Buena Vista Social Club: A Captivating Musical Journey to the Heart of Cuba

Buena Vista Social Club, a new musical about the acclaimed group of Cuban musicians who recorded a seminal 1997 Grammy-winning album and were the subject of an acclaimed 1999 documentary, will open on Broadway in March, with Saheem Ali (Tony nominee for Fat Ham) directing.

Immerse Yourself in the Rhythmic Pulse of Havana's Golden Age

Bringing the Legendary Album to Life on Broadway

The Buena Vista Social Club musical, which made its world premiere Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company last December, will begin performances at Broadway's Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Friday, February 21, 2025, with an opening night set for Wednesday, March 19. This highly anticipated production will transport audiences to the vibrant and soulful world of Cuba's 1940s-era golden age, where the sound of blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor ablaze. Featuring a book by Marco Ramirez, the musical tells the captivating story of the artists who recorded the original Grammy-winning album, bringing their extraordinary tales to life on the Broadway stage.

A Talented Ensemble of Global Artists

Buena Vista Social Club boasts an ensemble of talented artists from across the globe, each bringing their unique cultural perspectives and musical expertise to the production. The choreography will be led by the acclaimed Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck (Illinoise, Steven Spielberg's West Side Story), ensuring the show's dance sequences are as electrifying as the music. The music team will be headed by Tony Award winner David Yazbek (The Band's Visit) as the music supervisor, and Dean Sharenow as the music supervisor, further elevating the production's musical prowess.

A Remarkable Journey of Survival and Second Chances

The synopsis of the Buena Vista Social Club musical promises an unforgettable tale of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music. "Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the sound of Havana is born—and one woman's remarkable journey begins. Inspired by true events, the new Broadway musical Buena Vista Social Club brings the Grammy Award-winning album to thrilling life – and tells the story of the legends who lived it."

A Director's Lifelong Connection to the Music

Director Saheem Ali, a Tony nominee for his work on Fat Ham, has a deep personal connection to the Buena Vista Social Club. "I first heard the Buena Vista Social Club as a precocious youngster growing up in Nairobi, wearing out the original album from my father's eclectic CD collection," he shared. "Though we spoke Swahili and not Spanish, I memorized the lyrics in my broken accent. I felt connected to the beautiful songs embodying the spirit of a distant culture. Decades later, I'm thrilled to be joining Orin, Marco and the entire creative team on the journey to bringing this extraordinary, singular musical to Broadway."

A Talented Broadway Cast Brings the Music to Life

The Broadway company of Buena Vista Social Club will feature a talented ensemble of artists, including Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara, Julio Monge as Compay, Mel Semé as Ibrahim, and Jainardo Batista Sterling as Rubén. The cast also includes Isa Antonetti, Da'von Moody, Wesley Wray, Leonardo Reyna, Renesito Avich, Ashley De La Rosa, and Angélica Beliard, Carlos Falú, Héctor Juan Maisonet, Ilda Mason, Marielys Molina, and Sophia Ramos, among others. This talented ensemble will bring the vibrant and soulful music of Buena Vista Social Club to life on the Broadway stage.

A Collaborative Creative Team Honoring Cuban Musical Traditions

The creative team behind Buena Vista Social Club includes a diverse group of talented individuals, each bringing their unique expertise to the production. The book writer, Marco Ramirez, has a personal connection to the story, as his grandfather left Cuba in 1968 and got a job washing dishes a block from the Schoenfeld Theatre. The musical's band features a team of accomplished musicians, including Marco Paguia as the music director and pianist, David Oquendo on guitar, Gustavo Schartz on bass, and a talented ensemble of woodwind, trombone, trumpet, and percussion players. The orchestrations, arrangements, and music direction are led by Marco Paguia, with additional arrangements by Javier Diaz and David Oquendo, and music consultation by Juan de Marcos, ensuring the production's authenticity and respect for Cuban musical traditions.

A Triumphant Return to Broadway for the Buena Vista Social Club Legacy

The Buena Vista Social Club musical is a highly anticipated production that promises to captivate audiences with its vibrant music, compelling storytelling, and talented ensemble. As producer Orin Wolf expressed, "From our trips to Cuba getting to meet the incredible artists who created the album to our Off-Broadway premiere, the artistic process has been as invigorating as the energy and music that will begin pouring out of the Schoenfeld Theatre next year." With a talented creative team, a dedicated cast, and a deep respect for the legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club, this Broadway production is poised to transport audiences to the heart of Cuba and celebrate the extraordinary power of music.