Mexican Actor Jaime Camil to Play Nestor in The Mambo Kings on B'way

Mexican actor Jaime Camil will play Nestor Castillo, the role made famous by Antonio Banderas in the film version of The Mambo Kings, in the Broadway musical of the same name, according to a representative for the actor.

Camil earned acclaim for his performance as Bernardo in a 2004 Mexican mounting of West Side Story. His small screen credits include the series Mujer de Madera, Diseñador Ambos Sexos and Mi Destino Eres Tu. He has also appeared in the films Delfines, Puños Rosas, Zapata, Siete Dias and 7 días. A platinum recording artist, his solo albums include Una Vez Mas and Para Estar Contigo.

The story of The Mambo Kings is based on Oscar Hijuelos' novel, The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love, which was made into a 1992 film featuring Armand Assante, Banderas and Cathy Moriarty. Set in 1949, the plot centers on the Castillo brothers, who work by day and by night become stars of the dance halls, where their orchestra plays the pulsing music that earns them the title of the Mambo Kings.

The stage version features lyrics and direction by Arne Glimcher who produced, directed and wrote lyrics for The Mambo Kings film and a book by Glimcher and Hijuelos. Music is by Carlos Franzetti, who worked with Glimcher on the film. Sergio Trujillo Peggy Sue Got Married provides the choreography. While he has yet to appear on any official material about the show, Mark Waldrop When Pigs Fly, Pete ‘n' Keely will serve as the associate director of the musical.

The Mambo Kings will try out at San Francisco's Golden Gate Theatre from May 24 through June 19. It is then scheduled to begin performances at the Broadway Theatre on July 18 in preparation for an August 18 opening.

A production spokesperson could not confirm the casting of Camil.