“Susi, the Musical” opens in São Paulo

“Susi, the Musical” opens Feb 21 in São Paulo, starring PRISCILLA in an original story about memory, identity and social media.

One of Brazil’s most beloved childhood icons is heading to the stage. Susi, the Estrela doll launched in 1966, returns as the lead in Susi, the Musical, an original production that blends humor, social critique, nostalgia and brand-new songs.

Presented by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and sponsored by Itaú, the show opens on February 21 at Teatro Sérgio Cardoso in São Paulo. It is conceived and directed by Ulysses Cruz, written and created by Mara Carvalho, with music by Thiago Gimenes. The production is by Ulysses Cruz Arte & Entretenimento, under license from Estrela.

PRISCILLA takes the title role

Susi will be played by singer and actress PRISCILLA, whose career began in childhood and expanded across pop music, stage work and screen projects. The casting reinforces the show’s intergenerational conversation, framing Susi as a symbol of identity, transformation and cultural resilience. Additional cast members—set to portray different versions of the doll and key figures in the story—will be announced soon.

A journey between screens and dreams

The plot follows Victor, an imaginative boy absorbed by a screen-driven routine that narrows how he experiences the world. In a dreamlike dive that moves between fantasy and nightmare, he embarks on a journey where he confronts fears and discovers new perspectives alongside Susi.

In this symbolic universe, Venus appears as an embodiment of imported standards, perfection narratives and today’s pressures around consumption and image. Through allies and antagonists, Victor goes through a rite of passage, learning to handle the changes and contradictions of childhood on the way to adolescence.

Current themes and multiple Susis

Mixing music, humor and emotion, Susi, the Musical addresses identity, self-esteem, consumerism, feminism, social media, globalization and belonging. As Victor reconnects with his own story and discovers his vocation, Susi fights to stay relevant to new generations.

Onstage, the character multiplies into different versions that represent varied professions, ethnicities and life possibilities. The concept highlights the plurality of Brazilian women while questioning the shine of imported cultural standards.

Origins, visuals and soundtrack

The idea to turn Susi into a musical emerged in 2023, after Mara Carvalho and Ulysses Cruz discussed the cultural impact of projects that revisit collective icons. Since then, the team has developed the show to revive affectionate memories while offering a critical, contemporary view on identity, belonging and cultural consumption.

With sharp dialogue, visual projections and a finale described as a show-stopper, the staging shifts between Victor’s bedroom and the dolls’ symbolic world. Musical director Thiago Gimenes signs a score that moves between electronic and acoustic textures, and draws from rock, pop, MPB, rap, trap and 1970s references, using music as an extension of the storytelling.

The creative team includes Thiago Gimenes (original songs), Mara Carvalho and Thiago Gimenes (lyrics), Rubens Oliveira (choreography and movement direction), Verônica Valle (set design), Deborah Casares and Caia Guimarães (costumes), Marcos Padilha (hair and makeup design), Aline Santini (lighting), Gabriel D’Angelo (sound), Vanessa Veiga (casting), Thiago de Los Reyes (executive direction) and Andresa Gavioli (executive production).

Service

Venue: Teatro Sérgio Cardoso – Sala Paschoal Carlos Magno

Address: Rua Rui Barbosa, 153 – Bela Vista – São Paulo/SP

Opening night: February 21 (Thursday), 8:00 pm

Season: February 21 to April 12

Shows: Thu and Fri, 8:00 pm; Sat and Sun, 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm

Tickets (Stalls): full \(R\$ 200{,}00\) | half-price \(R\$ 100{,}00\)

Tickets (Upper Stalls): full \(R\$ 160{,}00\) | half-price \(R\$ 80{,}00\)

Tickets (Balcony): full \(R\$ 50{,}00\) | half-price \(R\$ 25{,}00\)

Sales: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/114413 or the venue box office

Age rating: suitable for all ages

Running time: 90 minutes

Capacity: 827 seats