After sold-out runs, Charles Aznavour – An Invented Romance returns to Teatro Vannucci from April 4, starring Sylvia Bandeira and Mauricio Baduh.
One of the most beloved Brazilian musicals in recent years, the show is back in Rio de Janeiro with performances on Saturdays at 6 PM and Sundays at 5 PM, running through April 26, 2026. Its previous run lasted nearly two years before going on tour, cementing its place as a standout production in contemporary Brazilian musical theater.
A Romance Born from Real Encounters
Conceived by actress Sylvia Bandeira, the musical draws from her personal connection to the work of Charles Aznavour. Over the years, she had the privilege of meeting the legendary French singer on several occasions. Those encounters — preserved in photographs — inspired playwright Saulo Sisnando to craft the story that gives the show its name.
“I wrote a story about how many illusions we are capable of inventing to make those we love happy, and how many of Charles Aznavour’s songs are needed to once again awaken passion and new paths in restless hearts,” says Sisnando, who researched the singer’s life and legacy extensively.
Charles Aznavour – An Invented Romance is a delicious treat filled with beautiful music and a wonderful love story.
The description comes from Sylvia Bandeira herself, who shares the stage with the “formidable” Mauricio Baduh. Together, they portray Isabel and Heitor — two characters who discover their lives are deeply intertwined through the songs of the French chansonnier.
The Story
Isabel is a celebrated theater actress who has retreated from public life. Heitor is a shy journalist who, on the eve of losing his mother, secures a rare interview with the star. Their conversation unravels long-buried secrets tied to Charles Aznavour — secrets neither of them has ever been able to leave behind.
Lost letters, invented memories, and small lies gradually surface, revealing unexpected similarities between their stories. When the journalist finally discloses his greatest secret, Isabel realizes that Aznavour has never felt more alive. The show is directed by Daniel Dias da Silva, with musical direction and arrangements by Liliane Secco.
The Setlist
Bandeira and Baduh perform Aznavour’s most iconic songs, accompanied by Liliane Secco on piano and Isabelle Ferreira on violin. Highlights include:
- Que C’est Triste Venise
- Hier Encore
- Comme Ils Disent
- Sur Ma Vie
- La Mamma
- La Bohème
- Les Comédiens
- She
Event Info
- Show: Charles Aznavour – An Invented Romance
- Venue: Teatro Vannucci – Rua Marquês de São Vicente, 52, Loja 371, Rio de Janeiro
- Phone: 21 2274-7246
- Run: April 4–26, 2026
- Schedule: Saturdays at 6 PM and Sundays at 5 PM
- Tickets: BRL 75.00 to BRL 150.00
- Box office: Monday–Friday, 2 PM–8 PM. On show days, until the start of the last performance
- Online tickets: https://bileto.sympla.com.br/event/112100/d/369642
- Capacity: 427 seats
- Rating: General audiences
- Runtime: 70 minutes
- Social media: @charlesaznavourmusical
Photo: Ariel Calvott
