Step into the world of excitement and inspiration as the musical “Highway to Heaven” prepares for its international debut in Rome, following a successful tour in Spain. This captivating production, based on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, will be showcased by the talented young artists from the Talitha Cumi School at the San Roberto Bellarmino Parish on April 26th, just before his canonization. The setting, in the heart of Piazza Ungheria, will add a magical touch for the pilgrims attending the Jubilee of Adolescents.
More than just a play, “Highway to Heaven” is a beacon of hope, a vehicle for evangelization, and a creative response to the yearning of young people to embrace an authentic and joyful faith. Having mesmerized over 5,000 individuals across 15 cities in Spain, this musical has evolved from an educational project into a profound spiritual journey.
At the core of this initiative lies the Talitha Cumi Performing Arts School, founded in Valencia in 2014. With the blessing of Archbishop Carlos Osoro, the school’s mission is clear: to provide top-notch artistic training to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering talent, holistic education, and faith. Through a scholarship system, many students have accessed training in singing, dancing, and acting, finding a nurturing and familial environment to flourish.
The musical, penned by Paz Matud, the school’s founder and director, is a dynamic blend of breakdancing, flamenco, ballet, hip hop, and live music, narrating Carlo Acutis’s life with vibrancy and depth. From his childhood to his untimely passing at 15, the “cyber-apostle of the Eucharist” emerges as a youth profoundly connected to Jesus, exuding joy and closeness.
Next on the itinerary are two significant locations: Assisi and Rome. The students will embark on a pilgrimage to the blessed man’s tomb, offering their art as a prayer in a poignant moment of their spiritual voyage. To fund this journey, a crowdfunding campaign has been initiated. You can contribute here.
The impact of the musical is profound, evident in the transformed lives of students and audiences who have rediscovered their faith. Tears, applause, and moments of divine silence fill the air, as one young actor attests: “Carlo Acutis’s presence has deeply touched us.” When art serves the Gospel, the ripple effects are immeasurable.
For these young artists, their journey is a “highway to heaven,” paved with dedication, generosity, and unwavering faith. Each performance is an invitation to walk alongside them, basking in the light of a young saint whose simple yet radical mantra echoes: “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”
