THEATER REVIEW: BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB – A THRILLING, SOUL-STIRRING CELEBRATION OF CUBAN MUSIC ON BROADWAY
VERDICT: ABSOLUTELY UNMISSABLE.
Broadway has never felt so alive. Buena Vista Social Club, the electrifying new musical at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, is a triumphant, transportive experience—one that sweeps audiences straight into the heart of Havana with its intoxicating rhythms, breathtaking choreography, and powerhouse performances.
From the very first notes, the show ignites a fire that never wavers. The beloved songs from the iconic 1997 album—performed by an extraordinary onstage band—pulse with vibrant energy, bringing to life the rich history of Cuba’s legendary musicians. The music alone is reason enough to see this production, with stirring renditions of classics like Chan Chan and Dos Gardenias that send chills down the spine.
Director Saheem Ali masterfully weaves together past and present, allowing us to witness the rise of these musical pioneers as young dreamers in Havana’s pre-Revolution nightclubs and later as seasoned artists reflecting on their past. Writer Marco Ramirez structures the show around Omara Portuondo, portrayed with fierce emotion and soul-stirring vocals by Natalie Venetia Belcon. Her journey—both reluctant and deeply moving—is the beating heart of the show.
But make no mistake: Buena Vista Social Club is just as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the ears. Choreographers Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck infuse every scene with dynamic, full-bodied movement, making the dance sequences a thrilling spectacle of Cuban spirit and passion. The flashbacks, in particular, burst with life as young Omara (Isa Antonetti) and her sister Haydee (Ashley De La Rosa) chase their musical dreams, while young Compay (Da’von T. Moody) and Rubén (Leonardo Reyna, a dazzling pianist) form a charming, irresistible duo.
Though the story takes a backseat to the music, that hardly matters when the performances and artistry are this exceptional. This isn’t just a Broadway show—it’s a celebration, a time capsule, and an exhilarating homage to a culture and sound that shaped music history.
Verdict: Absolutely unmissable. Buena Vista Social Club is a joyous, deeply moving tribute to the musicians who defied time and politics to bring their songs to the world. If you’re looking for a night of pure musical magic, look no further.