Anticipation is building in the capital as a brand-new Zimbabwean musical prepares to illuminate the Celebration Centre stage, promising a festive season experience 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 performers who believe the project marks a bold step forward for large-scale theatre in the country.
The musical is scheduled to run for two consecutive weekends, with performances set for Friday the 28th, Saturday the 29th, and Sunday the 30th, before returning for its final run the following weekend. The show will unfold in the Celebration Centre’s expansive 3,000-seat auditorium, a venue that gives the production the scale and atmosphere of a world-class theatrical event.
At the heart of the musical is a fusion of storytelling, music, and intricate stage design crafted to immerse audiences in a festive journey. The creative team behind the project brings together artistic talent with both local and international experience, lending the production a level of polish and ambition rarely seen in Zimbabwe’s contemporary theatre landscape. According to the organisers, every component, from the choreography and lighting to the musical arrangement, was designed to reflect the depth of skill present in the country’s creative sector.
The cast includes some of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated performers. Gospel legend Pastor Bonnie Deuschle leads the ensemble alongside award-winning singer Janet Manyowa, whose presence adds both vocal excellence and star appeal. They are joined by broadcaster and media personality Arthur Evans, acclaimed actor Walter Tapfumaneyi, and a robust group of professional musicians, dancers, and choir members. Their combined talent is expected to give the production both emotional resonance and the festive energy audiences look forward to during the holiday season.
Event Promoter Lyncolin Kapswara of Events by GEC described the musical as a labour of love designed to bring families together. He noted that the team sought to create a production that is warm, uplifting, and rooted in Zimbabwean creativity, while still offering the grandeur associated with major international theatre shows. He emphasized that the entire production was conceptualized and executed locally, proving that Zimbabwean artists can create work of extraordinary scale when they come together with a shared vision.
The musical features an original score composed by Daniel Deuschle, whose music weaves through the narrative to give the story emotional depth and festive character. With its multigenerational themes, strong ensemble performances, and cinematic stagecraft, In Search of the King is already being positioned as one of the standout cultural events of the 2025 festive calendar.
Organisers expect significant demand for the six scheduled shows, noting the combined draw of the star-studded cast, family-friendly atmosphere, and the novelty of a locally produced Christmas musical of this magnitude. Tickets are currently on sale at Booties Pharmacies, ranging from US$15 to US$100, making the event accessible to a wide spectrum of theatre-goers.
As Harare prepares to welcome the festive season, In Search of the King is set to offer audiences a memorable celebration of music, storytelling, and Zimbabwean artistic excellence.
