At 8 years old, child actress Nina Vargens is experiencing a special moment in her career by joining the cast of “Meu Filho é Um Musical” (My Son is a Musical), a show that celebrates the life and legacy of Paulo Gustavo. Playing Ju Amaral as a child, the young artist found in the production not only a new professional challenge, but also an emotional connection to the story of the comedian’s family. In an interview, Nina talks about her passion for the arts, the emotion of participating in the production, and the lessons learned from a journey that already includes experiences in musical theater and dubbing, even at such a young age.
Nina, you’re currently starring in “My Son is a Musical,” playing Ju Amaral as a child. How did you feel when you found out you’d be part of such a beautiful play about Paulo Gustavo’s life?
It was very exciting because my mother signed me up without me knowing, and after I was called for the auditions I was delighted with everything, I loved the script, the music, and all the magic behind the scenes.
You mentioned that you got to know Paulo Gustavo better after the auditions and that you get very emotional at the end of the play. What touched your heart the most in his story?
I was moved during the first full rehearsal I watched. And what touched my heart the most was that he never gave up on his dream. And I cry because I understand that he became a little star and that neither I nor his mom, Déa, would see him again.
Ju Amaral is a very important person in Paulo Gustavo’s life. What do you like most about her and her way of portraying this character?
What I like most about her is that she’s very happy and spontaneous, and before the play starts we dance while the music plays. That takes away some of the anxiety before going on stage. And I really enjoy doing the teasing scene with Mom Déa, because I really like comedy and I think I’m pretty funny too.
You said you feel like Paulo Gustavo is part of your family. What’s it like to live a story so full of love, memories, and emotion on stage?
It feels like I’m on a rollercoaster; when you go up, it’s a little nerve-wracking but fun, but when you go down, it’s scary and makes me want to cry because I already know how it ends. I wish he were here with us…
Behind the scenes, you also met Déa Lúcia, Ju Amaral, and the rest of the musical’s cast. What was the most special moment you’ve shared with them so far?
Ohhh, I can’t choose just one, it was great from the first time I saw them both. Before, they were the most famous people I knew, now they’re my mother and my sister, wow… And my friends from the cast are my teachers. I’m the luckiest person ever.
Before this role, you were in “The Ark of the Animals” as the mischievous sloth. What was the most fun part of that character, and what did you learn from that musical?
It was fun to play a lively “sloth” (laughs) like I am, right?! And I learned EVERYTHING from Aunt Renata Maia! Thanks to her I’m here talking to you today, because I never took a theater course. Actually, I took two theater classes, but I had to stop because of my schedule…
Besides acting in theater, you’ve also done voice acting for the soap opera “Fuzuê.” What did you find most different between lending your voice to a character and acting on stage?
I was 6 years old and never dreamed I would be an actress one day. But now I can say that they are different feelings, and that today I prefer to be on stage!!! Although I still dream of one day voicing an animated character.
It’s also good to mention that I didn’t do the dubbing alone; I helped in a choir at the invitation of my aunt, Daniele Lima.
You study, rehearse, perform, and still enjoy reading, drawing, dancing, and creating crafts. How do you envision your next dreams within the world of arts?
I’m focusing on the present, on the dream I’m living right now, but I really want to make a comedy film and also voice a character for an animated movie.
Follow Nina Vargens on Instagram
