Hailed as a "jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must see" (The Washington Post), the Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning 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 for eight performances at Walton Arts Center Dec. 15-20.
The North American Tour company of Buena Vista Social Club™. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
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.
With a score entirely in Spanish and a book written entirely in English, Buena Vista Social Club™ is redefining what makes a new hit Broadway musical as the first musical written in two languages. Featuring music from the 1997 Grammy Award-winning album of the same name, the musical spans from the 1950s to the famed 1996 recording sessions. That album took six days to record and has now sold over eight million copies globally, making it the biggest-selling Cuban album in history.
Listen to the Grammy-winning original Broadway cast album here.
"I wanted these songs to live on stage in the original form, and I wanted to make music and music-making central to the story," production director Saheem Ali told Broadway.com. "The music itself traversed the world. It didn't matter what your language was ... the music touched people. I really felt like if we could create a container for this music and allow it to exist, we have to trust it, because the power of the language and the power of the culture transcend everything."
Buena Vista Social Club™ won four Tony Awards in 2025 and the first Special Tony Award to honor and recognize the entire ten-piece onstage band. The original Broadway cast also earned a 2026 Grammy for best musical theater album. “The music is stellar, and the presence of the band makes the experience truly special” (Triangle Review). With an upright piano on stage surrounded by a chorus of singers, it feels like stepping into the world of Havana when tourism was at its busiest.
But it’s not just the music that makes Buena Vista Social Club™ a hit. With choreography from Justin Peck and Patricia Delgado, the island of Cuba comes to life on stage. “Having won the Tony Award for their choreography, their work is a constant flow of kinetic energy, full of salsa sway, limber arm movements and propulsive energy,” says Broadway World Buffalo.
Jaleel Battles Jr. (center) and the North American Tour company of Buena Vista Social Club™. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Show Dates and Times:
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 pm
Thursday, Dec. 17, 1:30 and 7 pm
Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 pm
Make your night in Havana one for the memory books! Start the night with a hands-on cocktail class before the show. Mixologists will teach you to make two themed cocktails curated by Pink House Alchemy while you enjoy light bites and good vibes. Plus, the recipe card gets you 10% off ingredients at Liquor World so you can remake the drinks at home. Reserve your shaker for just $51.75.
Cocktail Class Dates and Times:
Thursday, Dec. 17, 5:30 pm
Friday, Dec. 18, 6 pm
Saturday, Dec. 19, 6 pm