In a feature about the Broadway musical “Buena Vista Social Club,” Omara Portuondo expresses her desire to keep performing and not retire. The show tells the story of young Omara’s dream of making music for her people in Cuba, showcasing the tensions with her late sister and fellow singer, Haydée Portuondo. The musical honors the legacy of artists like Portuondo, introducing their timeless music to new audiences. The show includes a songbook with the history of the songs featured in the production.
“Buena Vista Social Club” features classic Cuban tunes like “El Cuarto De Tula,” which incorporates improvisation, a tradition rooted in Cuban music. The show blurs the lines between actors, dancers, and musicians, bringing them all onstage together. The surviving members of the original Buena Vista Social Club group were consulted for the musical, hoping it will inspire younger generations to appreciate traditional Cuban music.
The original Buena Vista Social Club album, recorded in 1996, became a massive success, selling millions of copies and winning a Grammy. The musicians who came together for the project have continued to impact audiences worldwide, with their story also documented in a film. The musical brings their music to life on stage, celebrating Cuban music’s golden age and the rich traditions that must be preserved. Through their work, they hope to reconnect with audiences, including young people, who may not be familiar with the classic Cuban music from the Buena Vista Social Club era.
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