‘Buena Vista Social Club’ Musical Sets Broadway Opening, Cast

Greg Evans
·3 min read

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.

The 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.

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Featuring music from Cuba’s 1940s-era golden age and a book by Marco Ramirez, Buena Vista Social Club is performed by an ensemble of artists including a band of musicians from across the globe. The musical tells the story of the artists who recorded the original album. Choreography will be by Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck (Illinoise, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story).

The music team will be led by Tony Award winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit) and Music Supervisor Dean Sharenow.

The announcement was made today by producers Orin Wolf, John Styles, and Barbara Broccoli.

The synopsis: “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 world-class Afro-Cuban band is joined by a sensational cast in this unforgettable tale of survival, second chances, and the extraordinary power of music.”

“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,” said director Ali. “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.”

The Broadway company will feature Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara), Julio Monge (Compay), Mel Semé (Ibrahim) Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén), Isa Antonetti (Young Omara), Da’Von T. Moody (Young Compay), Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim), Leonardo Reyna (Young Rubén), Renesito Avich (Eliades), Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee), and Angélica Beliard, Carlos Falú, Héctor Juan Maisonet, Ilda Mason, Marielys Molina, Sophia Ramos.

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

The musical’s band features Marco Paguia (Piano, Music Director), David Oquendo (Guitar), Gustavo Schartz (Bass), Hery Paz (Woodwinds), Eddie Venegas (Trombone), Jesus Ricardo (Trumpet), Javier Díaz (Percussion), Mauricio Herrera (Percussion), and Román Diaz (Percussion). Orchestrations, arrangements and music direction are by Marco Paguia, with additional arrangements by Javier Diaz and David Oquendo, and music consultation by Juan de Marcos.

The creative team includes Arnulfo Maldonado (scenery), Dede Ayite (costumes), Tyler Micoleau (lighting), Jonathan Deans (sound) and J. Jared Janaswigs (hair & make-up.

Book writer Marco Ramirez said, “In 1968, my grandfather left Cuba and got a job washing dishes a block from the Schoenfeld Theatre. Almost 60 years later, we’ll be blasting his favorite songs there. Alongside some of the best artists – and people – I’ve ever met. I’m humbled by the chance to forge connections between two of the most musically iconic islands the world has ever known- Cuba and Manhattan.”

Producer Wold said, “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.”

Buena Vista Social Club is produced on Broadway by Orin Wolf, John Styles, Barbara Broccoli, Atlantic Theater Company, Luis Miranda, LaChanze and John Leguizamo with Executive Producer Allan Williams.

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