Original Broadway Cast, 2025 (World Circuit Records) (3 / 5) This cast album is full of Cuban music, a genre that has rarely if ever been showcased on Broadway. The title of the show, Buena Vista Social Club, references the Cuban artists who came together to revitalize this music in the 1990s, as well as the group’s 1997 studio album and the 1999 documentary exploring the creation of that album. The Broadway recording offer listeners a delicious helping of the rhythms and melodies that define the styles son cubano, bolero, and cha-cha-chá; the orchestrations are fiery, with powerful drums and manic strings. While English-speaking listeners won’t understand all of the Spanish lyrics, the sheer emotional power and infectious energy of the music transcend any language barrier. The show’s book, written by Marco Ramirez, revolves around the creation of the studio album, and a drawback of this recording is the lack of dialogue or plot included, making it difficult for listeners to understand the story. Still, the excellent cast members embody the legendary figures they portray with remarkable authenticity: Mel Semé plays Ibrahim Ferrer with a poignant blend of melancholy and hope, while Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara Portuondo infuses her tracks with captivating warmth and her signature sass in a performance that was honored with a Tony Award. In addition to winning a Tony for Best Orchestrations, the musicians who make up the show’s band also received a special award for their dazzling talents as performers. All of them, and particularly Jainardo Batista Sterling as the elder Rubén González, display great virtuosity, ensuring that the distinct personalities and musical prowess of these Cuban icons shine through. — Forrest Hutchinson