Buena Vista Social Club – Musical at the Gerald Schoenfield Theater

Get transported into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz and glamor of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and fiery guitars set the dance floor alight. Here, the sound of Havana is born – and one woman’s incredible journey kick starts. 

Inspired by a true story, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ is coming to Broadway for the first time. The critically acclaimed production sees the GRAMMY® Award-winning record come to life, and tells the epic story of the legends behind it. Boasting a world-class Afro-Cuban band and a sensational cast, this is an unforgettable story of survival, second chances, and the transcending power of music. Expect to hear all your favorite hits like, “Chan Chan” and “Candela,” from the golden age of Cuban music. 

Buena Vista Social Club Tickets

“adds the thrill of intimacy, and the weight of history to the Cuban songs popularized on a 1997 album” – The New York Times

Synopsis

Set in Havana in the 1950s, the show follows a group of young musicians who create a sound that shakes the core of Cuban music – until the revolution changes everything. Four decades later, the group is brought back together to record the music they left behind. With years and years of heartbreak fueling every note, Buena Vista Social Club unexpectedly went on to create the greatest-selling world music album in history.

“dynamic rhythms that will have you moving around so much that the seats should come equipped with seatbelts” – New York Stage Review 

Creative Team

With an inspiring book by Drama Desk winner Marco Ramirez, director Saheem Ali helms an ensemble of visionary performing artists, including a group of top tier musicians from around the world to tell the iconic story of the artists who recorded the original album. BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ boasts the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden era, with stunning choreography by Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck, and a music team spearheaded by the talented Tony Award winner David Yazbek and music supervisor Dean Sharenow.

Current cast members include: Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara, Julio Monge as Compay, Mel Semé as Ibrahim, Jainardo Batista Sterling as Rubén, Isa Antonetti as Young Omara, Da’Von Moody as Young Compay, Wesley Wray as Young Ibrahim, Leonardo Reyna as Young Rubén, Renesito Avich as Eliades, Ashley De La Rosa as Young Haydee, and Justin Cunningham as Juan de Marcos. 

“the rapid string work by guitar hero Renesito Avich is pure fire” – Observer

“an exquisitely crafted work of cultural triumph and wistfulness” – Theatrely 

History and Awards 

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ is a musical project at the heart of Cuban culture and music. Formed in 1996, this ensemble of Cuban musicians won over the hearts of millions in every corner of the globe, reviving traditional Cuban music genres, such as son, danzon, and bolero, and igniting a renewed interest in Latin American music as a whole.

The BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ musical tells this epic story. The show opened off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company on 17 November 2023. The show was such a hit with audiences that it played until 28 January 2024, extending twice from the original end date. Unsurprisingly, the production was nominated for a well-deserved three Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, and Best New Off-Broadway Musical. The show was also nominated for a whopping seven Lucille Lortel Awards, including Outstanding Musical. And that’s not all, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ was also nominated  for Best Direction of a Musical and Outstanding Production of a Musical at the Drama League Awards. And now, by popular demand, the musical is making its way to Broadway. On 16 September 2024, it was announced that the production would transfer to Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, with previews starting on 21 February 2025. 

Gerald Schoenfield Theater

BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ is a Broadway musical that is opening at New York City’s esteemed Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on 21 February 2025, and playing until 4 January 2026. Just like this exciting show, Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre is rich in history. Located on 236 West 45th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, the stunning venue opened in 1917, and has been entertaining audiences ever since. With state-of-the-art production, it’s the perfect place to experience the magic of the Buena Vista Social Club. This is a very popular theater, so we highly recommend booking your tickets to watch this must-see show today (before it’s too late!). 

“You needn’t understand a word of Spanish to enjoy the impassioned synergy and playful give and take” – New York Sun