Music theatre and mixed martial arts rarely share the same stage, but a bold new work titled “Triângulo” aims to bring those worlds together when it makes its world premiere at Arizona Broadway Theatre in April 2027 for a limited engagement.
Part fight night, part high-energy stage spectacle, “Triângulo” is designed to feel as much like a live sporting event as it does an electrifying night of theatre.
Designed to appeal to theatergoers and sports fans alike, the production is set in Rio de Janeiro and Miami in the early 1990s and follows Esperança, a young woman forging her way into the male-dominated world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts in the tradition of great underdog stories. Conceived as a modern MMA opera, “Triângulo” draws inspiration from genre-defining works such as “Tommy,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Hadestown,” which brought the scale and storytelling power of opera into contemporary musical theatre.
The production is written and directed by Emmy-nominated writer and
director Crystal Manich, whose work spans theatre, opera, film and circus. The score is by Latin Grammy–nominated Cuban-American pianist and composer Martin Bejerano, drawing from Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian musical traditions alongside the soundscape of early-1990s pop, rock and dance music. Movement and fight choreography are led by internationally renowned ballet director and martial arts expert George Birkadze, whose career bridges classical dance and combat sports.
The project also includes fight consulting from legendary MMA coach Greg Jackson and orchestration consulting by Tony, Grammy, Emmy and Olivier Award-winning orchestrator, music director, arranger and composer Alex Lacamoire. “Triângulo” is originally conceived and produced by Joseph Specter, former President and General Director of Arizona Opera and current President and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
The project draws inspiration from the early days of mixed martial arts in the 1990s, when the sport was first emerging on the global stage.
The creative team’s journey began a decade ago, with an exploration of how music theatre, dance and martial arts can merge into a single visceral stage experience.
Specter and the creative team are collaborating with Arizona Broadway Theatre to bring the world premiere production of “Triângulo” to the stage
in spring 2027.
At its core, “Triângulo” is a story about family, ambition and survival. After a promising athletic path unravels, Esperança discovers Brazilian jiu-jitsu and begins a journey from Rio to Miami that ultimately tests her resilience, identity and sense of purpose.
“Triângulo” is performed primarily in English, infused with Spanish and Portuguese, to immerse the audience in Esperança’s world.
“Creating the character of Esperança has been a journey of exploring the women who helped pave the way in MMA,” said writer and director Crystal Manich. “Hers is the story we need right now, a story about the resilience and passion required to succeed in a world that hasn’t always made room. After years of development, our creative team is thrilled to be entering the final stretch together as ‘Triângulo’ prepares for its world premiere.”
“At the heart of ‘Triângulo’ is a simple idea,” said producer and original concept creator Joseph Specter. “Music theater and martial arts are both deeply primal forms of expression that have existed for centuries. Both are built on rhythm, discipline and physical mastery. Bringing those worlds together in a way that feels authentic and theatrical has been an incredible journey, and I feel very fortunate to be working with such a remarkable creative team to make it happen.”
Arizona Broadway Theatre Co-Founder, Executive Producer and CEO Kiel Klaphake noted that the production also reflects Arizona Broadway Theatre’s mission to expand its creative boundaries and challenge what viewers have come to expect from modern musicals.
“For more than two decades, Arizona Broadway Theatre has produced
spectacular Broadway-caliber productions for audiences across the Valley,” said Klaphake. “Coming out of our 20th anniversary season, it’s incredibly exciting to help launch the world premiere of a bold new work like ‘Triângulo.’ With its powerful story, thrilling concept and exceptional creative team, I believe this is the kind of show that has the potential to grow well beyond its first production and take its place alongside the great titles of the American musical theater.”
Following its world premiere in Arizona, the creative team plans to continue developing the production for future commercial life. For more about the world premiere of “Triângulo” and Arizona Broadway Theatre’s 2026/27 Season, visit AZBroadway.org.