São Paulo Cultural Agenda: Jewish Museum to ‘Legally Blonde’ Musical

This weekend, São Paulo offers a diverse and vibrant selection of visual art, live music, and compelling theater performances.

Moreover, the city introduces the musical “Legally Blonde,” drawing inspiration from Amanda Brown’s novel and the renowned 2001 film.

Remarkably, Myra Ruiz takes on the role initially brought to life by Reese Witherspoon.

In theater, Mariana Xavier shines in a new season of “Before Next Year.” Additionally, Lázaro Ramos and Ana Paula Bouzas direct this monologue, debuting at Teatro Itália.

Musical events feature both national and international artists. Furthermore, Cine Joia will present a concert by the American band The Lemonheads.

Similarly, Espaço das Américas will showcase Xande de Pilares performing Caetano Veloso’s hits.

The Jewish Museum launches the “Traces” exhibit, displaying 23 photographs by Roberto Frankenberg.

Concurrently, Cinemateca introduces a new outdoor facility with a free screening of Eduardo Coutinho’s “Cabra Marcado para Morrer.”

Discover all available activities:

Concerts

Johnny Hooker

• July 19, Friday, 10 PM – Celebrating two decades in music, Hooker performs hits across his career at Audio Club, Av. Francisco Matarazzo, 694, Barra Funda. Tickets: R$120/R$180.

The Lemonheads

• July 19, Friday, 10 PM – This American alternative rock band aims to record a new album during their São Paulo stop, featuring “Fear of Living.” Thunderbird opens at Cine Joia, Pça Carlos Gomes, 82, Liberdade. Tickets: R$100/R$200.

Jonathan Ferr

• July 20, Saturday, 8 PM – This pianist from Rio pays tribute to Djavan, exploring the profound impact of the Alagoan composer on his music at Blue Note, Av. Paulista, 2.073, 2nd floor, Bela Vista. Tickets: R$90.

Pedro Mariano

• July 20, Saturday, 9 PM – Offering an intimate lounge-style performance, Mariano continues his A2 project at Teatro B32, Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 3.732, Itaim Bibi. Tickets: R$90/R$180.

Amen and Amen – 80 Years of Naná Vasconcelos

• July 20, Saturday, 9 PM; July 21, Sunday, 6 PM – A heartfelt homage to the late Pernambucan musician Naná Vasconcelos unfolds at Sesc Pompeia, R. Clélia, 93, Pompeia. Tickets: R$21/R$70.

Sweet Encounter and Sampa Crew

• July 20, Saturday, 10 PM – A fusion of pagode, soul, and rap energizes the night at Tokio Marine Hall, R. Bragança Paulista, 1.281, Chácara Santo Antônio. Tickets: R$180/R$300.

Pagode da 27

• July 20, Saturday, 10 PM – Founded in 2005, this iconic São Paulo group performs samba classics and tracks from their albums at Casa Natura Musical, R. Artur de Azevedo, 2.134, Pinheiros. Tickets: R$50/R$200.

Xande de Pilares

• July 20, Saturday, 10:30 PM – Xande de Pilares brings Caetano Veloso’s compositions to life from his latest album at Espaço das Américas, Rua Tagipuru, 795, Barra Funda. Tickets: R$180/R$320.

Theater

Before Next Year

• Featuring Mariana Xavier and directed by Lázaro Ramos and Ana Paula Bouzas, this poignant monologue navigates mental health through seven characters’ perspectives, from July 19 to September 8 at Teatro Itália – Avenida Ipiranga, 344, República. Tickets: R$40.

What’s in the Kitchen?

• Blending theater with culinary experiences, this five-act play honors both professional chefs and home cooking. Performances run from July 17 to August 29 at Modi Giardino – R. Dr. Cândido Espinheira, 431 – Perdizes. Tickets: R$90 (without tasting menu)/R$210 (with tasting menu).

Stop Talking Bad About Routine

• Elisa Lucinda explores the creative potential within everyday life in this engaging monologue. Catch this last opportunity on July 20, Saturday, at 9 PM at Teatro Liberdade, Rua São Joaquim, 129, Liberdade. Tickets: R$60/R$150.

Model School

• Under Fernando Vilela’s direction, this play delves into affirmative action and racism in education. Final shows run until July 21 at Sesc Ipiranga, Rua Bom Pastor, 822, Ipiranga. Tickets: R$50.

Musicals

Legally Blonde – The Musical

• Inspired by Amanda Brown’s book and the 2001 film, this musical follows Elle Woods as she embarks on a law degree at Harvard. Shows from July 17 to September 8 at Teatro Claro Mais SP (Shopping Vila Olímpia) – R. Olimpíadas, 360, Vila Olímpia. Tickets: R$39.60/R$370.

Dance

body.wave

• Choreographer Clébio Oliveira examines the interplay between body, mind, and surroundings in extreme conditions. Performances from July 18 to 21 at Sesc Pompeia, Rua Clélia, 93, Água Branca. Tickets: R$40.

Terezas

• This artistic tribute celebrates Tereza de Benguela and all Black Latin American and Caribbean women through a blend of dance, music, theater, and cinema. Free performances from July 18 to 21 at Centro Cultural São Paulo, Rua Vergueiro, 1000, Liberdade.

Cinema

Bergman Showcase

• Honoring the legendary filmmaker Ingmar Bergman, this film festival features masterpieces such as “The Seventh Seal” and “Wild Strawberries.” Running from July 16 to 24 at Cine Reag Belas Artes, Rua da Consolação, 2423, Consolação. Tickets: R$22.

Marked for Death

• Celebrate 40 years of Eduardo Coutinho’s documentary and a decade since his passing with this outdoor screening on July 19, Friday, at 7:30 PM at Cinemateca Brasileira, Largo Sen. Raul Cardoso, 207, Vila Clementino. Free admission.

Exhibitions

Naná Vasconcelos Occupation

• An extensive display featuring personal items, instruments, and original objects from Naná Vasconcelos’ career, including a unique berimbau, runs from July 17 to October 27 at Itaú Cultural, Av. Paulista, 149, Bela Vista. Free admission.

Traces – Photographs by Roberto Frankenberg

• This exhibition, curated by Roberta Alexandr Sundfeld, showcases photographs reflecting on the Holocaust and WWII massacres, from July 16 to September 22 at Museu Judaico de São Paulo, Rua Martinho Prado, 128, Bela Vista. Tickets: R$20.

Iuri Sarmento – Baroque Suite

• Highlighting the Brazilian artistic heritage through 66 contemporary works, this exhibition runs from July 19 to November 3 at Farol Santander, R. João Brícola, 24, Centro. Tickets: R$40.

São Paulo Cultural Agenda: Jewish Museum to ‘Legally Blonde’ Musical