(Review) Buena Vista Social Club brings the rhythm of Cuba to Orlando
The touring production of Buena Vista Social Club dances its way onto the Dr. Phillips Center stage, and Attractions Magazine was invited to check it out. The musical tells the story of the titular band, tracing its roots in Cuba during the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s and the musicians’ reunion in the 1990s to record and tour together.
Jumping between the two time periods, the show primarily follows singer Omara as she struggles with whether to leave her home country amid political upheaval or remain true to herself and the music of Cuba and its people. Along the way, audiences are treated to the group’s timeless interpretations of traditional Cuban musical styles, including son, danzón, and bolero.
A story that takes time to find its rhythm
At the heart of the story is Omara, played by Karmine Alers, who portrays the singer as a stoic grand dame slowly rediscovering the music she left behind for reasons that unfold throughout the show. Her younger self, played by Isabel Gonzalez, gets plenty of opportunities to shine, with exuberant singing that contrasts with the older Omara’s more reserved nature.
Fortunately, the two actresses bear a convincing resemblance, making it easy to believe they’re the same person four decades apart. The same can’t be said for every character, however. Some of the younger and older versions of other characters were difficult to connect, occasionally requiring a name to be spoken aloud before we recognized them.
The story itself sometimes struggles to build dramatic tension, perhaps because it must remain faithful to real events that don’t always follow a tidy theatrical arc. For the most part, though, the narrative stays out of the way of what makes the production special: the music and dancing.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The music is the star
The Cuban music and dance are the real stars of the show. A high-energy band brings the culture to life, creating the feeling of spending a hot Havana night inside the club itself. Spanish guitar, tres, piano, percussion, and even flute take center stage, providing a powerful musical foundation for the performers.
The original Broadway production received a special Tony Award recognizing its musicians, and that musical excellence remains a defining feature of the touring production.
While the story may not be as poignant or thought-provoking as it could be, the music is what will stay with you for days afterward. Even without understanding the language, it’s hard to deny the soul and power of these songs.
A few technical hiccups, plenty of energy
We experienced a few technical hiccups, including microphones cutting in and out, but otherwise the production’s technical elements were effective, enhancing the atmosphere and drawing us into the world of the Buena Vista Social Club, both the physical club and the musical ensemble.
While the show will likely resonate most with audiences who have cultural ties to Cuban music, language, dance, or history, there’s still plenty here for anyone who loves energetic live music and dancing. The story may occasionally lose the beat, but the music never does.
“Buena Vista Social Club” is playing now through Oct. 25 at the Dr. Phillips Center. For more information, tickets, or to find a tour stop near you, visit Tour.BuenaVistaMusical.com.
Follow us:
No matter where you want to go, our trusted partner MEI-Travel will handle the planning so you can focus on the memories. They offer free vacation-planning services and have nearly 20 years of experience creating memorable vacations. Visit MEI-Travel for a fee-free, no-obligation quote today.
