Young actress Bella Moraes takes an important step in her artistic career by joining the cast of “Meu Filho é um Musical” (My Son is a Musical), a show inspired by the life and legacy of Paulo Gustavo. In the production conceived by Déa Lúcia and Ju Amaral, Bella plays Juju as a child, revisiting significant moments in the family history that helped shape one of the biggest names in Brazilian humor. In an interview, the actress talks about the challenge of participating in such a special production, her passion for musicals, and building a career that already includes experiences in theater, audiovisual media, and music.
Bella, you’ll be playing Juju as a child in “My Son is a Musical,” a production inspired by Paulo Gustavo’s life. How did you feel when you heard you’d be part of such a moving show?
That was so cool. My parents wrote me a little letter and told me I had to take another test and memorize the text. Then they wrote this letter and surprised me. It was amazing, I loved it.
Juju is Paulo Gustavo’s sister and is part of a story full of memories, affection, and family. What touched you most when you first got to know this character?
What touched me the most was the friendship between the siblings, Gustavo and Juju, the love they had for each other, the way they helped each other, things like that. I also really liked that Ju always helps Paulo Gustavo with everything.
The musical pays homage to an artist who is very beloved in Brazil. Even though you are young, do you feel a special responsibility in participating in a production about someone so important?
Yes, my responsibility is enormous. He was a very good actor, he was incredible. So, thank God, that responsibility is very great.
You already dance, act, sing, swim, and also work as a model. How do all these experiences help you when you’re on stage?
Ballet and dance do help me, yes, because sometimes we have performances, and that helps us not to be so shy when we’re acting. We also become more familiar with the stage. Theater, which comes into play at the beginning of acting, helps a lot in not being shy. It’s also very good to already be doing theater, because we do various scenes and learn to perform without being shy. Swimming helps me to have focus, concentration, and discipline. It also teaches teamwork. And the fact that I’m a model, I think, helps me develop as well, to overcome some of my shyness.
Before this musical, you participated in films, children’s projects, and also in “Symphony of Notes.” What do you feel you learned from each job leading up to this new challenge?
“Sinfonia das Notas” helped me because I already knew the stage. It was also the first time I recorded in a studio during the musical. The children’s songs I record and the children’s projects help me project my voice, so they help a lot. And films were also my first experiences with acting. In them, you learn to memorize lines, to wait, because there are many people and many other scenes. So that helps you have patience. It’s really cool. And I also help other people with their scenes and set up the scenes, so I also help behind the scenes.
You are known for your ability to memorize lines and for your stage presence. What do you enjoy most about rehearsing and watching a character gradually come to life?
That’s exactly it, right? Because as we get to know the character, we see what they’re like, and that helps with the interpretation. And in the end, you get to know that character better and better.
Even with so many artistic commitments, you also enjoy your childhood, studying, and love music, dance, and drawing. How do you balance your acting career with the things you enjoy doing in your daily life?
Sometimes, when there’s no rehearsal, I manage to do my activities, especially since rehearsal and acting are also a playful part of my life. And it’s really fun to do that. Sometimes I have a little time to play outside, ride my hoverboard, and ride my bike. I love doing that. I don’t stop playing because of work or theater. But I also have my commitments. Whenever I’m not rehearsing, I’m busy with my commitments, but without losing my childhood. Because I play when I’m swimming, I play when I’m drawing, and even sometimes I play during rehearsals at the theater.
Now that you’re part of a major music production, what artistic dream has become even stronger in your heart for the future?
Oh, I want to do lots of musicals, lots of plays. I really enjoyed theater, I loved it. So far, I’ve enjoyed theater more than TV. So I want to participate in other productions, yes. Musicals too.
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