In the year in which it celebrates 40 years of history, the Rock in Rio will launch an original production that will excite the public who passes through Cidade do Rock in this special edition. After the success of the show Uirapuruin 2022, and the The City – The Musicalat The Town, the festival announces the musical Dreams, mud and rock and roll. The opera will take a deep dive into the 40-year history of the world’s largest music and entertainment festival, taking audiences on a magical journey behind the scenes of the creation of Rock in Rio, highlighting the importance of pursuing and believing in dreams that they want to achieve.
Under the creation of Roberto Medina, the musical production of Zé Ricardo and the conception of Charles Möeller (also responsible for the general direction of the show) and Claudio Botelho, this new production will have a unique combination of live music – accompanied by an orchestra , which will be at the sides of the stage -, exciting shows with dancers choreographed by Mariana Barros and breathtaking scenography. Among the elements of the large stage which carries a scenario inspired by the concept of The dream factory, there will be the iconic 1985 sneakers and a wide staircase in the shape of a typewriter. In the first rehearsal, the opera featured Bel Kutner, Malu Rodrigues, Beto Sargentelli and Gottsha. The show, lasting 35 minutes and scheduled for four screenings a day at the festival, will occupy one of the arenas that are part of Cidade do Rock.
“”Sonhos, Lamas and Rock and Roll” is more than a musical, it is a celebration of the courage to pursue seemingly impossible dreams. We have created a thrilling narrative that will transport audiences to a Rio de Janeiro full of challenges and possibilities. In the past, remembering the year 1984, when the idea of organizing a giant international music festival in the city was seen as an unattainable dream. I can’t wait to see the show in the Rock City. We are working tirelessly, thinking of every detail, so that everything is perfect, people will be enchanted by every scene that is presented.” celebrates Roberto Medina, president of Rock World, the company that created, organizes and produces Rock in Rio and The Town.
In the soundtrack, audiences will recognize some of the world’s biggest hits. In addition to a new composition, the repertoire will include emblematic pieces by the great artists who participated in the festival. “The soundtrack of the show is a true musical journey, full of iconic hits that transcend generations and that have marked Rock in Rio in the Rio and Lisbon editions. It is an experience that combines the power of music with the magic of theatre, transporting the audience on this thrilling and unforgettable journey. The orchestra will be the icing on the cake of the opera, with every note ringing with energy and emotion, perfectly complementing the immersive story that comes to life on stage.” underlines Zé Ricardo, artistic vice president of Rock World, who adds: “Making and creating music for musicals is something that really challenges me. There are many possibilities, a universe where everything is possible. This goes well with Rock in Rio, which brings different experiences to the City of Rock. In addition to the various shows by great artists, the festival manages to go further and promote many other attractions for the public”.
The new production, Dreams, mud and rock and rollfollows the story of the author Maria Antônia Lobo – played by the actress Bel Kutner in 2024 and, later, in 1984, by the actress Malu Rodrigues -, a determined woman, passionate about the world of advertising and entertainment, at the evening of signing of her autobiographical book Fábrica de Sonhos, in 2024. During the event, Maria reflects on her life journey, especially in 1984, when participating in the idea of organizing an international rock festival in Rio was seen as a quixotic delusion.
“Doing a musical at a festival of this size is completely different. It’s very fascinating because everything is so grand. Working here is wonderful because they give me this freedom and the opportunity to express what I believe in. This is even more incredible because we “We’re talking about the history of the festival within the festival: it’s a fascinating metalanguage to do.” comments Charles Möeller, who also underlines the importance of Rock in Rio: “The festival is a source of inspiration for us. Roberto Medina raised the category of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the country’s entertainment. I think that if I have a career today it is because he then saw that it would be possible to do it in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo or Brazil. There is nothing more fitting for me than to pay homage to his life story, which is so fascinating and inspires us so much.”
The musical will transport viewers on a journey through time, going back to 1984, when the young Maria Antônia arrives at an advertising agency carrying with her a suitcase full of dreams and aspirations. Hired as an intern, she is taken in by Dora – played by Gottsha – and competes for a place in the creative department with João Coelho – played by the talented Beto Sargentelli – a charismatic young man who refuses to adopt competitive behavior. Meanwhile, in the midst of Brazil’s political and economic crisis, the agency’s owner reveals his intention to create the largest music and entertainment festival in the world, reflecting the audacity needed to turn dreams into reality.
As the story progresses, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, culminating in a powerful finale that celebrates the resilience, creativity and spirit of Rock in Rio.
One of the most evocative passages of the narrative is the appearance of Don Quixote, also played by Beto Sargentelli. Don Quixote, the iconic errant knight, appears on his horse among the audience and heads towards the central stage, symbolizing the fight against skeptics and the tireless quest to realize the most impossible dreams.
The new production will also serve as inspiration for another show, which will take place outside the city of Rock. The work will present the history of Rock in Rio in the theater, reaching a new audience and sharing the magic of the festival with the entire city of Rio de Janeiro. It will be a unique opportunity for even more people to experience the energy and excitement of Rock in Rio.
Rock in Rio will take place on 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21 and 22 September 2024, with 700 thousand people in the City of Rock. It will be the celebration of 40 years of the festival that put Brazil on the path to the world music scene and which, in 2022, received the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the City and State of Rio de Janeiro. There have already been 22 editions, more than 3,800 artists scheduled, more than 11.2 million audiences and more than 130 days of magic since 1985. And, for 2024, enthusiasts can expect a special party, with new experiences and experiences within the city of the rock.
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
