AT LAST, SARO THE MUSICAL PREMIERES -- Guardian

AFTER much hype and expectations, Nigeria’s first big music drama hit the stage in Lagos at a grand premiere and several shows last weekend. From October 25 to 28, many Nigerians, who are passionate about  theatre, trooped out in their large numbers to Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, to see for themselves what founder of Terra Kulture, Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters and her had in store for them.

It turned out a titillating experience, as the big musical unfolded on stage with deft interpretation of the journey of four young men to the city in pursuit of their dreams.

The venue, the huge multi-dimensional stage, the colourful and expressive costumes, elaborate light and sound input, plus the actors, dancers, musicians, stunts-men showed that the scale and quality of vision of the producers of the show was indeed remarkable. The performers all dazzled in their lovely and colourful costumes as they thrilled the audience with an enigmatic well-choreographed dance steps, competent acting skills and exquisite fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop, highlife, juju, apala, and such other contemporary Nigerian music genres.

Saro: A musical story of love and Lagos - Tribune

THE audience was not disappointed, the much hyped ‘Saro the Musical’ lived up to their expectation. Two shows having been held earlier in the day, it was Friday’s (the opening day) last show and Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, was  buzzing one hour to the commencement time.

Those who had not bought their tickets quietly went about doing so while others exchanged greetings and backslaps. Smartly-dressed waiters went around serving drinks as the 7pm commencement time slowly approached.

There was slight commotion at the entrance; photographers began struggling for vantage positions to get shots. That could only mean one thing, the arrival of a very important personality. 

WHEN SARO THE MUSICAL PREMIERED IN LAGOS - Sunday Trust

The ambitious theatrical SARO premiered in Lagos Friday October 25 with aplomb typical of a grand Broadway-style showpiece.

It’s been long since a show of such scale, especially in the musical genre, was staged anywhere in Nigeria and the cast and crew involved in this production left no stone unturned to make it a show to remember.

The impressive multi-dimensional stage of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island gave room for the actors to be expressive in their elaborate costumes, supported by quality lighting and sound output as envisaged by the producers led by Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters -- MD of Terra Kulture Art Centre, Lagos.

Over 2000 pupils turned out on the opening night to watch the actors thrill them with choreographed dance steps to the fusion of jazz, afro-beat, hip-hop, highlife, juju, apala, and other contemporary Nigerian music genres.

Saro: Telling Lagos life as it is - BusinessDay

The well lit stage speaks volume of the evocative dance steps and music that will latter grace the stage that Sunday evening. It is the grand finale of the well acclaimed musical, Saro.

The hall at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, is filled with lovers of theatre arts who are there to experience firsthand an uncommon staging of an indigenous play.