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Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Musical

September 27- October 30, 2025

Based on the book MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER: An African Tale by John Steptoe
Adapted by Taryn Janelle from the play. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Play" by Karen Abbott
Music and Lyrics by Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross
By permission of the Estate of John Steptoe

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Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Adapted by Taryn Janelle from the play “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Play” by Karen Abbott

Music and Lyrics by Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross

TYA Premiere – Once upon a time, beneath the wide Zimbabwean sky, lived a man with two daughters—both beautiful, but with very different hearts. Based on the beloved book by John Steptoe and told in the rich tradition of African folktales, Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is a sweeping, musical tale of kindness, inner strength, and the true test of character.

Featuring vibrant new music and lyrics by Taryn Janelle and LaRell Ross of Atlanta’s Synchronicity Theatre, this new adaptation brings Steptoe’s award-winning story to life with color, rhythm, and heart. Honored with the Coretta Scott King Award and the Boston Globe–Horn Book Award, this timeless tale is a celebration of culture, family, and the beauty within.

Production sponsored by:

With help from :

Show Length

Recommended Ages

5-10

Get Tickets

Bring your class

Connect with our Field Trip Concierge about bringing your class to NCT.

Accessibility

Theatre is for everyone.

ALL shows at NCT are Sensory Friendly. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Become a Member

NCT Members enjoy early ticket access, premium seating, and flexible guest passes while supporting our mission.

Is my child ready for this show?

Look at these scaled categories (0-5) to make a decision.

1/5

Language

More Information

1/5

Violence & Scariness

More Information

3/5

Sensory Advisories

More Information

2/5

Potentially Anxious Moments

More Information

Other Things to Know

This play is based on the children’s picture book of the same title by John Steptoe, which is inspired by a traditional African folktale from Zimbabwe. There will not be an intermission.

Social Story

A Social Story is a tool to help improve a child’s understanding of expectations during an unfamiliar event. They were originally designed to support neurodivergent individuals. However, this can be a useful tool for any person who is unsure about what to expect from a new experience.

Will Farris ( Stage Manager)

Nikki Staggs

Dylan Pearsons

Ensemble

Alaina Bozarth

Ensemble

Sejal Mehta

Miep

Garris Wimmer

Mr. Dussel

Kenny Dozier

Mr. van Daan

Charlotte Myhre Shealy

Margot Frank

Shelby Talbert

Anne Frank

Tamiko Robinson Steele

Mrs. van Daan

Sarah Michele Bailey

Step Mother

Curtis LeMoine

Fuzzy

Abby Austin

ASM/PA

Hannah Boner

Stage Manager

Meggan Utech

Step Sister

Jordan Tudor

Step Sister

Maya Riley

Ella

LaDarra Jackel

Mama

Abe Reybold

Director/Choreographer

Ernie Nolan

Director/ Choreographer

James Rudolph II

Miss Gulch/ Wicked Witch of the West

Piper Jones

Darlene, The Duck

Eve Petty

Chick, The Chicken

Erika Johnson

Clarissa, The Cow

Richard Daniel

Multiple Roles

Jonah Jackson

Toto/ Nikko/ Multiple Roles

Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva

Cowardly Lion

Gerold Oliver

Tinman

Matthew Carlton

Uncle Henry/ Multiple Roles

Megan Murphy Chambers

Prof. Marvel/Wizard

Shelby Smith

Dorothy Gale

Corrie Maxwell

Aunt Em/Glinda

Ben Friesen

Scarecrow

Dustin Davis

Farmer Brown

Will Farris ( Stage Manager)

Nikki Staggs

Dylan Pearsons

Ensemble

Alaina Bozarth

Ensemble

Sejal Mehta

Miep

Garris Wimmer

Mr. Dussel

A Transformational Experience Awaits You!

Pick a Day for Your Play

Each NCT production schedules a Neuro-Inclusive Performance, ASL Interpreted Performance, and Discovery Day (Post Show Q&A) so everyone can enjoy.

Before You Take Your Seat

Unique preshow lobby activities that explore the show's themes are available for the entire family to enjoy an hour before every performance.

Not a Bad Seat in the House

Whether you're tall or small, there's not a bad seat in the auditorium. Booster seats are available so everyone can see the magic.

What To Expect

Accessibility

NCT is completely wheelchair accessible, and we make accommodations for mobility and physical disabilities.

Attention Aids

We always us visual schedules - so students know what to expect. We also include access to sand timers, bubble timers, and visual clock timers.

Chill Corner

Our ‘chill corner’ is a place where students can take a break if an game is becoming too over-stimulating. Noise-reducing headphones are also available.

Helpful Visuals

We always us visual schedules - so students know what to expect. We also include access to sand timers, bubble timers, and visual clock timers.

Class Expectations

All classes utilize verbal as well as discussed written expectations so students understand classroom behavioral expectations

Class Nametags

All class nametags are printed in the color and have the name of the class color printed on them for colorblind students.

Convenient Location

We're located just a few blocks from Downtown Nashville, near hotels, restaurants, and other popular attractions.

Free Parking

From minivans to caravans, we have space for you in our dedicated lot. Parking is always free and easy at NCT.

Accessibility

NCT is completely wheelchair accessible, and we make accommodations for mobility and physical disabilities.

Sensory Room

All performances at NCT are Sensory-Friendly. Our Sensory Room is a place where audience members of all ages can take a break and still enjoy the performance.

Magical Memories Are One Click Away!

For Educators

Ready for a field trip you can enjoy just as much as your students? We make field trips easy and fun for EVERYONE, especially teachers.

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Musical

September 27- October 30, 2025

Based on the book MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER: An African Tale by John Steptoe Adapted by Taryn Janelle from the play. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Play" by Karen Abbott Music and Lyrics by Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross By permission of the Estate of John Steptoe

Jump to a section

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

Show Length

Recommended Ages

Get Tickets

Bring your class

Accessibility

Become a Member

Is my child ready for this show?

Look at these scaled categories (0-5) to make a decision.

1/5

Language

1/5

Violence & Scariness

3/5

Sensory Advisories

2/5

Potentially Anxious Moments

Other Things to Know

Social Story

Cast & Crew

Meet the people behind the production.

Will Farris ( Stage Manager)

Nikki Staggs

Dylan Pearsons

Ensemble

Alaina Bozarth

Ensemble

Sejal Mehta

Miep

Garris Wimmer

Mr. Dussel

Kenny Dozier

Mr. van Daan

Charlotte Myhre Shealy

Margot Frank

Shelby Talbert

Anne Frank

Tamiko Robinson Steele

Mrs. van Daan

Sarah Michele Bailey

Step Mother

Curtis LeMoine

Fuzzy

Abby Austin

ASM/PA

Hannah Boner

Stage Manager

Meggan Utech

Step Sister

Jordan Tudor

Step Sister

Maya Riley

Ella

LaDarra Jackel

Mama

Abe Reybold

Director/Choreographer

Ernie Nolan

Director/ Choreographer

James Rudolph II

Miss Gulch/ Wicked Witch of the West

Piper Jones

Darlene, The Duck

Eve Petty

Chick, The Chicken

Erika Johnson

Clarissa, The Cow

Richard Daniel

Multiple Roles

Jonah Jackson

Toto/ Nikko/ Multiple Roles

Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva

Cowardly Lion

Gerold Oliver

Tinman

Matthew Carlton

Based on the book MUFARO’S BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER: An African Tale by John Steptoe
Adapted by Taryn Janelle from the play. “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Play" by Karen Abbott
Music and Lyrics by Taryn Janelle and LeRell Ross
By permission of the Estate of John Steptoe