Review: Let TERRA DOS SONHOS remind you that dreams are what keeps us alive and book your tickets now!

How can a doctor deal with the responsibility of having to tell the parents of a 10-year-old girl that her health is deteriorating? How can a mother and a father deal with the fact that their 10-year-old girl has a disease that is potentially fatal? How can a 10-year-old girl deal with watching her best friend pass away while feeling guilty of her parents' sadness?

All of these scenarios could be heartbreaking. And all of these scenarios are displayed on TERRA DOS SONHOS - O MUSICAL. However, if you asked anyone that just watched the show about how they were feeling, you can be certain that all of them would say at least one of the following words: hopeful, grateful or inspired.

TERRA DOS SONHOS - O MUSICAL is a musical that has all the ingredients to be a tough show to watch. Especially because nowadays we all have someone close to us that had to deal with this "monster". Still, this is also a musical that teaches you that this monster will only scare you if you let it. It reminds you that fear is only an emotion - and that "courage is a decision". You find yourself wishing you had the strength of that little girl, who even in the worst circumstances, finds the energy to look for her dream - a dream that will fulfill her and make her truly happy. A dream that, ultimately, keeps her alive.

This show reminds us that our lives are always what we make of them. It reminds us that "running away from fear is never the solution". It reminds us that, even with monsters, even with fear, even when strange characters appear in our lives, even when we have to make hard choices and choose where to go; if we believe there is a dreamland for us, we will get there. We will find it. We will find happiness.

But most of all, it reminds us that that hunger for dreams, that hopefulness, that optimism, ... THAT is what will drive us forward during the hardest of times.

And this is why TERRA DOS SONHOS - O MUSICAL is such a special show. It truly touches every single soul in the audience. Nevertheless, there is something that also makes it so special - the work behind it. There is a perfect marriage of the script, music and direction that results in spectacular moments throughout the show.

Obviously, the music by Artur Guimarães is the first thing that needs to be acknowledged. When we think that this composer cannot surprise its audience, we are struck with his tremendous work in this piece. The mind-blowing strength of the live music (and the raw energy of the musicians in the pit) combined with the powerful singing of a much-talented cast creates truly magnificent moments.

The direction is by Matilde Trocado and her work also shapes this inspiring piece. The pinnacle of Matilde's direction (joint with Filipe Rico's choreography) is, without a doubt, the scene when Marta is fighting for her life. This is one of those moments that will stay with any audience member long after they leave the theatre.

As for the cast, it could've been a challenge to reprise a show almost a year later. But, in this case, this had a brilliant result. There were very talented actors added to this already great cast and, as for the ones that reprised their roles, it could be sensed that the parts had set in, that they matured and gained new colors and depths - and it was incredible to witness that. In general, all of the show improved a lot since the first version and it became even better that it already was. It also brought new faces, such as Sara Madeira, who is a beautiful actress with a sensibility and simplicity that makes her very special. Sara is an amazing singer (no doubt about that) but there is something about her that makes us feel that she is telling us a secret, that we are part of something - and that makes us feel truly special as audience members.

As for the repeating actors, it is difficult to choose where to start.

José Lobo proves again his chameleonic skills. His passion and dedication to physicality make us believe in every single one of his characters: one moment you are laughing with him fighting "fears" and, on the next, you are crying with him as a doctor dealing with the inability to heal all of his patients. This proves his worth and shows the hard work that this actor puts behind all that he does. Still, there is something in José Lobo that surpasses all of that: his enthusiasm for his craft, the energy that he puts into it and the love that he has for it and that he makes you feel while you watch him.

There are also beautiful moments by Sissi Martins and Ruben Madureira, as expected. With every show, this "power couple" surprises the audience with their unique talent. They both show a deep, emotional side that surely is touching but, at the same time, Ruben reminds us of his wonderful amusing side with the "Duende dos Caminhos" character.

Speaking of amusing characters, Soraia Tavares displays a fun, playful side that suits her very well. She definitely presents us with hilarious moments, while also surprising us with her always incredible singing skills.

There is also a divine awe-inspiring voice that needs to be mentioned: Diana Castro. The amount of emotion that Diana puts on her performance is truly remarkable.

Finally, special mention to Alda Gomes - an actress whose typical field of work is not Musical Theatre but that surprised everyone with her performance.

All in all, TERRA DOS SONHOS - O MUSICAL is an astounding show. Not only because technically it is indeed very good but mainly because of its message and its impact on those who watch it. TERRA DOS SONHOS - O MUSICAL is a show that makes you feel a countless range of emotions in a short amount of time. And this is exactly why we go to the theatre. This is why we need the Theatre. To make us feel, to make us laugh and cry, to make us digest our own emotions - but above all, to make us believe in dreams again.

If you are in Oporto, don't miss the opportunity and find your tickets at https://ticketline.sapo.pt/evento/terra-dos-sonhos-o-musical-23520

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