The search for the protagonist of RAFFAELLA – The Musical it's not over yet. On 23 September the Teatro Brancaccio in Rome will host a new day of auditions: we continue to look for who will play Raffaella Carrà on stage, and in the meantime selections are also opening to integrate the ensemble and the other roles.
The first biographical musical dedicated to Carrà's life, written and directed by Luciano Cannitodebuts at the Brancaccio on 10 February 2027 and then moves to the Teatro Nazionale in Milan from 1 April. The first auditions were held on June 12th and 16th, but the main role is evidently still open.
Why is it so difficult to find the Raffaella of the musical
The production made a precise choice from the beginning: no established name. The protagonist will be a young performer not yet known to the general public, and not just one is needed. As happens in the operatic tradition, there will be two Raffaellas, alternating in the performances.
The required profile explains why the selection is taking time. We need an interpreter with a stage age between 20 and 25 who can simultaneously sing, dance at a professional level and act, performing for two hours a character that the Italian public knows by heart.
Raffaella The Musical auditions: practical information
The selections on September 23rd are divided into two distinct routes, both at the Brancaccio Theater in Via Merulana 244 in Rome. To register, write to casting@teatrobrancaccio.it specifying whether you are applying for the ensemble or for the roles.
These are the two main roles still to be assigned:
| Role | Stage age | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Raffaella | 20/25 years | Hero. Excellent dance quality and vocal mastery, energy and stage presence |
| Nadia | 20/25 years | Friend of the protagonist, inspired by Raffaella's cousin. Excellent dancing and voice, brilliant role |
Those applying for the roles must show up at 9am with a CV and two photos, one full-length and one close-up, and bring a song as well as the acting scenes relating to the chosen role. For the role of Raffaella there are two scenes to prepare, and a modern style choreography lasting a maximum of one minute and fifty must be added. Scores and musical references can be downloaded from the link indicated in the official announcement.
For the ensemble, booking is mandatory and there is no pre-selection. Registration is at 9am for dancers and 10am for male dancers. Modern technique and singing preparation are required, and dancers with acrobatic skills are also sought. In the first test, a choreography is taught on the spot; those who pass must then present a modern choreography of their choice, a piece from the repertoire of Raffaella Carrà of a maximum of two minutes and a brilliant monologue of a minute and a half.
The contractual period runs from January 11 to April 18, 2027, with an option for the following season. Participation is free, there are no travel refunds and you must be 18 years of age on the day of the audition. Those who pass the selection will be contacted within a month.
Raffaella The Musical, what we know about the show
The show traces Carrà's personal and artistic history, from her Italian debut to her success in Spain, with her best-known songs performed live by a live band on stage. The production is by Alessandro Longobardi for Viola Produzioni and Valeria Arzenton for VA Srl and DreamCatcher, with choreography by Fabrizio Prolli and the musical direction of Angelo Racz.
The Italian version comes after the Spanish one, staged with Lorena Santiago in the main role, but Cannito he clarified that it is not an adaptation: the work was written in Italian and then translated, so now we return to the original language. The Iberian debut was accompanied by a dispute over image rights promoted by Gianluca Pelloni Bulzoni, Carrà's adopted son and heir, which the producers declared overcome.
