Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.
For Marco Ramirez, the journey of bringing Buena Vista Social Club to Broadway is deeply personal. As a Cuban American raised around the legendary Buena Vista Social Club album, from the Cuban music ensemble of the same name, the music was more than just familiar—it was interwoven into the fabric of his upbringing. “I’ve been a bit of a music nerd my whole life,” he shared, recalling the influence of his grandfathers, who cherished traditional Cuban music. When approached by producers with the opportunity to bring this story to the stage, Ramirez’s response was an unequivocal “Yes, in all caps.” This passion has driven him to craft a production that not only entertains but honors the legacy it represents.
The journey from album to Broadway involved multiple trips to Cuba and meticulous development at Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theater Company. The result? A production that upholds the authenticity of the music while blending it seamlessly with the dynamics of musical theatre. Buena Vista Social Club was and is one of the most successful world music albums of all time, transcending language and breaking barriers. “The music needed to sound a lot like it does on the album,” Ramirez, who wrote the book for the stage show, insisted. “If it’s not broken, there’s no reason to fix it." Buena Vista Social Club begins its Broadway run February 21 at the Schoenfeld Theatre, with an opening night of March 29.
Music That Transcends Language
The greatest storytellers on Broadway have always expanded the art form, widening the lens and surprising audiences with something they’ve never seen or heard before. One of the most striking elements of Buena Vista Social Club is that the songs are performed in Spanish—a deliberate choice that Ramirez passionately celebrates. “I knew we could find a way to execute that for Broadway,” he explained. The international cast, including Cuban musicians trained in conservatories, ensures that the show maintains its deep-rooted authenticity. Part of Ramirez’s focus as the book writer was to let the music itself speak as the language of the show, making it feel effortless to the audience. “We’re putting all of those songs in context so that the audience feels the music and the story without needing subtitles,” he noted.
This approach aligns with Ramirez’s broader philosophy on storytelling. While lyrics are vital, “the scenes, movement, and music” are equally essential, creating an immersive experience where drama, sound, and emotion are in perfect harmony.
A Spark for Audiences of All Ages
Beyond the vibrant music and stunning performances, Buena Vista Social Club wants to inspire meaningful conversations among audiences. For Ramirez, this production challenges conventional ideas of what constitutes “great” music and who decides that standard. “You get to decide what is great,” he emphasized, drawing parallels between the show’s young music producer character, Juan, and anyone who has ever questioned the value of their cultural heritage.
Arts education, Ramirez believes, plays a crucial role in cultivating this sense of pride and empathy. He recalls his first field trip to live theatre in 1998, where a minimalist production of Dante’s Inferno changed the trajectory of his life. “Sitting in a classroom, you are asked to participate intellectually. Sitting in a theatre, you are asked to participate emotionally,” he reflected. This emotional participation, he argues, builds empathy—a vital skill whether or not students pursue the arts.
The Power of a Global Cast and Cultural Legacy
Musicians and actors have come from across the world—from Amsterdam to Barcelona to New Jersey—to participate in this unique celebration of Cuban culture. Ramirez likened this gathering to a lyric from Cuban songwriter Frank Delgado, who describes Cuba as a “satellite island” emitting people in all directions. Buena Vista Social Club embodies the joy of bringing these threads back together, weaving a story that transcends borders.
For audiences, Ramirez has one final piece of advice: “It’s okay to move around and dance in your seat. Just know that’s going to happen.” With its rich musical heritage, compelling storytelling, and a powerful nod to the importance of arts education, Buena Vista Social Club is set to be more than a Broadway show—it’s an experience that champions the stories that shape us and the music that unites us all.
Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3. See photos from the 2023 Off-Broadway run of Buena Vista Social Club below.
Company of Buena Vista Social ClubTM
Natalie Venetia Belcon and Julio Monge in Buena Vista Social ClubTM
Jared Machado, Kenya Browne, and Olly Sholotan in Buena Vista Social ClubTM
Natalie Venetia Belcon and Kenya Browne in Buena Vista Social ClubTM
Jared Machado and company of Buena Vista Social ClubTM
