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...READ MORE