The novel A Beautiful Wilderness by Dupe Olorunjo is set for the stage as a musical. Produced and directed by Gbenga Yusuf, it isscheduled to run from February 14 to 16, 2020 at the AGIP Recital Hall of the MUSON Centre.
The producers said it will set the stage for mesmerizing scenes, relatable narratives and gripping twists and turns. ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ will show for the three days by 4pm and 7pm.
“What is real and what is not is left for the audience to decide,” the producers said. “Seasoned with free-flowing poetry, riveting dances and enchanting music, ‘Beautiful Wilderness the musical’ is a must-see stage splendour”.
The plot revolves around the stereotypically successful business tycoon that is Keanu Omira (played by Patrick Diabuah). Omira is an easily recognisable boss-man as he believes he has got the world in his pocket. Being one who does not suffer fools, he is truly bewildered when the rug is pulled from beneath his feet and he takes off on a journey into the unknown. In this 4D-nightmare-come-alive, he must make a choice; to either retrace his steps or be lost forever.
This production of the musical parades other topnotch actors like Tosin Adeyemi, Omololu Sodiya, Aisha Onitiri, Eden Attah and many others.
A production of Seeing Through the Arts Production Company, this family show speaks of humility and kindness as part of the best human virtues to possess. It explores a different kind of love that gives freely but expects nothing in return.
The Executive Producer of the musical play and author of the novel believes that stories have the power to expose the reality of where we stand and help us envision where we should be. She also states that all positive stories birthed in our hearts deserve a telling.
“I have written four novels, all within the inspirational fiction genre, and my hope every day is that each one will continue to influence my audience to embrace life-changing possibilities, sometimes outside our normal reach,” Olorunjo said
Talking about how she was inspired to write the novel, Olorunjosaid that it happened while she was trapped in Lagos traffic one morning.
Gbenga Yusuf is the creative director at Seeing Through the Arts Production Company. Recently, he produced and directed the acclaimed ‘Legends: The Musical and also produced and directed Red Velvet – Waje’s first album concert. Yusuf is excited to be on the ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ project, not just because he is producing and directing it, but because it’s an amazing story of love and faith.
“It is not a regular story and so our decision to stage ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ during the Valentine period was intentional, because, the musical play shows us a different kind of love. It is the highest form of love…one that has depth. I will say this to you, no matter what your schedule looks like, make time for yourself, or your loved one or ones, as the case may be, to come see this show. Do not miss the ‘Beautiful Wilderness Musical,’ Gbenga Yusuf said.