BARBA: BRAZILIAN BODY PERCUSSION MUSICAL to Receive Developmental Readings

theatreC, Amas Musical Theatre, and Radio Drama Network, will present two developmental readings of BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical, based on “Sound from the Start: A Body Percussion Story” about the life of Fernando Barba, at Open Jar Studios on Monday, November 16 at 6pm and Tuesday, November 17 at 12pm.

BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical is an ensemble-driven theatrical experience inspired by the real-life Brazilian body music group Barbatuques and their founder, Fernando Barba. After a life-altering diagnosis, the group is invited to perform a make-or-break concert that could secure—or end—their future. Divided by grief and uncertainty, they must decide if they can continue without the man who defined their sound. Blending explosive rhythm with storytelling, BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical builds to a powerful realization: the heartbeat of their sound was never one man—it was always the collective.

BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical began with a chance pairing and a ticking clock. During auditions for NYU Tisch's Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, Carlos Bauzys and Kim Bixler were randomly paired and challenged to write a scene and a song under a tight deadline. Their first song about Fernando Barba, “Just This Moment,” became the seed of the musical—and remains an audience favorite.

The cast includes: Kianna Batista, Amy Sabrina López Conde, Elias Husiak, Nathan Leitão, Max Pollak, Senna Prasatthong, Vin Ramos, Alyssa Redenburg, Jon Rodéz, Corina Sabbas, Hikari Salgado, Alice Reys, André Sguerra and Aimara Torres. The band is: Eric Davis (guitar), Melany Abarca Vásquez (flute), Skyler Volpe (bass) and Thiago Trad (drums).