ARTS & CULTURE
By Isaiah Bliss | Photos by Matthew Murphy
Music That Needs No Translation: Step into Havana’s Beating Heart
Hailed as a “jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must-see,” by The Washington Post, the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning Buena Vista Social Club is a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana. A world-class company brings the story of the iconic album to life in this tale of big dreams, second chances and music that needs no translation. Don’t miss this show when it takes center stage at Walton Arts Center for eight performances Dec. 15-20.
It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba — until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past.
“Entering Buena Vista Social Club is like stepping into a heady world of the senses, of heightened emotions, and of passionate music and dance,” Variety said. With a book entirely in English and a score entirely in Spanish, the show has redefined what a hit Broadway musical looks like: It’s the first that is truly in two languages.
Inspired by true events, the story focuses on the creation of the now famous Buena Vista Social Club album in the 1990s, with flashbacks to the 1950s giving background stories to the musicians and vocalists living in Cuba during this turbulent time. It is a wonderful blend of music, history and culture that explodes on the stage in this production.
Show writer Marco Ramirez was inspired by the facts of Portuondo’s story as well as the authentic sounds of Cuban music. He is the child and grandchild of Cuban immigrants and remembers when his father would play the Buena Vista Social Club album on his boombox. He told Broadway News it was the fastest he’d ever said “yes” to a gig.
The Grammy-winning cast recording and the iconic Wim Wenders documentary are both part of the show’s cultural legacy. But what makes the musical more breathtaking is the heart and soul delivered by every musician and performer. Joined by an Afro-Cuban live band onstage, this show truly brings a piece of Havana to the theater and focuses on the beauty and artistry of the music, which transcends language and cultural barriers.
Start the good vibes pre-show at a hands-on, interactive cocktail class. Learn how to make two specialty cocktails from mixologists while enjoying light snacks before the show. This year, Walton Arts Center has partnered with Pink House Alchemy to create delicious recipes using its syrups and bitters. Additionally, participants who bring in the recipe cards used in class will get 10% off the cocktail ingredients at Liquor World. Cocktail classes for this show are Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 and 19 at 6 p.m.
Show Dates and Times:
Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16, 7 p.m.
Dec. 17, 1:30 and 7 p.m.
Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 20, 2 p.m.
Give the Gift of Music This Holiday Season
With the holidays around the corner, there is no better gift than creating a new memory with family or friends at the theater. From The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical, a brand-new musical that includes all your favorite holiday movie tropes, to a reimagined classic with Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol or a cirque-styled holiday special with Cirque Dreams Holidaze, a trip to Walton Arts Center with loved ones is the perfect way to make your days merry and bright.
