After dazzling Philadelphia audiences last year, the Tony Award-winning musical “FELA!” is back in town through March 17 at Merriam Theater.
Directed and choreographed by out choreographer Bill T. Jones, “FELA!” explores the world of legendary international Afrobeat musician and activist Fela Kuti. And even if you caught it during its Philadelphia premiere last year, you’re going to want to see it again—because, this time around, the production will feature singer and actor Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child as Sandra Isador.
For Williams, her role in “FELA!” is another feather in her acting cap, as she has performed in other big-name stage productions like “Chicago,” “Aida” and “The Color Purple.” Her stint in “FELA!” also comes at a busy time in a year that saw Williams reunite with Destiny’s Child in the Super Bowl halftime show and as she gears up to release a new solo album.
PGN got to talk to the infectiously cheerful singer about her role in “FELA!” and all the other things she has going on in her busy schedule.
PGN: How did you end up getting cast in “FELA!”? MW: A couple months ago, I met Bill T. Jones through another situation that he is directing this year. He’s also the director of “FELA!” After that, I got the call to tour with the cast of “FELA!” I’m very excited. I’ve been aware of “FELA!” for a long time but I really didn’t start studying his music until about six years ago, not knowing that I was preparing myself for this role. PGN: How does the singing and the choreography in “FELA!” compare to some of the other productions you’ve been a part of? MW: I played Roxie Hart in “Chicago,” and she danced a lot. So to me it was similar, as far as staying true to the form of the dance, like Bob Fosse movement. In “FELA!” it was trying to stay true to African movement, but at the same time, with the choreography of Bill T. Jones, to modern dance as well. I commend the amazing dancers in this show that do more than I have to do.
PGN: What is Sandra’s story and what motivates her in “FELA!”? MW: Sandra is [Kuti’s] lover and teacher. He came to Los Angeles from Nigeria. They met and fell in love. They were able to teach each other things. They realize their lives are parallel. They were experiencing the same injustices. Sandra’s passion is to see Fela grow. She wanted him to be more grounded and have more education because you never want to argue without facts. Even if you know something is wrong or something wrong was done to you, once you get education and knowledge about something, no one can ever take that from you.
PGN: Does performing in a production like this demand more discipline and attention to detail than what you would have to do touring as a singer? MW: Absolutely. When you come to a concert, you know you’re going to be on your feet singing to your favorite artist and you’re excited to be there. When you go to a theater, you automatically sit down and take that posture that you are coming to be entertained and watch. So in theater, you have to know your lines, your stage and your blocking. And you have to do it night after night, eight shows a week. With this show, it’s a pretty interactive show with the audience as well. No two shows are the same, actually.
PGN: You’re no stranger to dancing, but even so, does working with an iconic choreographer like Bill T. Jones make you nervous? MW: Oooh, absolutely! Because he comes from the old school. Everything is full-out. Do this. Do this right. There are no alternatives. He’s still ripped. He’s got a six-pack. He’s toned. He’s like, “If I can do it, you can do it. No excuses.”
PGN: What was it like to perform at the Super Bowl? MW: It was spectacular. Can you imagine? That is one of the most amazing things you can do in your career. Imagine being a football player; they dream about going to the Super Bowl. But then imagine being a performer that gets to the halftime show. It happens once a year in front of millions and millions of people. It was just really, really cool.
PGN: What can you tell us about the album you have coming out this year? MW: I’m so excited about this record. It’s a great look into my journey. I know that sounds cliché, but I really want to be that artist that takes people on a journey through my life. It’s been four years since I released a record, so I’m literally telling you everything that went on in those four years. PGN: I know you’ve done gospel and secular records in the past. Is this one going to be gospel or is it going to be more pop and R&B? MW: It’s going to be everything. It’s going to have your gospel, your inspirational, your pop, your R&B, all those influences. One of the producers I worked with, he’s Nigerian. So you’re going to get a little bit of that beat underneath some of the music as well. It’s really cool how it was crafted.
PGN: With everything you have accomplished, is there anything you haven’t done in your career yet? MW: One day I’d like to do television or film. One of those I would love to do. I’ve never been able to choose just one. As you can see with my career, I’ve done it all. So many people influenced me to be able to sing, to be in the studio today, to be on the theater stage tonight, to be on set to do television one day. I just really want to not limit myself and do as much as I can.
PGN: Having been in the entertainment industry for most of your life, what is the biggest change you’ve seen in it? MW: Artists have to be more involved. It’s no more management going in for you to do the dirty work. Artists are realizing they have to do the dirty work. You have to take charge now. Times are changing. You have to be more vocal about everything. Back in the day, you could blame the label or someone else for something failing. Now it’s not like that anymore. People have more access to the artist too. There’s no mystery anymore.
PGN: Are there any plans to tour with the new album? MW: Absolutely. The album comes out this summer so immediately after.
The Kimmel Center presents Tony Award-winning musical “FELA!” through March 17 at Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. For more information or tickets, call 215-790-5800.