Buena Vista Social Club
Kansas City

The True Story That Inspired the Musical

The Buena Vista Social Club was originally a members-only music venue in Old Havana where Cuban musicians gathered to play and socialize. After the Cuban revolution, many of its artists were sidelined and forgotten. Four decades later, in 1996, a remarkable collaboration emerged: Cuban bandleader Juan de Marcos González joined forces with American guitarist and producer Ry Cooder and British record producer Nick Gold to bring these aging legends back into the studio. Recording at Havana’s atmospheric EGREM studios over the course of just one week, they captured the magic of artists like Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Compay Segundo, and Omara Portuondo. The resulting album sold over eight million copies, earned a Grammy Award, and inspired director Wim Wenders’ Oscar-nominated documentary. It remains the best-selling world music album of all time. The Broadway musical dramatizes this extraordinary journey through the musicians’ own songs—performed live on stage by an exceptional cast and band.

A Five-Time Tony Winner with Grammy Gold

The musical debuted Off-Broadway in 2023 at Atlantic Theater Company before transferring to Broadway’s Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in February 2025. It quickly became one of the most celebrated productions of the season, earning 10 Tony nominations—more than any other new musical—and winning five prestigious awards:

• Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara Portuondo
• Best Choreography – Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck
• Best Orchestrations – Marco Paguia
• Best Sound Design of a Musical – Jonathan Deans
• Special Tony Award – The onstage band (a Broadway first)

The Original Broadway Cast Recording then won the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Critics have praised the show as an authentic celebration of Afro-Cuban culture and musicianship. Follow the tour at tour.buenavistamusical.com and on social media via Instagram.

The Creative Visionaries

Director Saheem Ali developed the musical from the ground up, guiding it from its Off-Broadway premiere to Broadway and now to a multi-year national tour. Marco Ramirez, the Drama Desk Award–winning playwright of The Royale, wrote the book, weaving English-language narrative around the Spanish-language musical canon. The choreography duo of Justin Peck (a three-time Tony winner known for the Spielberg West Side Story and Illinoise) and Patricia Delgado, a Cuban-American dancer making her Broadway debut, bring explosive movement that channels Havana’s dance halls. The design team includes Arnulfo Maldonado (scenic), Dede Ayite (costumes), Tyler Micoleau (lighting), and Tony winner Jonathan Deans (sound). Music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements are by Grammy and Tony winner Marco Paguia. The producing team includes Orin Wolf, Barbara Broccoli, John Leguizamo, LaChanze, and David Yazbek.

Quick Answers About the Kansas City Engagement

• What: Buena Vista Social Club – National Tour
• When: May 11–16, 2027 (8 performances)
• Where: Music Hall Kansas City, 301 West 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes (one intermission)
• Language: Dialogue in English; songs in Spanish
• Recommended For: Ages 8 and up
• Tony Awards: 5 wins out of 10 nominations (2025)
• Grammy: Best Musical Theater Album (2026)

How to Purchase Buena Vista Social Club Kansas City Tickets

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Music Hall Kansas City: Venue Guide

The Music Hall is a stunning Art Deco theater within the Municipal Auditorium complex in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Opened in 1936, it seats 2,363 patrons across three levels: 1,185 in the Orchestra, 260 in the Loge and Box sections, and 918 in the Balcony. The venue is Kansas City’s premier destination for touring Broadway shows through the PNC Broadway in Kansas City series and has hosted productions including Hamilton, Wicked, The Lion King, and Book of Mormon. It also houses the historic 1927 Robert-Morton Theatre Pipe Organ. The Music Hall has its own marquee, box office, and entrance at 301 West 13th Street. Pay parking is available across the street, and the building connects to the Kansas City Convention Center via skywalks. The box office is open Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and opens two hours before showtime on performance days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista Social Club in Kansas City

When does Buena Vista Social Club play in Kansas City?

The show runs at Music Hall Kansas City from May 11 through May 16, 2027, with eight performances spanning six days. Evening shows play Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, with a 6:30 PM curtain on Sunday. Matinee performances are Saturday at 2:00 PM and Sunday at 1:00 PM.

Where is Buena Vista Social Club performing in Kansas City?

The production takes place at Music Hall Kansas City, located at 301 West 13th Street inside the historic Municipal Auditorium complex in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The 2,363-seat Art Deco theater has been a Kansas City landmark since 1936.

How long is the Buena Vista Social Club musical?

The total running time is approximately two hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before the performance for parking and entry.

Do I need to speak Spanish to enjoy the show?

Not at all. The dialogue and story are presented in English, so every audience member can follow the narrative. The songs are performed in the original Spanish from the celebrated album, adding authenticity and emotional depth. You do not need to understand the lyrics to be moved by the music and the performances.

What is the Buena Vista Social Club musical about?

The musical follows the life of Cuban singer Omara Portuondo across four decades of Havana history, from the 1950s golden age of Cuban music through the upheaval of the revolution and into the 1990s, when an ambitious producer convinces the aging musicians to reunite and record the songs they left behind. Their collaboration became the landmark 1997 Buena Vista Social Club album.

How many awards has Buena Vista Social Club won?

The production has won five 2025 Tony Awards out of 10 nominations, plus a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The Tony wins include Best Featured Actress, Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Sound Design, and an unprecedented Special Tony Award for the live onstage band.

Is there really a live band performing on stage?

Absolutely. One of the hallmarks of Buena Vista Social Club is the live Afro-Cuban band that performs on stage as part of the show, not hidden in an orchestra pit. The musicians play authentic Cuban instruments and styles, and they were recognized with a Special Tony Award for their integral role in the production—a first in Tony history.

What ages is the show recommended for?

Buena Vista Social Club is recommended for audiences ages eight and older. Children under four are not admitted to the theater. The show explores themes of music, friendship, love, loss, and political change, presented through an uplifting and celebratory lens that appeals to a wide range of ages.

What is the connection to the Buena Vista Social Club album?

The musical tells the story behind the creation of the Grammy-winning 1997 album of the same name. That album, recorded in just one week at Havana’s EGREM studios, reunited legendary Cuban musicians and became the best-selling world music album in history with over eight million copies sold. The show features the music from that album performed live on stage.

How do I get the best deal on Kansas City tickets?

BigStub provides all-in pricing with no hidden fees, so the listed price is the total cost. Compare prices across all eight Kansas City performances to find the best option for your budget. Weeknight shows typically offer more competitive pricing than weekend performances. All purchases are backed by buyer protection.

Are matinee shows available in Kansas City?

Yes. Two matinee performances are scheduled during the Kansas City run: Saturday, May 15 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, May 16 at 1:00 PM. Afternoon shows are a great option for families or anyone who prefers an earlier start time.

Is BigStub the official ticket seller for this show?

BigStub is not the official box office. We are an independent, trusted resale marketplace connecting fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. Ticket prices are set by third-party sellers and may be above or below face value. Every transaction includes buyer protection and secure processing.

What is the seating capacity and layout of Music Hall Kansas City?

Music Hall seats 2,363 across three levels: 1,185 in the Orchestra, 260 in the Loge and Box sections, and 918 in the Balcony. The Art Deco interior provides excellent acoustics and sightlines, making it one of the finest touring Broadway venues in the Midwest.

Where do I park for shows at Music Hall?

Pay parking is available in lots directly across the street from the Municipal Auditorium. The Music Hall also connects to the Kansas City Convention Center via skywalks, providing additional access options. Rideshare drop-off is available near the main entrance on West 13th Street.

What other cities are on the Buena Vista Social Club tour?

The national tour launched in September 2026 from Buffalo, New York. Confirmed stops include Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Cincinnati, with additional cities to be announced. Visit tour.buenavistamusical.com for the full tour schedule.