The music in BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB is entirely in Spanish with the musical styles of son, danzón, and bolero. All of the live band perform on the stage with the singers and the dancers. The musical opened on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in 2025. The touring company Diane and I saw at Shea’s Performing Arts Center over the weekend delivered an outstanding performance.
The show’s cast album won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. If you enjoy Latin music, BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB will delight you with its energy and flare. GRADE: A
Musical numbers
Act I
- “El Carretero”
- “Lágrimas Negras” (Prelude)
- “De Camino a la Vereda”
- “El Cumbanchero”
- “Veinte Años”
- “Que Bueno Baila Usted”
- “Bruca Maniguá“
- “Murmullo”
- “Drume Negrita”
- “Candela”
- “El Cumbanchero (Reprise)”
- “Dos Gardenias“
Act II
I think the only Spanish word I know, despite taking — and passing — Spanish 101 and 102 in college — is “nada,” which covers my grasp of the language. I may not know Spanish, but I do know how the rhythms and the enthusiasm of these songs affect me. I’m all in, baby!
Jerry, if I find a BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB soundtrack CD, I’ll add it to your CHRISTMAS BOX.
I like it in small doses, like when I’m at a Mexican restaurant!