BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB - Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (20/03/25)

There is something rather beautiful about the facility to tell the story of somebody real, especially through their own music, we only need look as far as Carole King and Beautiful, or Michael Jackson and MJ to see prime examples of this. To many outside of Cuba, Omara Portuondo may not be the best known figure in music, but her association with the Buena Vista Social Club music project from 1996 is the driving force behind this new musical that largely follows her life during two separate time periods, in the 1950s and 1990s respectively. And though, strictly speaking, this pans out more like a play with songs, not unlike recent Tony winner Stereophonic, it still very much has its music, and by extension, community, at its very heart.

Directed by Saheem Ali, who also played a big part in developing the show, Marco Ramirez's new musical Buena Vista Social Club, with music from the eponymous Cuban music group, is one of the most visually and aurally distinctive, vibrant pieces of theatre currently running on broadway, Arnulfo Maldonado's stunning scenic design and the intricate nature of Dede Ayite's costumes transporting us vividly to revolutionary Cuba, dropping us right into the heart of 1950s Havana, the rise of Castro, and the adverse affect his communist regime had on musicians of the time. The show never shies away from tackling the fear and anxiety experienced by the people of Cuba, especially those creatives depicted in the show.

Natalie Venetia Belcon and the company of Buena Vista Social Club (credit: Matthew Murphy)

It is always impressive to see a cast doubling up as a show's musical backing thrive so brilliantly, and the utilisation of this style has built up a head of steam over the past ten years since productions like Amélie and Once. Not only does the use of an actor-muso cast in this instance enhance the story so well, it was absolutely the best route to take from a directorial standpoint, as it lends itself exquisitely to the sense of community and authenticity of the storytelling. And that's the power music has, regardless of where you are in the world, your age, experience, ability, it unites us, and for many of us has that innate, hedonistic ability to help us thrive. That, I feel, is the main takeaway from Buena Vista Social Club, as it exemplifies this notion with such heartfelt sincerity.

The cast themselves, portraying a variety of veteran musicians from both periods, masterfully showcase their abilities in expressing this vivacious, energetic Cuban music from arguably the golden age for the genre, whilst also being able to effectively and earnestly tell the story. And although all of the musical numbers are performed in Spanish, even those of us who aren't Hispanophones got a clear sense of the emotion of the song and the scene from the performances alone, both the upbeat and more sombre musical numbers, which can only be applauded.

The company of Buena Vista Social Club (credit: Matthew Murphy)

The depiction of Omara Portuondo is shared between veteran actor Natalie Venetia Belcon and broadway debutant Isa Antonetti, portraying Portuondo in the 1990s and 1950s respectively, and though their performances contrast greatly, from the exuberance and zest for life Antonetti exemplifies in younger Portuondo, to the more stoic, downtrodden character Belcon so brilliantly expresses with such nuance, they are one and the same, and both clearly distinguishable as different versions of the same character.

In spite of this delightful dichotomy of the two timelines expressed via a single character, this is very much an ensemble piece, and no single member of this company outshone the next, in spite of a flurry of hugely impressive instrumental breaks at various points. Most notable however are guitarist/singer Compay Segundo (Julio Monge) and pianist Rubén González (Jainardo Batista Sterling), both of whom absolutely sizzle in their respective performances. Buena Vista Social Club is a vibrant, energetic, achingly authentic piece of theatre that brings the spirit of Cuba to broadway with heartfelt vim and verve, so expect the heat turned up all the way when you make your visit to Havana!

★★★★☆

"Buena Vista Social Club" plays at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on broadway, with tickets currently on sale through the 4th of January 2026.