GYANT SCOOP
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Awwww Sh*t! Is Jay-Z About To Build Up His Broadway Swagger?
Posted on October 2, 2008 1:17 PM
Could Jigga be trying his hand at a Broadway play?
Buzz is beginning to stir about hip-hop mogul Jay-Z helping take the sold-out, off-Broadway hit "Fela!" to the main stage.
According to the New York Post, the rapper has shown a large interest in the Bill T. Jones' heart pounding musical and while it's not yet certain what role Jay would have with the production, at the very least he is expected to publicly show his support.
"Let me put it to you this way," an unnamed hip-hop source told NY Post. "If Jay-Z starts talking up the show anywhere, there are going to be a lot of people outside the theater every night."
The live performance, based on the life and music of iconic African composer and human rights activist Fela Kuti, features a wide combination of drum beats and was recommended to the hip-hop entrepreneur by The Roots' drummer Questlove, who has reportedly used the social network Twitter to show his admiration for the production.
Gaining a large reception by celebrities including Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Lou Reed, Fiona Apple and Charlize Theron, original Beatles member Paul McCartney has also shown his interest in the musical.
"Fela Kuti's band is the best band I've ever seen," McCartney said in a statement. "When Fela and his band eventually began to play, after a long, crazy build-up, I just couldn't stop weeping with joy. It was a very moving experience."
Originally planned to run from early August to September 21, the show has been so well received that it has been extended and sold-out through early October, making the possibility of shifting to Broadway appear likely.
"We're exploring things," producer Steve Hendel told NY Post. "We haven't entirely decided yet, but the theater world in New York revolves around Broadway, so it's hard to resist."
"Fela!" has currently been extended to run through Sunday, October 5 at 37 Arts in New York City.
Shout out to the the homie, Cyrus for the information.Posted by Gyant
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