Buena Vista Social Club was the subject of Wim Wenders’s 1999 Oscar-nominated documentary which spotlights the making of the titular album and a legendary Carnegie Hall concert celebrating the musicians of pre-revolutionary Cuba. Like the current musical How to Dance in Ohio, which is also based on a documentary, the new stage musical version of Social Club emphasizes soap-opera-ish aspects of the story.
Marco Ramirez’s book takes artistic license with the chronicling of the album, time-tripping between 1996 (when the album was recorded) and 1956 (when the artists were beginning their careers in the flourishing age of Cuban music before Castro closed many of the celebrated Havana niteries.) The center of focus is vocalist Omara Portuondo (an exciting, intense Natalie Venetia Belcon), the diva of the album, and her regrets about breaking with her sister and betraying colleagues when she signs a singing contract and remains in Cuba. There are many weepy scenes as the older versions of Omara, her friends Compay, Ruben, and Ibrahim look back on their former selves (played by younger actors) with predictable mixed emotions.
But the heart and soul of this exciting piece are the songs from the original album which form the score, along with Saheem Ali’s vibrant staging and the expressive choreography by the married team of Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck. The intimate Linda Gross Theater is transformed into a pulsating bistro, full of unforgettable colorful music with an irresistible Cuban rhythm. Along with the magnificent Venetia Belcon, there are sizzling turns from Kenya Browne (as the younger Omara), Danaya Esperanza (as her sister Haydee), Julio Monge (older Compay), Olly Sholotan and Mel Seme (younger and older Ibrahim). But the real star is the fabulous band led by music director Marco Paguia who also provided orchestrations and arrangements. Dean Sharenow is music supervisor and Renesito Avich, Julio Monge, Leonardo Reyna, Hery Paz, and Jared Machado are just a few of the exceptional musicians featured.
Buena Vista Social Club is the hottest ticket of the season.
