars as Fela’s mother Funmilayo, the show features Saycon Sengbloh as Sandra and two-time Daytime Emmy winner (for The Guiding Light) Kevin Mambo, who alternates in the title role. They are joined by Corey Baker, Hettie Vyrine Barnhill, Lauren de Veaux, Nicole Chantal de Weever, Elasea Douglas, Rujeko Dumbutshena, Catherine Foster, Aimee Graham Wodobode, Rasaan-Elijah Green, Abena Koomson, Ismael Kouyate, Gelan Lambert, Farai Malianga, Shakira Marshall, Afi McClendon, Adesola Osakalumi, Jeffrey Page, Daniel Soto, Iris Wilson and J.L. Williams.

Sengbloh joins Fela! from the hit revival of Hair. She has also appeared on Broadway in Aida, Wicked and The Color Purple and off-Broadway in Hair, Dinah Was, Soweto! Soweto! and I Know I’ve Been Changed. Other credits include the national tours of Aida and Rent.

The musical, featuring a book by Jim Lewis and arrangements by Aaron Johnson and Antibalas, is based on the life and music of iconic Nigerian composer and musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela! explores Kuti's controversial life as an artist, political activist and revolutionary musician as well as his pioneering blend of jazz, funk and traditional African rhythms that launched the Afrobeat community.

The creative team includes scenic and costume design by Marina Draghici, lighting design by Rob Wierzel, sound design by Rob Kaplowitz and projections by Peter Negrini.