The singer’s death Rita Lee he turned three years old in May, but his songs are still on stage every week. The show “Rita Lee – A Musical Autobiography” continues showing from Friday to Sunday at Teatro Porto, in its third season in São Paulo since its debut in 2024.
Mel Lisboa, responsible for bringing Rita’s various phases to life on stage, became one of the singer’s followers after her death. During last weekend’s Taste Festival, she spoke with CNN Brazil about these years giving life to being Rita for the new generations. Between two sold-out years in São Paulo and filling houses in different states, the actress still has butterflies in her stomach to this day when she takes the stage, because the mission is great: “I feel honored, at the same time impressed (…) If people can have this projection, it’s because the work is being done well. I know what a responsibility it is.”
What was a musical piece also took on the format of a show, in cities across the country, shows at The Thown and recently at Virada Cultural in the capital of São Paulo. If it has won so many versions, it’s because it has a loyal audience that wishes, in some way, to still be able to see Rita live. “This show comes from a demand. As I played Rita in the theater, people asked me to pay tribute and today there are various formats.”
What is it like for you to be the person who introduces Rita Lee to new generations?
Mel: I feel very honored and, at the same time, I’m a little impressed, because it’s a result of my work as an actress. I see it as if it were a consequence of my work. I’m very happy, because if people can have this projection, it’s because the work is being done well. Now I know what a responsibility it is too, understand? Every time I go on stage singing, I always get very nervous, but, at the time, we really get scared.
Is there any song or phase of Rita that took on a new meaning after these two years on stage performing the musical?
Mel: I think the song that took on another meaning was “Coisas da Vida”. Because it’s a very beautiful song, which I’ve always liked, but then in the piece, it’s in a very special moment. Furthermore, I know that Rita really likes this song and it’s Roberto’s (de Carvalho) favorite. And she begins her autobiography with the lyrics of that song. So, I think it has a meaning, it has an importance for her, and I learned that after the play.
Why do you think Rita Lee remains so current today?
Mel: Because Rita was always way ahead of her time. And, above all, she is very unique, very singular, she is an extreme peculiarity. There has never been anyone like Rita, and there won’t be. So, it’s a combination of things: genius, music, irreverence, debauchery, visuals, fantasy, playfulness, everything. That it will continue to mark generations and generations, there is no way.
At any point were you afraid that you wouldn’t live up to your fans’ expectations?
Mel: Every day. There was more before the premiere, obviously, but of course, today, after so much time, I am safer, but the responsibility is daily. Every day the curtain opens, there are a lot of people there who have never seen the play. Every day that I go on stage to sing, there are a lot of people who have never seen the show. I’m not a singer, right? But I’m singing and singing Rita Lee. This show was derived from a demand. After Rita passed away, people started, as I sang Rita in the theater, people started asking me to pay tribute. And then things turned around; Today it’s a show that has several formats, we do it straight away, it’s delicious.
What is it like to be able to perform Rita Lee’s songs for an audience other than the theater?
Mel: Oh, I think it’s wonderful, right? Because it was a really cool festival. Before I went for a walk, I ate a lot and the stage was super cool, right? The lively people, the huge festival, a lot of options. And being part of the attractions was an honor, I loved it.
