At 24, the Manaus-born actress who appeared on The Voice Kids now stars alongside Thalita Rebouças in a hit Rio de Janeiro musical.
Cella Bártholo‘s story reads like the very kind of coming-of-age tale she now performs onstage. Born in Manaus, deep in the Brazilian Amazon, she began performing as a child, competed on The Voice Kids in 2017 representing the state of Amazonas, and eventually relocated to Rio de Janeiro to pursue a career in musical theater. That journey has now brought her to the Teatro Roxy, where she stars in “Fala Sério, Mãe! – Elas só mudam de endereço” (“Seriously, Mom! – They Just Change Addresses”), running through March 29.
A role that hits close to home
Cella plays Malu, a young woman on the verge of leaving home and stepping into independence — the same role Larissa Manoela portrayed in the film adaptation. Opposite her, bestselling author Thalita Rebouças plays the overprotective mother Ângela Cristina, a character she created. The musical is based on Rebouças’s beloved novel and celebrates the bittersweet emotion of an “empty nest.”
The production is helmed by general director Abel Gomes, artistic director Priscilla Mota, theatrical director Tauã Delmiro, and musical director Tony Lucchesi. The narrative unfolds through the main character’s drawings, giving the show a uniquely intimate visual language.
I lived through this with my own mother when I moved to Rio de Janeiro. I remember how hard it was, but at the same time she knew it was the right moment. I relate deeply to this story and I am moved every single day telling it.
A reunion years in the making
The connection between Cella and Thalita predates the show by nearly a decade. Rebouças was a host on The Voice Kids when Cella competed in 2017. “I was already a huge fan of her books as a teenager,” Cella recalled. “I devoured them and felt so seen by them.” That early admiration made stepping onto the stage together all the more meaningful.
Butterfly Effect: a debut album with Amazonian roots
Beyond the theater, Cella is preparing to release her debut album, “Efeito Borboleta” (Butterfly Effect). The project blends North Brazilian rhythms with pop, reflecting one of her core artistic missions: to bring the culture and identity of the Amazon to national and international audiences. Preview tracks are already available on her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarcellaB%C3%A1rtholo
Producer, director, and creative force
As artistic director of In Cena Produções, Cella also develops original theatrical projects. The company’s latest work, “República Lee – Um musical ao som de Rita”, blended live cinema and theater in a bold, comedic format that toured both Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. “It was always a surprise for the audience,” she said, hinting that new projects are already in the works.
Show Info
Show: Fala Sério, Mãe! – Elas só mudam de endereço
Venue: Teatro Roxy – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Run: Through March 29
Cast: Cella Bártholo and Thalita Rebouças
General direction: Abel Gomes | Artistic direction: Priscilla Mota | Theatrical direction: Tauã Delmiro | Musical direction: Tony Lucchesi
Photo: Divulgação
