'A sound like this? It tends to travel': Full casting & world-class band announced for 'Buena Vista Social Club'

North American tour opens at Shea's Buffalo Theatre this September

Shea’s Performing Arts Center press release

The producers of “Buena Vista Social Club” are thrilled to announce the full company for the upcoming North American tour. Bringing the iconic rhythms and soul of Cuba to life across the continent, the production features Karmine Alers (Omara), Frank Rodríguez (Compay), Mauro Castillo (Ibrahim), Robert M. Jiménez (Rubén), Isabel Gonzalez (Young Omara), Aidan Olmo (Young Compay), Jaleel Battles Jr. (Young Ibrahim), Irving Aday O’Connor (Young Rubén), San Miguel Pérez (Eliades), Liana Morales (Young Haydee), Holiday (Juan de Marcos), and Erica Simone Barnett, Kwabena Bawuah, Armando Brydson, Jazlyn Carreras, Jhon Destrade, Adrían Guardián, Destinee Jimenez, Alex Llorca, Gabby Rembert, Ralphie Rivera de Jesús, Orgena Rose and Josh Tower.

The world-class “Buena Vista Social Club” band features Nicolas Perez (music director, piano), Abraham Dorta (guitar), Jorge Bringas (bass), Ray Contreras (percussion), Keisel Jiménez Leyva (percussion), Caleb Michel (percussion), Ivan Llanes Montejo (percussion), Roisel Suárez (trumpet), Ben Romanow (trombone), Joaquín Sosa (woodwinds) and Marcos A. Torres III (musician swing).

As previously announced, “Buena Vista Social Club” will launch its North American tour at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, playing eight performances on the Shea’s Buffalo stage Sept. 12-19.

Tickets are now available with prices starting at under $63 all-in. Groups requesting 10 or more tickets can contact Mary Oshei at 716-829-1153 or moshei@sheas.org. Get your seats at Shea’s box office at 650 Main St., downtown Buffalo; or online at: www.sheas.org/performances/buena-vista-social-club.

"Every night on Broadway, we watch ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ bring audiences together in the most profound way. The music is thrilling and its impact on people from all walks of life is undeniable," producer Orin Wolf said. "We've assembled a world-class company of actors and musicians whose talent, passion and infectious energy will make the tour a singular experience. I can't wait for audiences all over the country to fall in love with it."

"The Broadway company has set a remarkable standard with its artistry and integrity in honoring the musicians whose legacy inspired this story," director Saheem Ali said. "I'm excited for this fantastic company to tour the country with our beautiful show, inviting new audiences to discover the humanity, resilience and enduring power of this beloved music."

It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba – until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past.

Hailed as a "jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must-see" (The Washington Post), “Buena Vista Social Club” is a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana. A world-class company brings the story of the iconic album to thrilling life in this tale of big dreams, second chances, and music that needs no translation.

“Buena Vista Social Club” won 5 Tony Awards, including Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Natalie Venetia Belcon), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Jonathan Deans), Best Choreography (Patricia Delgado & Justin Peck), and Best Orchestrations (Marco Paguia). A Special Tony Award was awarded to the musicians who make up the band of “Buena Vista Social Club,” and the Original Broadway Cast Recording received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

With a book by Tony nominee Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award, “The Royale”), Tony-nominated director Saheem Ali (“Fat Ham)” leads an ensemble of visionary performing artists, including a band of renowned musicians from across the globe to tell the legendary story of the artists who recorded the original album. “Buena Vista Social Club” features the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age, choreography by Tony Award-winners Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck (“Illinoise,” “Steven Spielberg's West Side Story”).

On Broadway, the band of “Buena Vista Social Club” features creative consultation by David Yazbek, music supervision by Dean Sharenow, orchestrations and arrangements and music direction by Tony Award-winner Marco Paguia, additional arrangements by Javier Diaz and David Oquendo, and music consultation by Juan de Marcos.

“Buena Vista Social Club” features scenery by Tony nominee Arnulfo Maldonado, costumes by Tony nominee Dede Ayite, lighting by Tony nominee Tyler Micoleau, sound by Tony Award-winner Jonathan Deans, wigs, hair and make-up by J. Jared Janas, and casting by The TRC Company.

The North American Tour of “Buena Vista Social Club” is produced by Orin Wolf, John Styles, Barbara Broccoli, Atlantic Theater Company, Luis Miranda, LaChanze, John Leguizamo and NETworks Presentations with Executive Producer Hannah Rosenthal.

“Buena Vista Social Club” and World Circuit Records released the show’s Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording, produced by Dean Sharenow and David Yazbek. The album is co-produced by Marco Paguia and Orin Wolf, and executive produced by Allan Williams.

“Buena Vista Social Club” made its world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company (New York City) in December 2023, and was nominated for Best Musical by the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle organizations.

Visit www.buenavistamusical.com and connect with @buenavistamusical.