Following a smash-hit international tour, the new, interactive theatrical event, DJEMBE! The Show, makes its U.S. debut at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago), for a strictly limited engagement starting performances on March 19, 2019. DJEMBE! (JEM-bay) will engage audiences in a high-energy program of powerful storytelling and inspiring music, including iconic pop hits. Leading this lively musical journey will be the trio of Broadway talent Ben Hope (Once) as Emcee; critically-acclaimed Chicago musical theater artist Rashada Dawan (Caroline, or Change) on lead vocals; and Guinean master drummer and folklorist Fodé Lavia Camara, backed by an ensemble of world-class musicians.
DJEMBE! was originally created by British artist and social entrepreneur Doug Manuel and is co-written by Manuel and Director West Hyler (Jersey Boys,Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour on Broadway, iLuminate, Big Apple Circus).
The accomplished creative team includes Tony Award™-winner Todd Rosenthal (Scenic Design), Obie Award™-winner Montana Levi Blanco (Costumes),Zach Blane (Lighting), Ray Nardelli (Sound), Resean Davonte Johnson (Projections), and musician and storyteller Seckou Keita (Lead African Artist).
“Upon seeing this show, I was immediately reminded of how I felt at Blue Man Group when that show first launched: exhilarated, transported, alive. DJEMBE!is an uplifting journey that I think individuals, friends and families all want to experience right now. Audiences can choose to interact musically with our storytellers, which is surprisingly fun and also unique,” said DeSimone. “We are delighted to have our initial U.S. home be in Chicago.”
DJEMBE! The Show will be performed at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, in a strictly limited engagement, March 19 - June 2, 2019:Tuesdays - Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., with matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets range in price from $39.00 - $69.00 and are now on sale at www.djembetheshow.com, the Apollo Theater box office, phone (773) 935-6100, and online at www.ticketmaster.com. Enjoy special pricing in the first week of preview performances (March 19-24) when all tickets are priced at $39.00. DJEMBE! The Show is enjoyable for all ages; single ticket discounts are available for students and seniors. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available through Group Theater Tix, (312) 423-6612, www.grouptheatertix.com.
The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including, most recently, Million Dollar Quartet, which became the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.
