A new Zimbabwean musical is set to make a significant mark on Harare’s arts scene as the city prepares to host In Search of the King, a large-scale festive production created by a collective of local composers, directors, and performers. Scheduled to run for six nights at Celebration Centre, the show is already generating excitement for its ambition, originality, and powerful assembly of celebrated talent.
The musical will have its first run this coming weekend, with shows on Friday the 28th, Saturday the 29th, and Sunday the 30th of November. The final performances are set for the following weekend, completing what organizers believe will be one of the most vibrant artistic showcases of the season. Staged in a 3,000-seat auditorium, the production stands among the biggest theatre undertakings in Zimbabwe in recent years, combining narrative, music, and grand stagecraft to create a multisensory festive experience.
The creative team behind In Search of the King*l includes artists who have worked extensively both locally and abroad, a testament to the show’s artistic reach and the collaborative spirit driving it. Their expertise is reflected in every aspect of the project, from its original score to its visual presentation, with a commitment to delivering a production that resonates deeply with audiences while highlighting the strength of local creative industries.
The cast brings together some of Zimbabwe’s most recognisable performers. Gospel icon Pastor Bonnie Deuschle and award-winning singer Janet Manyowa headline the production, setting the musical foundation with their influential voices. They are joined by broadcaster Arthur Evans, veteran actor Walter Tapfumaneyi, and a robust ensemble of musicians, actors, and choir members whose combined talents promise a dynamic and emotionally rich performance.
Event promoter Lyncolin Kapswara of Events by GEC said the goal was to craft a holiday experience that feels meaningful, uplifting, and distinctly Zimbabwean. He noted that the show aims to provide families with a shared festive outing while showcasing the evolution of local theatre. According to Kapswara, the team approached the production with a cinematic mindset, ensuring that every detail — from the original compositions to the set design — reflects both excellence and authenticity. His belief is that audiences will immediately recognise the high standard achieved through such collaborative, homegrown creativity.
The musical features an original score by Daniel Deuschle and a storyline intentionally crafted to resonate across generations, blending tradition with contemporary performance style. As anticipation builds, organisers expect strong demand for the six scheduled shows, citing the combination of family-friendly themes, festive spirit, and star-studded casting as key draws likely to attract thousands of attendees.
Tickets for In Search of the King range from $15 to $100 and are available at Booties Pharmacies. With its scale, creativity, and strong ensemble of performers, the production is poised to become one of the standout cultural events of the 2025 festive season.
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[…] unlike anything the local arts scene has witnessed in recent years. The production, titled In Search of the King, is a fully original work created by a collective of Zimbabwean composers, directors, and […]