Directed by Tony Award nominee Saheem Ali (Fat Ham), this story of the legendary artists who recorded the album features the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age, with a book by Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award winner, The Royale), choreography by Patricia Delgado and Tony Award winner Justin Peck (Carousel, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story) and a music team led by Tony Award winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit).
Does the show aim to go bigger – to Broadway, perhaps? It has the basic makings, but the script needs a livelier, clearer through line. It wouldn’t hurt to apply a stronger focus to the political turmoil of the times (both times, ‘50s and ‘90s), a topic only glancingly touched on here. Or maybe just accord the phenomenal cover band a series of concerts? History – and the audience – might be better served.
But the terrific ensemble carries the weight of the story's history and the beauty of its culture with passion and understanding, especially its older members, who look right at home in Arnulfo Maldonado’s faded colonial set. Every number, be it joyous or melancholy, bursts with life, and Belcon, Monge, and Semé bring the house down with faithful yet personal interpretations.
| 2023 | Off-Broadway |
Atlantic Theater Company World Premiere Production Off-Broadway |
| 2025 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical | Dede Ayite |
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical | Natalie Venetia Belcon |
| 2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations | Marco Paguia |
| 2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Direction of a Musical | Saheem Ali |
| 2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | Buena Vista Social Club |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Choreography (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Patricia Delgado |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical | Buena Vista Social Club |
| 2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Orchestrations (Broadway or Off-Broadway) | Marco Paguia |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Choreographer | Patricia Delgado |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Costume Design | Dede Ayite |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical | Mel Semé |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical | Natalie Venetia Belcon |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Musical | Buena Vista Social Club |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Scenic Design | Arnulfo Maldonado |
| 2024 | The Lortels | Outstanding Sound Design | Jonathan Deans |
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