Stars of 'Chiquititas' Return to Israel for New Musical Despite International Boycotts

Sebastian Francini and Nadia Di Cello, iconic stars of the Argentine children’s series "Chiquititas," have returned to Israel to perform in a new musical adaptation of the show. The production, led by Maor Maimon and Gal Amitai and produced by Two Mix, will premiere on August 12 at Expo Tel Aviv. The original series, which debuted in 1995 and became a cultural phenomenon in Israel, follows a group of children in an orphanage and has captivated multiple generations, including fans now bringing their own children to see the musical.

Francini and Di Cello, who first visited Israel in 2002 during the show's peak popularity, expressed joy at returning after 24 years. They praised the young Israeli actors portraying their characters and emphasized the importance of perseverance and personal growth in the arts. Both stars reflected on their challenging early careers, with Francini recalling the heavy responsibility of being his family’s main breadwinner from a young age.

The musical also features Liat Achiron, a former Israeli children’s TV star who originally played a beloved character in the series and now takes on a new role as the orphanage director. Achiron recently made headlines discussing financial struggles, and her reunion with the cast was described as warm and professional.

Despite widespread international artist boycotts of Israel, the producers and stars highlighted their strong connection to the country. Francini and Di Cello stated they have not lost work due to their support for Israel and see their participation as a heartfelt cultural exchange rather than a political statement. Producer Nataniel Ben Shabat noted difficulties in recruiting some international artists who feared repercussions in Europe and the U.S., but praised those who stood firm in their support for Israel.

The production represents a significant cultural event, blending Argentine and Israeli talent and celebrating a beloved story that continues to resonate across generations. Tickets are selling fast, with most performances nearly sold out, promising an emotional and nostalgic experience for Israeli audiences.