April Theatre Highlights in Rio: ‘Hadassa – O Musical’ and ‘O Talentoso Ripley’ Take the Stage
Rio de Janeiro stages two compelling theatrical productions in April 2026: the historical musical “Hadassa – o Musical” and the suspense thriller “O Talentoso Ripley.”
- • “Hadassa – o Musical” runs from April 3 to May 3 across three venues in Rio, depicting the story of a young autistic girl during World War II.
- • “O Talentoso Ripley” premieres April 4 at Teatro Gláucio Gil, starring and co-directed by Hugo Bonèmer, with shows through April 27.
- • Both productions explore deep themes: Jewish courage and legacy, and psychological suspense, respectively.
- • Tickets for both productions are available through official channels, with diverse showtimes to accommodate audiences.
Key details
Rio de Janeiro’s vibrant theatre scene is set to captivate audiences this April with two notable productions showcasing diverse narratives at prominent venues. “Hadassa – o Musical,” produced by Companhia de Artes Nissi, opens on April 3 at Teatro Nova Iguaçu. The musical, scripted and directed by Caique Oliveira, tells the poignant story of Hadassa, a young autistic girl living through the trials of World War II in Warsaw. The narrative honors the bravery of the Jewish community, drawing inspiration from Queen Esther’s legacy. After its debut, the production will continue at Teatro da Ilha do Governador from April 10 to 12, and at Teatro João Caetano from April 17 through May 3.
Meanwhile, the suspense thriller “O Talentoso Ripley,” based on Patricia Highsmith’s acclaimed novel and adapted for the stage, premieres at Teatro Gláucio Gil in Copacabana on April 4. The play features Hugo Bonèmer in the lead role, who also co-directs the production. Presented in first person, Ripley’s character seeks to convince audiences of his perspective, weaving a tense narrative that explores complex moral choices. Supported by a versatile cast including Cassio Pandolfh and Guilhermina Libanio, the show runs until April 27 with performances on weekends and Mondays at 8 PM.
These productions offer Rio audiences a rich blend of historical drama and psychological suspense, reflecting the city’s dynamic cultural calendar this spring.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
