One-on-one with Agustín 'Soy Rada' Aristarán on His Debut in School of Rock, the Musical

After being a hit in various cities worldwide, such as New York, London, Australia, New Zealand, São Paulo, and Madrid, the musical inspired by “School of Rock” the classic 2003 movie, arrives in Buenos Aires on June 20, with high expectations.

We spoke with actor and comedian Agustín 'Soy Rada' Aristarán about his debut in this incredible musical, portraying the character of Professor Dewey (originally played by Jack Black in the film), alongside stars like Ángela Leiva, Sofía Pachano, Santiago Otero Ramos, German ‘Tripa’ Tripel, and a cast of numerous children who act, dance, and play instruments live on stage.

How would you describe your version of Professor Dewey?

Dewey is a very histrionic character. I really enjoy adding that histrionic quality to characters, using various tools to entertain the audience. So, I think I added that physical work in terms of communication and gestures. But ultimately, the audience will be able to say more once they see the show.

How would you describe School of Rock, the Musical?

It’s incredible, wonderful, and insane. It’s a mega ultra-production with out-of-this-world set design, featuring impressive child talent and wonderful musical talent from the live orchestra that is constantly present. You won’t just see a great play and a great musical, but you will also experience something amazing because it is ultra-sensory. I am completely in love with the project.

"You won’t just see a great play and a great musical, but you will also have an experience because everything is ultra-sensory"

Did you have to adapt the show to fit local idiosyncrasies?

Yes, of course, there are adjustments and additions to our local idiosyncrasies, but it’s also a very well-established show that has been performed in 63 places around the world, on all five continents. It's a show that’s been thoroughly tested and also has a very strict English license regarding the scripts. Nonetheless, the songs are in Argentine Spanish, and the dialogues have that Argentine touch.

You’re surrounded by a lot of talented children; what do they bring to you?

They bring out the most primitive part of me, which is to play. I love playing, and the kids are very professional, incredibly talented, and exceptional, but they never stop playing, which is the beautiful part. This allows me to realize why I do what I do: I’m dedicated to acting because I love to play, and that’s what the kids bring to me all the time. Additionally, they give me affection, love, good vibes, and energy. They never stop; the energy they have is incredible—they are geniuses!

"I’m dedicated to acting because I love to play, and that’s what the kids bring to me all the time"

And what do you feel you bring to them as an established artist?

I give them some advice when I see them very nervous or when things don’t go as they would like. I offer them a listening ear, understanding, because I’ve been in that same place. I started very young, so I’ve been there. I also bring them a dose of reality: that this is incredible, that being in a mega-production like this is not something that happens all the time, and that every project should be approached with the same heart and professionalism, whether it’s a small variety show or a mega-production like School of Rock.

You’re excelling in all areas: you have your one-man show, you do films. What are your next steps?

On June 24, the series about Cris Miró premieres, in which I play a very important character, Cris’s brother. A beautiful project! After School of Rock, I’m going to Japan to work for Disney. I’ll return from there and start the national tour of my new show from September to December. And in December, I’ll go to Portugal for a month and a half to work on a very big show.

You might also be interested in: The Best Musicals in Buenos Aires

What dreams do you still have to fulfill in your artistic career?

All of them! I don’t have specific dreams like: “Oh! I want to reach a certain place or do a particular thing.” I focus more on what’s happening, on what I like to do, and on what life offers me. Even though I have a plan, a strategy, a path to follow, I like to let life surprise me. Right now, I’m very focused on acting with my one-man show and also in films and series. So, I’m very excited about this part of my acting career.

Thank you, Rada! We love seeing you shine on the stage of Teatro Gran Rex.

Tickets are available at this link.

Where: Av. Corrientes 857, Teatro Gran Rex.