‘Beautiful Wilderness’, a musical by Seeing Through the Arts Production Company will run at the Agip Recital Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos from February 14 to 16.
The musical to commemorate this year’s Valentine’s Day is an adaptation of Dupe Olorunjo’s novel, ‘A Beautiful Wilderness’. It is produced and directed by Gbenga Yusuf.
The plot revolves around a successful business tycoon, Keanu Omira (played by Patrick Diabuah). He is a top shot employer who is bewildered when the tables turn, and he takes off on a journey into the unknown. He must make a choice; to either retrace his steps or be lost forever.
The musical which highlights the virtues of humility and kindness also features Tosin Adeyemi, Omololu Sodiya, Aisha Onitiri, Eden Attah and many others.
Revealing what inspired the novel, executive producer and author of three other books, Olorunjo said: “I was sitting in the car, frustrated when I saw a lame beggar. He must have just arrived and was unpacking his things, including his begging bowl. I watched him closely and realised this was his entire life. He wasn’t concerned with the traffic, with issues in the corporate world, the stock market, Lagos gossip, celebrities, owning a car, designer clothes, nothing. Then I also understood that he didn’t choose that world. Each one of us in a different life, a different family, a different environment could have comfortably been sitting in that beggar’s shoes.
“The story of ‘A Beautiful Wilderness’ from the beginning to the end was formed in my mind that morning. I trust that our exposure to this story will help us appreciate all we are and all we have, including our blessings and the love God has surrounded us with.”
The director, Yusuf, whose credits include ‘Legends: the Musical’ and ‘Red Velvet’ said he was excited to be directing the musical.
“It is not a regular story, and our decision to stage ‘Beautiful Wilderness’ during the Valentine period was intentional. The musical shows us a different kind of love. It is the highest form of love, one that has depth.”
Yusuf added that it “shows how crucial our decisions are and how they come to bear on our love life, relationships, businesses and also to us personally. It’s a family show which connects with different age groups and social classes. We are quite proud of it.”