‘Buena Vista Social Club’ Off Broadway Review: How Cuba’s Music Fuels Its Survival

A landmark album is now an exciting stage musical and dance spectacular

Jared Machado, Kenya Browne and Olly Sholotan in "Buena Vista Social Club" (Credit: Ahron R. Foster)
Jared Machado, Kenya Browne and Olly Sholotan in "Buena Vista Social Club" (Credit: Ahron R. Foster)

It has not been a great year for dance on the musical theater stage – until now. Choreographers Patricia Delgado and New York City Ballet’s Justin Peck bring it all to the tiny stage at the Atlantic Theater Company. The many dances this married duo has created for the new musical “Buena Vista Social Club” erupt in a chemical reaction where ballet, Afro-Cuban, contemporary and a variety of social dances both blend and slam into each other. 

Based on the 1996 album of the same title, “Buena Vista Social Club” opened with a glorious bang Tuesday at the Atlantic’s Linda Gross Theater.

Comments

One response to “‘Buena Vista Social Club’ Off Broadway Review: How Cuba’s Music Fuels Its Survival”

  1. Adriana Arias Avatar
    Adriana Arias

    It’s a pity you’ve never been to Havana. There is a dance company here (I’m writing from Havana, where I live), the Lizt Alfonso Dance Company, who years ago presented a musical that, according to your description, is in the same vein as “Buena Vista Social Club”, except the entire thing was excellently executed by Cubans. I worked as a stagehand in Miami for six years, did a few Broadway shows, and I knew immediately upon seeing “Amigas” in Havana that it had potential to be a sensational Broadway musical. Unfortunately, I do now have the connections to reach the Nederlanders (I really tried). I have not seen the “Buena Vista Social Club” show, but I can’t help to feel a little bitter. I only wish to see the day where actual Cubans (from Cuba) are given this kind of opportunity to shine and show the world what amazing talents they have. Congratulation to the artist who created “Buena Vista”. Here’s hoping that one day the Lizt Alfonso’s “Amigas” get the attention it deserves.

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