[image]
[title]Juan Carlos Baglietto returns to portray The Aviator, the iconic character Saint Exupéry created in his literary classic The Little Prince. It’s been 21 years since the popular singer first donned the goggles to step into the shoes of this adventurer who tries to reclaim the child within all of us—a role that has become the theatrical hit of the moment.
In this new version, titled The Little Prince, A Musical Adventure, and one of the undisputed family plans for the 2025 winter holidays, the singer-songwriter from Rosario shares the project with his sons, Julián and Joaquín. Moreover, he rediscovers the joy of taking the stage in a universal story that touches the heart, excites, and makes us reflect in equal parts, with a dazzling production and a talented, eclectic cast that includes Flor Otero, Roberto Catarineu, and Walas (singer of Massacre).
The Little Prince, Saint Exupéry’s work, is from 1943. Why do you think it remains so relevant?
The work is absolutely up to date; the miseries are the same but represented by characters who today resonate more than those from the 1940s. I believe it remains current because the relationship between people—honest human connections—is absolutely necessary. And, despite it being a cliché, it is essential right now to believe in things that cannot be touched or seen.
"It is essential, at this moment, to believe in things that cannot be touched or seen"
What is it like to step into the shoes of such a mythical character as The Aviator?
Honestly, it is a great happiness for me and, at the same time, a big responsibility. It presents a challenge that I like, that excites me, and that I enjoy.
What differences in context do you feel when playing the same character 20 years later?
The differences are, in some sense, only circumstantial. My back hurts more, of course, but I experience the character with the same intensity and commitment as I did 21 years ago. For me, it is an honor to be part of this project.
"I experience the character with the same intensity and commitment as I did 21 years ago"
What changes for you personally when you go on stage to play a character versus when you go on as a singer-songwriter?
The difference between going on stage as a singer or to play The Aviator is that the latter requires me to respect a format, to follow a script. There is no room for improvisation—or rather, there is, but much less than in my personal projects. I take great pleasure in playing this character, who has quite a bit in common with me.
How do you approach the relationship with the little ones?
I worked for several years before recording albums with children; I used to animate kids’ parties and do shows. So, it’s not strange for me to speak to children. And regarding how to approach the relationship, I find it quite easy. The children I worked with over seven or eight years teaching shows taught me a lot that I now apply in my character’s connection with the young audience. Still, this show is for the whole family, not just kids.
"Before recording albums, I used to animate kids’ parties"
What is it like working with your children?
Working with my children is an honor, a pleasure, a satisfaction, and a great emotion. They don’t work with me just because they are my sons, but because they are absolutely talented at what they do. Joaquín Baglietto plays the businessman, and Julián Baglietto is the musical director of the show. I love them and I am deeply proud.
You might also be interested in: The Ultimate Guide to Family Plans for the 2025 Winter Holidays
What do you enjoy most about theater?
Many things, but above all, I enjoy the rigor it requires, the kind of pseudo-routine it proposes, upon which—once you feel confident—you can build wonderful things.
What can you say about the cast that accompanies you?
The cast is top-notch! It’s a huge, very diverse cast featuring Zaina as The Vain One, Walas from Massacre as The King, Roberto Catarineu, an institution, as The Fox, Carlitos March as The Drunkard, Flor Otero as The Snake, Valen Podio as The Little Flower, and of course Luis Rodriguez Echeverría as The Little Prince, with whom we’ve developed a great relationship. A luxury cast and an honor to be part of it.
We always do a "ping pong" of Buenos Aires favorites, but how about a "Rosario ping pong" with you?
A place to eat well
Gorostarzu, where there are picadas (snack platters), beer, and the best “Carlitos” sandwiches in the city.
A childhood scent
Praliné. For Porteños, it’s like caramelized peanuts (“garrapiñada”).
A neighborhood to stroll
Parque Independencia is a spectacular place for a walk.
A place to listen to music
I listen to music in the car, so... my car!
A musician from Rosario
All the folk troubadours. Lito Nevia and all those who have come from other roots like folklore. It’s hard to choose just one; they’re all part of the popular culture and history of Rosario, fundamental in this country’s popular music.
A favorite writer
“Negro” Fontanarrosa
A café to read in
El Cairo, for all it represents. It’s an emblematic place where Negro Fontanarrosa used to meet with other “delinquents,” and they called themselves “the table of the gallants.”
A park to enjoy
The park near my house in Arroyito, Parque Alem—I enjoyed it a lot as a child and teenager.
An iconic place
The beautiful Paraná River.
When and where to see The Little Prince? From July 19 to 27 at Teatro Ópera. Tickets here. On July 31 at Teatro Podestá, La Plata. Tickets here.