The Blumenthal Performing Arts Center is bringing “Fela!” and three additional shows that will appeal to African-Americans in the coming month. It’s part of their Just 4 you campaign, which features four shows for one $150.
The shows are the familiar hits Disney’s “The Lion King” and “Sister Act” along with the award-winning “Fela!.” “Drum Line,” another series show, brings the HBCU half-time show to the theater stage.
“This season, we are pleased to be able to add a new series that features shows strongly influenced by African and African-America culture, history and traditions,” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard. “We hope these shows will appeal to and resonate with new audiences, as well as those who are already attending Broadway and other attractions at our theaters.”
Season tickets for the 4You Series start at less than $150. Season ticket buyers will have guaranteed seats for all four shows, some of which are highly limited engagements. Season buyers also are seated before single ticket buyers, so they have first chance at the best seats in the house. Season tickets also cost less than buying each show individually for most price levels and performances.
The four shows included in the 4You Series are:
Drumline Live – November 4 – Belk Theater
“Drumline” Live takes the legendary HBCU halftime show off the football field and onto the stage. This versatile group of musicians and dancers brings an explosive energy and athleticism to an eclectic mix of sounds, from the hottest contemporary hip hop to classic R&B and Motown to the rousing sounds of the great brass tradition.
Sister Act – Jan 8-13 – Oven’s Auditorium
Produced by Whoopee Goldberg, who starred in the original film version of this hilarious Braodway smash, Sister Act is a feel-amazing musical comedy. It tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to rejoice! Eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken wrote the gospel and R&B-inspired score that will have audiences shouting Amen!
Fela! – Feb 25-26 – Belk Theater
This powerful Broadway hit makes its only Carolinas appearance here in Charlotte. Don’t miss your chance to see the show that wowed soldout audiences in Atlanta and Washington last year. Directed and choreographed by legendary Tony Award Winner Bill T. Jones, Fela! features the captivating sounds of Fela Kuti, on whose life the show is based. Fela Kuticreated Afrobeat—a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies—and mixed these sensual eclectic rhythms with simple but powerful lyrics that openly assailed Nigeria’s corrupt and oppressive dictatorships. An amazing fusion of story, music and dance!
Disney’s The Lion King – Aug 6 – Sept 1 · Belk Theater
Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s The Lion King when Charlotte’s best-loved musical makes a triumphant return to the Belk Theater following its record-breaking 2007 engagement! Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning directorJulie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.”
Season tickets for the 4You Series start at less than $150. Tickets are available at BlumenthalArts.org/4you, 704-372-1000 or from the box office in the Belk Theater lobby, 130 N. Tryon St.
