Join US for the developmental readings of BARBA

We’re thrilled to announce that BARBA will have its developmental reading on November 16 & 17, 2026, at Open Jar Studios in NYC!

Inspired by the true story of Fernando Barba, founder of the internationally acclaimed Brazilian body percussion group Barbatuques, BARBA celebrates the power of rhythm, creativity, resilience, and human connection through music made entirely with the body.

Blending theater, dance, and live body percussion, this electrifying new musical brings an extraordinary story to the stage.

Presented by theatreC, AMAS Musical Theatre, and Radio Drama Network.

ABOUT BARBA

Brazilian Body Percussion Musical is an ensemble-driven theatrical experience inspired by the real-life Brazilian body music group Barbatuques and their founder, Fernando Barba.

After a life-altering diagnosis, the group is invited to perform a make-or-break concert that could secure—or end—their future. Divided by grief and uncertainty, they must decide if they can continue without the man who defined their sound.

Blending explosive rhythm with storytelling, BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical builds to a powerful realization: the heartbeat of their sound was never one man—it was always the collective.

Baiana in white clapping BARBA SHOW credit Krystal Pagán.webp

Finale Pregones credit Krystal Pagán.webp

2023

- Joe’s Pub at the Public Theater, NYC. Opening act at NYU Tisch’s GMTWP Showcase. (May, 2023)

- Michigan State University Musicalturgy Program selection (Fall, 2023)

- Latiné Musical Theater Lab Reading Series at AMAS Musical Theatre Studio (October, 2023)

- Opening Act at Latiné Musical Theater Lab Benefit Concert (October, 2023)

2024

- NAMT - National Alliance for Musical Theatre Recommended Musical for 2024

- Lawrence High School Theater Workshop. (January, 2024)

- R. Evolución Latina’s Beyond Workshop Series. National Dance Institute of Harlem (February, 2024)

- Off-Broadway, NYC. Five sold out shows at Pregones/PRTT Theater. (February, 2024)

- Jacob’s Pillow. The Berkshires, MA. Musical Theatre Performance Ensemble featuring BARBA (August, 2024)

- PACT (Protect all Children from Trafficking) Gala (September, 2024) THE ROAD SO FAR

2025

- Los Angeles Script Workshop (February, 2025)

- Los Angeles Theater Company Open Rehearsal Showcase sponsored by the Latino Theater Co. (March, 2025)

- Foundation of New American Musicals Showcase at Catalina Jazz Club, Los Angeles (March, 2025)

- Teatro Espressivo, San José, Costa Rica. September 11th - September 28th, 2025 Workshop Production

- American Playwriting Foundation Relentless Award Honorable Mention 2025.

- BARBA presentation at Metropolitan Museum of Art (MOMA), November 2025

2026

- Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals (February 2026)

- Showcase-style concert reading of BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical in NYC (before December 2026)

UPCOMING

- DOCUMENTARY: Barbatuques documentary directed by Alexandre (Alé) Peralta. Carlos Bauzys and Kim Bixler are featured in this upcoming Brazilian documentary.

- FEATURE FILM Brazilian feature film based on Fernando Barba’s autobiography Sound From the Start. Screenplay by Laís Bodanzky

Baiana in white clapping BARBA SHOW credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Barba and Esperanca from Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Barba faints credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

BARBA In hospital gown scene from Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Barba singing with Dani at waterfall credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Carlos conducting BARBA SHOW credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Cast photo plus Tata Lu and Luis in Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Dani and ailing Barba during Pregones show credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Entire cast and Lu Horta and Tata credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Finale Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Giba doing body percussion Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Kim and Carlos curtain call 2 credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

More Than Me Ensemble during Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

Rock Paper Scissors at Pregones credit Krystal Pagán copy.webp

You Ready dancers from Pregones credit Krystal Pagán.webp

CREATIVE TEAM

CARLOS BAUZYS

Music & Co-Bookwriter. Music Director

Carlos Bauzys is a Brazilian composer, arranger, conductor, and music director. He has built a distinguished career across musical theater, concert performance, and education.

Carlos has written 8 original musicals and has served as musical director for numerous Broadway productions staged in Brazil, including Funny Girl, The Donna Summer Musical, Sunset Boulevard, The Producers, Singin’ in the Rain, and La Cage aux Folles.

In addition to composing and orchestrating original musicals, he also works as a musical director and arranger for Disney+ Brazil.

Carlos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Composition and Conducting from UNESP and earned an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch, where he was awarded a full-tuition scholarship—the first Brazilian to receive this distinction.

KIM BIXLER

Lyrics & Co-Book Writer

Kim Bixler is a songwriter, playwright, author, and public speaker from Southern California. Her work spans musical theater, literature, and storytelling rooted in historical and biographical themes.

Before earning her MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch, Kim published Growing Up in a Frank Lloyd Wright House and was featured in the PBS documentary Frank Lloyd Wright’s Boynton House: The Next Hundred Years.

Her creative portfolio includes multiple plays and musicals inspired by Wright’s life, along with additional books, short plays, and original musical works.

She graduated from Cornell University and also studied political science and history at Harvard University.

Kim brings a strong narrative voice and multidisciplinary perspective to her work, blending personal storytelling with broader cultural and historical contexts.

Carlos Armesto

Producer & Director

Carlos Armesto is the Founding Artistic Director of theatreC, a company dedicated to creating innovative theatrical experiences, and CEO of PITCHBLACK Immersive Experiences, an international company specializing in sensory theatre in complete darkness.

A Colombian-Cuban-American, he has directed and produced festivals, plays, musicals, concerts, and events across the U.S. His leadership roles include Associate Artistic Director and Co-Director of the EST-Sloan Project at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Associate Curator for the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, and Creative Ambassador for the Under the Radar Festival.

Notable credits include The Who’s Tommy (Best Director, NJ Tonys), Binding (Innovative Theatre Award), and Echoes of Etta (MAC Award). With PITCHBLACK, his work includes Odd Man Out (Drama Desk nomination, Off-Broadway Alliance Award) and The World As I Feel It.

Armesto teaches directing and producing at NYU Tisch, Fordham, and Marymount Manhattan. He holds degrees from MIT and Carnegie Mellon and is a Princess Grace Award recipient.