BUZZ Photos

Backstage at Buena Vista Social Club

Jul 10, 2026

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Buena Vista Social Club's bass player Gustavo "Chacho" Schartz and Da'von T. Moody (Young Compay) take in the World Cup on TV—while practicing, of course.

"We're listening to Harry Belafonte. You know, he actually played in this theater. But we switch it up," says Jesús Pupo of his and Rick Negron's pre-show playlist.

Jesús Pupo plays Young Rubén.

Rick Negron gets ready to embody Compay Segundo.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Rick Negron proudly displays a Puerto Rican flag in his dressing room.

Before I put my costume on, I hang on that tube there to stretch my back," says Mel Semé, immediately jumping up to demonstrate.

Puerto Rican singer and percussionist Jainardo Batista Sterling makes his Broadway debut as Rubén in Buena Vista Social Club.

Natalie Venetia Belcon earned a 2025 Tony Award for her role as Omara Portuondo.

Tony winner Marco Paguia is Buena Vista Social Club's music director, orchestrator and pianist.

Original cast member Isa Antonetti makes her Broadway debut in Buena Vista Social Club as Young Omara.

"It's Broadway! We have to keep things interesting, so we put some eyes on the lime," Isa Antonetti shares. "It's funny, because I don't interact with this bar at all, so to know that people are experiencing this is awesome."

Ensemble member Ilda Mason poses backstage.

Tresero Yuniel Jimenez and percussionist Mauricio Herrera are ready to bring the beat of Buena Vista Social Club.

Yuniel Jimenez gets a hand with his tres guitar strap before stepping on stage.

Chris Meyers, who plays Juan de Marcos, strides toward the stage.

Jainardo Batista Sterling heads down to the stage at the top of the show.

Young Ibrahim actor Wesley Wray flashes a dashing smile on his way to the stage.

“It’s eight shows per week and we perform a lot, with a lot of intensity,” says David Oquendo, Buena Vista Social Club’s associate music director and guitarist.

Jesús Pupo, Mel Semé and David Oquendo partake in an impromptu jam session behind the scenes. "This theater was built in 1917. It has excellent acoustics," Oquendo says.

Swing Jacob Guzman and ensemble member Malcolm Miles Young stretch backstage. The ballet bar was installed specifically for the Buena Vista Social Club company.

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