Skip to main content Skip to footer site map

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

All performances will be at Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown Atlanta’s Peachtree Pointe complex.

Synchronicity Theatre will premiere a brand-new musical adaptation of the beloved children's book Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, with songs created by a dynamic local artistic duo.

Once upon a time there was a man with two very beautiful daughters - Nyasha, who is kind and well-loved, and Manyara, who is mean-tempered and bullying. The King calls for all families to send women worthy of being his wife, and Mufaro decides to send both of his daughters. Manyara sneaks out to begin her journey first, and she is dismissive and unkind to all that she meets along her way. Nyasha stops to offer kindness. When they arrive at the City to meet the king, a surprise is in store for them both.

Set in Zimbabwe, and written in the style of African Folktales, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is an expansive, musical retelling of the beloved book. Set under the clear Zimbabwean sky comes a tale of sibling rivalry and tests of character. Award-winning artist and writer John Steptoe's rich cultural imagery of Africa and gift for storytelling earned him the Coretta Scott King Award, Randolph Coldecott Award, and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. Now for the first time with new music created by Synchronicity's artistic team, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is simply magic for the whole family.

Producing Artistic Director Rachel May was searching for a musical to program in our Family Series. Synchronicity is committed to telling stories from many different perspectives and cultures, especially in the Family Series. May discovered that there was a non-musical version of Mufaro's, but not an available musical version. She reached out to Bweela Steptoe, John's Daughter, and proposed the creation of this new musical. Artistic collaborators Taryn Janelle (Director/Choreographer/Lyricist) and LeRell Ross (Music Director/Composer) were brought on board, and a new musical was born. These dynamic collaborators drew inspiration for the songs from African instruments and rhythms, and blended those with traditional musical theatre styles. Their goal was to blend the two together in a way that both stays true to the integrity and location of the story as well as place the story in an exciting way in the world of theater. They also incorporated words from Shona and Xhosa, two dominant languages in Zimbabwe.

"This is a book I remember vividly from my childhood. My mother used this story to teach both me and my siblings that in a world and time where vanity is glorified and sought after, we should be like the King and Nyasha in the story, highlighting the beauty found within." - LeRell Rose.

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters features set design by Gabrielle Stephenson, lighting design by Maliya McCall, Sound Design by Jonathan Taylor, costume design by Dr. L. Nyrobi N. Moss, and properties design by Chase Weaver. The cast includes Atlanta-based actors Ja'Siah Young as Manyara, Kendra Nicole as Nyasha; Anthony J. Nash as Mufaro; and Brandin Jay, Brittani Minnieweather, and Jonathan Bryant as the three storytellers and a variety of other roles.

Every Friday is PJs & Play! Kids are invited to wear pajamas and enjoy cookies while watching the show.

Show times for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. All performances will be at Synchronicity Theatre in Midtown Atlanta's Peachtree Pointe complex. Single ticket prices range from $21-31 for adults and $16-26 for children ages 3-12, and are available online at synchrotheatre.com.

Children two and under are free. School group tickets are $8-10 for weekday matinees. Group rates are also available. Groups of 10+ get a discount. Please contact marketing@synchrotheatre.com or call 404.974.3291 for detailed information.

Photo Credit: Casey Gardner Ford.

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS

Photos: Synchronicity Theatre Presents A Brand-New Musical Adaptation of MUFARO'S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS
The Cast of MUFAROa??S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTERS



ATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL Announces Lineup For 2023 Event Photo
The Atlanta Fringe Festival has announced the lineup for their 11th annual festival, featuring more artists in more venues than ever before, including the festival's first international performers. The 2023 festival will feature 28 groups from 9 different states and Australia, performing live theatre, dance, improv comedy, puppetry, storytelling, magic shows, and more across seven venues throughout four jam-packed days.

Interview: Olivia Bradley of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND Talks Of Her Life Emerged In The Irish  Photo
​​​​​​​As a writer for Broadway World, I love watching all types of shows-musicals, plays, concerts, standup comedy...whatever. In fact, I have seen so many shows, sometimes I see different variations of the same show over and over. So, when unique shows come through the state, I want to be there. This was the case for Celtic Angels Ireland. Due to scheduling conflicts, I was afraid I was going to miss it, but things worked out to where not only did I get to see the show, but I was also able to interview a couple of the Angels.

Los Cabos Premier Jazz Experience The Life Luxe Experience Announces New Date and Addition Photo
The black, female-owned jazz experience, The Life Luxe Experience, has just announced, November 2-6, 2023 as the new date for their annual event held in the relaxing city of Los Cabos, Mexico.

VIDEO: First Look At SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL at Lawrenceville Arts Center Photo
The Queen of Disco and her crew have taken to the stage and are wowing audiences from all over. Check out this highlight reel of what you can expect from this high energy spectacle. But remember, seeing is believing, grab your tickets and see SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical LIVE and in person!


More Hot Stories For You


ATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL Announces Lineup For 2023 EventATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL Announces Lineup For 2023 Event
March 31, 2023

The Atlanta Fringe Festival has announced the lineup for their 11th annual festival, featuring more artists in more venues than ever before, including the festival's first international performers. The 2023 festival will feature 28 groups from 9 different states and Australia, performing live theatre, dance, improv comedy, puppetry, storytelling, magic shows, and more across seven venues throughout four jam-packed days.

Los Cabos Premier Jazz Experience 'The Life Luxe Experience' Announces New Date and AdditionsLos Cabos Premier Jazz Experience 'The Life Luxe Experience' Announces New Date and Additions
March 28, 2023

The black, female-owned jazz experience, The Life Luxe Experience, has just announced, November 2-6, 2023 as the new date for their annual event held in the relaxing city of Los Cabos, Mexico.

Atlanta Shakespeare Company at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse to Present BY MY WILL in AprilAtlanta Shakespeare Company at the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse to Present BY MY WILL in April
March 26, 2023

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse has announced  their special April 2023 production, BY MY WILL, a new divine comedy that explores the source of Shakespeare's genius.

Atlanta Chinese Dance Company to Present WE BELONG HERE: RISING AGAINST ASIAN HATEAtlanta Chinese Dance Company to Present WE BELONG HERE: RISING AGAINST ASIAN HATE
March 24, 2023

Atlanta Chinese Dance Company is  celebrating the humanity of the Chinese community and amplifies the history and solidarity of past and present Asian American civil rights movements through an original production We Belong Here: Rising Against Asian Hate on April 15-16 at Gas South Theater.

ArtsBridge Foundation Announces Nominees For 2023 Shuler AwardsArtsBridge Foundation Announces Nominees For 2023 Shuler Awards
March 23, 2023

In a special online presentation in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting, ArtsBridge Foundation has announced the nominees for the 15th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (GHSMTA), for the 2022-23 school year.