The work explores the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies) to reveal his controversial life as an artist and political activist.

Tony winner Bill T. Jones directs a cast that stars Sahr Ngaujah, Lillias White, Saycon Sengbloh and Kevin Mambo.

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A few blocks uptown, the Neil Simon Theatre will play host to the Kennedy Center's revival of Ragtime, beginning previews Oct. 23.

The Lynn Ahrens-Stephen Flaherty-Terrence McNally musical turns back the clock to the dawn of the 20th century — a time when anything was possible and ragtime music filled the air.  The story follows a poor Jewish immigrant selling his "moving picture" books on the street, a wealthy Victorian couple who welcome a runaway into their home and a Harlem jazz pianist who turns an issue of justice into a revolution.

Marcia Milgrom Dodge directs a 40-person cast led by Ron Bohmer, Quentin Earl Darrington, Christiane Noll, Robert Petkoff, Bobby Steggert and Stephanie Umoh.