Buena Vista Social Club: The Musical Bringing Cuba's Iconic Sound to Broadway

Twenty-seven years after the release of the groundbreaking "Buena Vista Social Club" album, the story of its making is set to take the Broadway stage. The highly anticipated musical, inspired by the album's creation, is scheduled to begin previews in February at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, promising to transport audiences to the vibrant and tumultuous era of pre-revolutionary Cuba.

Reviving the Rhythms of a Bygone Era

A Musical Journey Through Cuba's Musical Legacy

The "Buena Vista Social Club" musical is a captivating exploration of the album's origins, delving into the lives and stories of the aging musicians who came together to create a timeless masterpiece. Set primarily in Havana, the show follows this group of often overlooked artists as they gather in a recording studio, reminiscing about the tumultuous era when they were young and the Cuban Revolution was gaining momentum. The narrative loosely tracks the history of the album, but also incorporates songs that were released separately and elements that have been fictionalized, adding depth and nuance to the storytelling.

Bringing the Afro-Cuban Sound to the Broadway Stage

The musical's journey to Broadway began with a successful Off-Broadway run at the Atlantic Theater Company, where it received critical acclaim. The New York Times' chief theater critic, Jesse Green, praised the show's "full-of-riches" song and dance elements, while also expressing concerns about certain aspects of the storytelling. Now, the Broadway production will feature many of the same talented performers and musicians from the Off-Broadway run, ensuring that the Afro-Cuban sound that captivated audiences will be faithfully recreated on the larger stage.

A Diverse Creative Team Bringing the Vision to Life

The "Buena Vista Social Club" musical boasts an impressive creative team, with the book written by Marco Ramirez, known for his work on "The Royale." The director, Saheem Ali, has previously helmed productions such as "Fat Ham," while the choreography is in the capable hands of the married duo, Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck.

A Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Bringing the Story to Broadway

The musical is being capitalized for a staggering $17 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This significant investment reflects the high expectations and the belief in the show's potential to captivate audiences on the Great White Way. The lead producers, Orin Wolf, John Styles, and Barbara Broccoli, have previously collaborated on the acclaimed production of "The Band's Visit." The impressive list of co-producers includes the comedian-actor John Leguizamo, Luis Miranda (a founder of the Hispanic Federation and the father of Lin-Manuel Miranda), and the Tony-winning actress LaChanze.

Reviving the Legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club

The "Buena Vista Social Club" musical represents a unique opportunity to introduce a new generation to the rich musical heritage of pre-revolutionary Cuba. By bringing the album's iconic sound and the stories of its creators to the Broadway stage, the production aims to reignite the global fascination with the Afro-Cuban musical tradition that was sparked by the original album's unexpected success. As the curtain rises on this highly anticipated show, audiences can expect to be transported to a bygone era, where the rhythms and melodies of Cuba's musical past come alive in a captivating theatrical experience.