Rwanda will experience the magic of Tonight Is the Night; the first musical theatre of its kind scheduled for March 29 at BK Arena. This re-imagined production, originally from South Africa, introduces musical theatre to Kigali with a fresh twist-featuring a new cast, a mix of classic and contemporary music, and an updated script that blends humor with deep emotional storytelling. The musical theatre delves into a captivating love triangle, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, set to a soundtrack that mixes classic love hits and contemporary tracks. It aims at promoting the arts, offering a platform for emerging talents from the Nyundo School of Arts and Music, and creating an intimate yet grand theatrical experience. With a focus on promoting arts, fostering local talent, and expanding the country’s cultural scene, Tonight Is the Night promises to be the beginning of a new era in Rwanda’s entertainment industry. ALSO READ: At the Ubumuntu Arts Festival, everything was worth discussing According to Sharif Baker, the producer and director of Tonight Is the Night, the event represents a significant step in revitalizing theatre in Rwanda adding that as Rwanda’s first-ever musical theatre production, transforming the space into a bespoke theatre setting with a carefully curated seating for a more intimate audience. “Theatre has been a slightly dying art in Rwanda, and we want to bring it back to life, offering communities an opportunity to embrace musical theatre. This show illustrates the reality of life where love is tested by infidelity but ultimately redemption is possible,” Baker told The New Times. While this musical theatre has been performed in South Africa, Baker said that it’s the first time it is being adapted for the Rwandan stage, showcasing local and East African talent and emphasising the importance of showcasing talents both locally and internationally. ALSO READ: Mashirika's “Generation 25” play takes center stage in Pakistan John Bunyeshuri, the manager of the Twilight Band which is organizing the musical theatre, told The New Times that their collaboration with Sharif Baker has helped bring the vision of musical theatre production to life in Rwanda. Bunyeshuri explained that he wanted to create something similar in Rwanda, a musical theatre that combines music, dance, and storytelling, all performed by Rwandan artists. “We’re working with a cast of eight people to create something phenomenal, and the goal is not just to showcase the production locally, but to eventually take it abroad, aiming for shows in North and South America as well as across Africa,” he said. Entrance tickets for Tonight is the Night are already available via www.ticqet.rw at Rwf 20,000 each. The event will run from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
