Michelle Obama and friends see 'Fela!' on Broadway

[November 20, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- An audience at "Fela!" on Broadway this week got an extra thrill when an unannounced guest arrived -- the first lady.

Michelle Obama joined six girlfriends at Thursday evening's performance of the Tony Award-winning musical about Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat artist and Nigerian political activist.

The first lady's group gave the musical a standing ovation, and Obama stayed to greet and congratulate each member of the cast when it ended.

Says Stephen Hendel, who co-conceived and produced the musical: "It's a wonderful feeling that this show would have Mrs. Obama come to it."

[Associated Press]

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