Buena Vista Social Club Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Overview: Buena Vista Social Club (2025 Broadway Musical).

The 2025 Broadway debut of Buena Vista Social Clubwas a reclamation of rhythm. The production reanimates Havana’s golden age with fierce intimacy, threading Cuban history through memory, exile, and music. It’s resistance that sings nostalgia melodies.

Developed and directed by Saheem Ali, the musical charts the intertwined lives of four legendary Cuban musicians. Their stories unfold across decades —through Batista’s collapse, Castro’s rise, and the embers of a revolution that burned both bridges and ballrooms. All of this culminates in their unexpected reunion in 1997, which gave birth to the iconic Grammy-winning album.

Performed entirely in Spanish, the score ignites with Son Cubano, Danzón, Bolero, and Guajira. Every note is alive with the ache of distance and the pull of home. There are no translations. Just sound. That’s the point.

Tony-nominated Natalie Venetia Belcon leads as Omara Portuondo, radiating a storm of longing and resilience. The ensemble, deeply embedded in the traditions they represent, includes a full live band on stage—earning them a rare Special Tony Award.

The book by Marco Ramirez refuses to sanitize history. Instead, it asks what happens to art under surveillance. What happens to joy when it’s dangerous?

This isn't jukebox theater. It’s oral tradition performed under the spotlight. Cuba’s soundscape, caught between exile and endurance, has found a voice on Broadway —and it roars.

Questions and Answers

Is Buena Vista Social Club performed entirely in Spanish?

Yes, the musical is sung and spoken entirely in Spanish, preserving the authenticity of Cuban music.

What musical styles are featured in the show?

It includes Son Cubano, Bolero, Danzón, and Guajira, performed live by a 12-piece Afro-Cuban band.

Do I need to know the original album or film to enjoy the musical?

No prior knowledge is needed. The show stands alone with its music, story, and emotional power.

Is the band visible during the performance?

Yes, the band performs live on stage, integrated into the action as part of the storytelling fabric.

Who plays Omara Portuondo in the Broadway production?

Natalie Venetia Belcon plays adult Omara, with Isa Antonetti portraying her younger self.