Complete casting has been announced for the upcoming Broadway transfer of “Buena Vista Social Club.” The previously announced musical, directed by Saheem Ali, will begin previews on Feb. 21, 2025 and open on March 19 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck will repeat their co-choreographic duties from the 2023 Off-Broadway world premiere bow with Atlantic Theatre Company.
Newly announced company members include Justin Cunningham in the role of Juan de Marcos, in addition to ensemblists Andrew Montgomery Coleman, Carlos Gonzalez, Anthony Santos, Martín Solá and Tanairi Sade Vazquez.
The musical, which features a book by Marco Ramirez set to the songs of the real Buena Vista Social Club’s 1997 eponymous album, has also added several new producers, including Tony Award recipient John Leguizamo, Tony winner LaChanze, Luis Miranda and the aforementioned Atlantic Theater Company.
A recording of the Broadway company performing the song “Chan Chan” has been released, as well as a behind-the-scenes video chronicling the track’s recording session.
“‘Chan Chan’ might be the most famous song from the Buena Vista Social Club album,” said musical supervisor Dean Sharenow in a statement. “It gets into your soul in a way that only the best music can. Whether you understand the lyrics or not, it instantly touches you.”
Based on real events, “Buena Vista Social Club” follows a group of musicians who collaborate on a unique sound in pre-Castro Cuba. Forty years later, the artists reconnect to record the songs they left behind.
“The music of Buena Vista Social Club is originally from Cuba, but it is truly international,” noted music consultant Juan de Marcos González. “It is listened to all over the world.”
“This musical is a game-changer for the culture,” added Leguizamo. “It features the genesis of all Latin music. The birth of the music and the conflicts it arose from. This is the show I’ve been waiting for my whole life. What an honor and [a] pleasure to be a part of this magical work.”
Previously reported cast members include Isa Antonetti as Young Omara, Renesito Avich as Eliades, Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara, Ashley De La Rosa as Young Haydee, Julio Monge as Compay, Da’von T. Moody as Young Compay, Leonardo Reyna as Young Rubén, Mel Semé as Ibrahim, Jainardo Batista Sterling as Rubén, Wesley Wray as Young Ibrahim, with ensemble members Angélica Beliard, Carlos Falú, Héctor Juan Maisonet, Ilda Mason, Marielys Molina and Sophia Ramos. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting, Xavier Rubiano and Frankie Ramirez.
“Buena Vista Social Club” is being produced by Orin Wolf, John Styles, Barbara Broccoli, Atlantic Theater Company, Miranda, LaChanze and Leguizamo with executive producer Allan Williams.
