Buena Vista Social Club
Houston

The Story Behind the Music

In 1996, Cuban bandleader Juan de Marcos González, American producer and guitarist Ry Cooder, and British producer Nick Gold assembled a group of legendary Cuban musicians in Havana’s vintage EGREM recording studios. Many of these artists had been retired for years, their careers sidelined by decades of political and social upheaval after the Cuban revolution. In just seven days, they recorded the album Buena Vista Social Club—a collection of classic Cuban songs that became a global phenomenon, selling over eight million copies worldwide and winning a Grammy Award in 1997. The album’s success elevated artists like Ibrahim Ferrer, Rubén González, Compay Segundo, and Omara Portuondo to international superstar status. Director Wim Wenders captured their story in an Academy Award–nominated documentary. The Broadway musical brings this extraordinary story to the stage with a world-class Afro-Cuban band performing live alongside a sensational cast of actors and dancers from across the globe.

Awards and Critical Acclaim

Buena Vista Social Club arrived on Broadway as a critical and commercial sensation. The production received 10 Tony Award nominations in 2025—tied for the most of any show that season—and won five, including:

• Best Featured Actress in a Musical – Natalie Venetia Belcon (as Omara)
• Best Choreography – Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck
• Best Orchestrations – Marco Paguia
• Best Sound Design of a Musical – Jonathan Deans
• Special Tony Award – The Musicians Who Make Up the Band

The show also earned a 2026 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. On Broadway, the production has maintained an average capacity of nearly 97% at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, with a highest weekly gross exceeding $1.4 million. Follow the show on Instagram and at buenavistamusical.com.

About the Creative Team

Saheem Ali, a Tony-nominated director (previously for Fat Ham), developed and staged Buena Vista Social Club, first Off-Broadway at Atlantic Theater Company in 2023 and then on Broadway. Bookwriter Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award for The Royale) crafted the English-language narrative. Choreography comes from the husband-and-wife team of Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck—Peck is a three-time Tony winner whose credits include the Steven Spielberg West Side Story film and Broadway’s Illinoise. The production features scenic design by Arnulfo Maldonado, costume design by Dede Ayite, lighting by Tyler Micoleau, and sound by Jonathan Deans. Music direction, orchestrations, and arrangements are by Marco Paguia. Producers include Orin Wolf, Barbara Broccoli, John Leguizamo, LaChanze, and David Yazbek.

Quick Answers

• What: Buena Vista Social Club – National Tour
• When: November 17–22, 2026 (8 performances)
• Where: Sarofim Hall – Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
• 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 from 10 nominations (2025)

How to Get Buena Vista Social Club Houston Tickets

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Sarofim Hall – Hobby Center Venue Information

The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts houses Sarofim Hall, a 2,650-seat venue built specifically for touring Broadway and large-scale musical productions. Named for Houston philanthropist Fayez Sarofim, the hall features an orchestra pit accommodating 60 musicians—perfect for the live Afro-Cuban band that is central to Buena Vista Social Club. The Joe and Lee Jamail Celestial Dome Ceiling recreates a summer night sky with over 2,000 fiber optic stars, adding atmosphere before the curtain even rises. Guests can park in the adjacent Hobby Center Parking Garage, ride the METRORail to the Theater District station, or use the designated rideshare drop-off zones on Bagby Street. Arriving 45 minutes early is recommended.

The 2026–2027 Broadway Season at Sarofim Hall

Buena Vista Social Club is one of six Houston premieres in the Memorial Hermann Broadway at the Hobby Center 2026–2027 season. Other highlights include The Sound of Music, The Notebook, BOOP! The Musical, Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, Death Becomes Her, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Jersey Boys. Season subscriptions and optional add-ons (Beetlejuice, Wicked) are available at BroadwayAtTheHobbyCenter.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista Social Club in Houston

When does Buena Vista Social Club play in Houston?

Buena Vista Social Club plays at Sarofim Hall from November 17 through November 22, 2026. The Houston engagement features eight performances over six days, with evening shows Tuesday through Sunday and matinees on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Where is Buena Vista Social Club performing in Houston?

The show performs at Sarofim Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, located at 800 Bagby Street in Houston’s downtown Theater District. The 2,650-seat venue is Houston’s flagship home for touring Broadway productions.

How long is Buena Vista Social Club?

The running time is approximately two hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission. Arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain time to allow for parking and entry.

Is Buena Vista Social Club performed in English or Spanish?

The dialogue is in English, while the songs are performed in the original Spanish from the beloved Grammy-winning album. The musical is designed for everyone regardless of language background. The songs enrich the story with authentic Cuban rhythms, and audiences do not need to understand Spanish to follow the plot or enjoy the performance.

What is Buena Vista Social Club the musical about?

Set in Havana from the 1950s through the 1990s, the musical follows singer Omara Portuondo as she leaves the glitzy Tropicana nightclub to join the authentic sound of the Buena Vista Social Club. Decades later, after Cuba’s social clubs have closed, the musicians are brought back together to record the songs they left behind—creating the landmark 1997 album that became a global phenomenon.

How many Tony Awards did Buena Vista Social Club win?

Buena Vista Social Club won five Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Natalie Venetia Belcon, Best Choreography for Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck, Best Orchestrations for Marco Paguia, Best Sound Design for Jonathan Deans, and a Special Tony Award for the onstage musicians. The show was nominated for 10 Tonys total.

Is there a live band in Buena Vista Social Club?

Yes, live music is the heart of this production. A world-class Afro-Cuban band performs on stage alongside the cast, playing authentic Cuban instruments and musical styles including son, bolero, and danzón. The band received a historic Special Tony Award—the first of its kind—in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to the show.

Is Buena Vista Social Club appropriate for children?

The show is recommended for ages eight and up. Children under four are not permitted in the theater. The production contains themes of political upheaval and personal loss set within a celebratory framework of music and dance, making it an enriching experience for older children and teenagers.

What is the connection between the musical and the original album?

The musical is inspired by the real events behind the Grammy-winning 1997 Buena Vista Social Club album, which was recorded in just seven days in Havana’s EGREM studios. The album brought together legendary Cuban musicians who had been largely forgotten, and it went on to sell over eight million copies worldwide. The show dramatizes the lives and reunions of these artists through their own music.

How can I find the best price for Buena Vista Social Club Houston tickets?

BigStub offers competitive, all-in pricing from verified sellers with no hidden fees. Browse the listings above to compare prices across all eight Houston performances. Weeknight evening shows and early matinees sometimes offer the most favorable pricing. All purchases include buyer protection.

Are there matinee performances available?

Yes. Buena Vista Social Club offers two matinee performances in Houston: Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 PM and Sunday, November 22 at 1:30 PM. Matinees are a popular choice for families and theatergoers who prefer afternoon shows.

Is BigStub affiliated with the Buena Vista Social Club production?

No. BigStub is an independent resale marketplace, not the official box office. We connect fans with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive prices. All transactions are processed securely with buyer protection. Ticket prices are set by third-party sellers and may be above or below face value.

What is the seating layout at Sarofim Hall?

Sarofim Hall offers 2,650 seats across Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels. The venue was built specifically for touring Broadway productions and provides excellent sightlines and acoustics from virtually every seat. The hall is known for its stunning Joe and Lee Jamail Celestial Dome Ceiling featuring over 2,000 fiber optic stars.

Where can I park for shows at the Hobby Center?

The Hobby Center Parking Garage is adjacent to the venue. Pre-paid parking may be available for select shows. Houston METRORail serves the area via the Theater District station, and rideshare drop-off zones are located on Bagby Street near the main entrance.

Where else is Buena Vista Social Club touring?

The North American tour launched in September 2026 from Buffalo, New York. Additional confirmed stops include Atlanta, Dallas, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, and Cincinnati, among other cities. Visit the official tour page at tour.buenavistamusical.com for the complete and up-to-date schedule.