If there’s one Broadway show that was practically made for Miami, it’s this one! The Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit musical Buena Vista Social Club is launching the Adrienne Arsht Center’s upcoming Broadway in Miami season, alongside a free celebration of Cuban music and community.
Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, the production will run from September 29 to October 4 in the Ziff Ballet Opera House. Here’s everything you need to know about the show and the weeklong block party happening right outside!
What is Buena Vista Social Club about?
If you grew up listening to Chan Chan in your grandparents’ living room, Buena Vista Social Club is the musical for you. It tells the story of the artists who recorded the legendary Cuban album, centering on a young record producer who offers the elusive diva and “Queen of Feeling,” Omara Portuondo, a rare opportunity to reckon with her past.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The musical is packed with the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age, played live by a world-class on-stage band.
Are there any South Florida ties?
We love a good Broadway tour stop, but we love it even more when it has local roots! The production features a ton of regional talent, including Miami-born Juilliard grad Destinee Jimenez, who joins the touring cast as an ensemble member and Assistant Dance Captain, as well as former Miami City Ballet principal dancer Patricia Delgado, who co-created the show’s acclaimed movement.
The musical also features a book by Hialeah native and Tony nominee Marco Ramirez, whose original play (Broadsword) debuted at the Arsht back in 2010.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
What to expect during the free block party
Even if you don’t snag a ticket to the musical, you can still get in on the celebration! Throughout its run, all week, the Arsht is turning its plaza into a complimentary Rhythm & Roots community festival.
Guests can expect live music, DJs and dancing, domino games, local artisans and pop-up vendors, plus performances by local favorites and internationally recognized artists like Latin Grammy-nominated DJ Mr. Pauer, singer-songwriter Leslie Cartaya, Cortadito, Sonlokos, Yissy García and OKAN.
Additionally, anyone can step inside the Arsht to explore Cuban artifacts, photography and exhibitions in partnership with the Miami-Dade College Freedom Tower and Public Humanities Lab at Florida International University, among others. They’ll also have a chance to record their own memories for a living oral history project!
You can visit the Arsht website for more information.