Tours To You

Cast and Band Announced for ‘Buena Vista Social Club’ North American Tour

Matthew Herzog

The producers of BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB™ are thrilled to announce the full company for the upcoming North American Tour.

Bringing the iconic rhythms and soul of Cuba to life across the continent, the production features Karmine Alers (Omara), Frank Rodríguez (Compay), Mauro Castillo (Ibrahim), Robert M. Jiménez (Rubén), Isabel Gonzalez (Young Omara), Aidan Olmo (Young Compay), Jaleel Battles, Jr. (Young Ibrahim), Irving Aday O’Connor (Young Rubén), San Miguel Pérez (Eliades), Liana Morales (Young Haydee), Holiday (Juan de Marcos), and Erica Simone Barnett, Kwabena Bawuah, Armando Brydson, Jazlyn Carreras, Jhon Destrade, Adrían Guardián, Destinee Jimenez, Alex Llorca, Gabby Rembert, Ralphie Rivera de Jesús, Orgena Rose and Josh Tower.

The world-class Buena Vista Social Club™ band features Nicolas Perez (Music Director, Piano), Abraham Dorta (Guitar), Jorge Bringas (Bass), Ray Contreras (Percussion), Keisel Jiménez Leyva (Percussion), Caleb Michel (Percussion), Ivan Llanes Montejo (Percussion), Roisel Suárez (Trumpet), Ben Romanow (Trombone), Joaquín Sosa (Woodwinds) and Marcos A. Torres III (Musician Swing).

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.

“Every night on Broadway, we watch Buena Vista Social Club™ bring audiences together in the most profound way. The music is thrilling and its impact on people from all walks of life is undeniable,” says producer Orin Wolf. “We’ve assembled a world-class company of actors and musicians whose talent, passion, and infectious energy will make the tour a singular experience. I can’t wait for audiences all over the country to fall in love with it.”

“The Broadway company has set a remarkable standard with its artistry and integrity in honoring the musicians whose legacy inspired this story,” says director Saheem Ali. “I’m excited for this fantastic company to tour the country with our beautiful show, inviting new audiences to discover the humanity, resilience and enduring power of this beloved music.”

Biographies

KARMINE ALERS (Omara) is deeply grateful to join the national tour of Buena Vista Social Club. Broadway credits include Rent, On Your Feet!, and Beetlejuice. Regional highlights include Aida, In the Heights, and Smokey Joe’s Café. This show is dedicated to her parents, Ma and Nene, who filled her childhood with this music; her spirited sister Yassmin, who has cheered her on every step of the way; and her beloved late sister Jo-Ann, who was a force. Seguirás en mis recuerdos para siempre. This one is for us! #Trinity

FRANK RODRÍGUEZ (Compay) is a New York-based actor who’s beyond thrilled to be part of this amazing show! He most recently played the role of Josemaría in the world premiere of The National Pastime at Syracuse Stage. Some of his latest film credits include First Reformed, Sugar Plum Twist, Fugly, and Baby Mama, while some of his latest TV credits include Dexter: Resurrection, Blue Bloods, FBI: Most Wanted, The Equalizer, Manifest, and Madam Secretary, among others. He would love to thank his amazing wife, Wanda, for all of her invaluable support.

MAURO CASTILLO (Ibrahim) is an acclaimed Colombian artist globally recognized as the voice of Uncle Félix in Disney’s Encanto, performing on the chart-topping hit “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” A proud former Grupo Niche member, Mauro has graced massive world stages from the Academy Awards to the White House. Screen credits include Joe La Leyenda and Amazon’s upcoming series The Greatest. Castillo is represented by Impact Artists Group and Skrzyniarz & Mallean.

ROBERT M. JIMÉNEZ (Rubén, u/s Compay, u/s Ibrahim). Berkeley Rep: All My Sons. Public Theater: Much Ado About Nothing (5-Borough Tour). Broadway: Originated Martínez in Richard Greenberg’s Tony-winning Take Me Out (Donmar Warehouse to Walter Kerr). Off-Broadway/Regional: The Block (Urban Stages), Field Trip (Cherry Lane). Film/TV: Gowanus, The Blacklist, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Voiceover: Nat Geo/Discovery, Modelo, Dora the Explorer, Red Dead Redemption. Dedicated to Marcelo, Caridad, Jack, Jimmy, Gracie, and Anya.

ISABEL GONZALEZ (Young Omara) is an NYC-born Dominican-American actress and singer. TV credits include New Amsterdam and Law & Order: SVU. She was a member of Nickelodeon’s group Good Newz Girls and recently starred in the world premiere of Basura at The Alliance Theater. She is deeply honored to share this beautiful, vibrant Latin story. To all my people: thank you; te amo! @theisagonzalez

AIDAN OLMO (Young Compay, u/s Juan de Marcos) is so incredibly thrilled to be making his official national tour debut in Buena Vista Social Club! He currently studies musical theater at the Manhattan School of Music. Representative stage credits include Legally Blonde (Warner Huntington III), Anastasia, Pippin (Pippin), and Into the Woods. He sends endless love and deepest thanks to his incredibly supportive family, teachers, and friends! @aidanolmo

JALEEL BATTLES, JR. (Young Ibrahim) is thrilled to reprise the role of Young Ibrahim after appearing in the Broadway production of Buena Vista Social Club. Other notable credits include Hits! The Musical National Tour as a Lead Vocalist and Hairspray (Royal Caribbean). Thank you to David, Ally, TRC, and the creatives. All because of you Mama, and all for you Mema. @iamjaleelbattles

IRVING ADAY O’CONNOR (Young Rubén) is a Cuban pianist, composer, and music producer based in North Carolina. A graduate of Havana’s premier conservatories and a JoJazz International Competition winner, he has released two albums honoring the Cuban rumba tradition featuring saxophone, as well as his latest Afro-Cuban jazz album, Cuban Joy. He performs throughout the United States and internationally.

SAN MIGUEL PÉREZ (Eliades) is a leading virtuoso Cuban tres player, composer, actor, and producer based in Los Angeles. A Latin Grammy-nominated artist and two-time Cubadisco Award winner, he has collaborated with Colin Hay (Men At Work), Cecilia Noël, Andy García, Michael Bublé, and Arturo Sandoval. He is incredibly honored to bring the rich traditions of vibrant Cuban music to the Broadway stage.

LIANA MORALES (Young Haydee, u/s Young Omara) is extremely honored and humbled to make her national tour debut! A proud Afro-Dominican from Harlem, NY, she is a recent UNCSA School of Drama BFA graduate. Credits: John Proctor is the Villain (Shelby) and The Wild Party (Kate). Endless love and gratitude to her amazing family, friends, and team for their unwavering support! Above all, thank you, Jesus! @the.real.liana

HOLIDAY (Juan de Marcos) is absolutely ecstatic to be making his official Broadway national tour debut. Notable stage and screen credits include New York Theatre Workshop’s recent production of Tartuffe, Soho Rep’s The Great Privation (Cuffee/Janitor), the short film ADHD, and NBC’s The Rise and Fall of Reggie Dinkins. He proudly holds an MFA from the Yale School of Drama.

ERICA SIMONE BARNETT (Swing, u/s Young Omara, u/s Young Haydee). Matilda (OBC), Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Kayla), Mean Girls (First National Tour), A Sign of the Times (Off-Broadway), Evita (A.R.T./STC). TV: Broad City, Sesame Street, SNL. Proud NYC native! Much love to Team CLA, the Barnetts, and Leo. @ericasimonebarnett

KWABENA BAWUAH (u/s Young Compay, u/s Young Ibrahim, u/s Young Rubén, u/s Juan de Marcos), a native of Nashville, Tennessee, is thrilled to make his National Tour debut. A recent AMDA graduate, he’s performed at Broadway in Bryant Park and thanks his family and close friends for their unwavering support.

ARMANDO BRYDSON (Ensemble, u/s Young Compay, u/s Young Ibrahim). Broadway debut! Camagüey, Cuba native and Cuban Ballet School graduate. Credits include Malpaso Dance Company, Lizt Alfonso Dance Cuba, and NW Dance Project. Honored to represent Cuban culture and artistry! @aagb_mandy

JAZLYN CARRERAS (Ensemble, u/s Young Haydee). Bronx native thrilled to join Buena Vista Social Club! Proudly signed with MSA Agency. She has trained and performed in dance her entire life and is a proud graduate of Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts (BFA Dance).

JHON DESTRADE (Ensemble). Escuela Nacional de Danza graduate. Jhon was a principal dancer with Cuba’s legendary Tropicana Cabaret and the prestigious Danza Contemporánea de Cuba. Currently a Tampa City Ballet principal, he is proud and incredibly thrilled to join Buena Vista Social Club!

ADRIÁN GUARDIÁN (u/s Young Rubén) is a Venezuelan pianist, songwriter, Berklee College graduate, and Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation alum fusing jazz and folk traditions. Collaborations include Sebastián Yatra, Eddy Marcano, and Huáscar Barradas. He is so deeply honored to join Buena Vista Social Club! adrianguardian.com

DESTINEE JIMENEZ (she/her) (Ensemble, Assistant Dance Captain). Miami-born Juilliard graduate (BFA Dance) and proud recipient of the 2025 Martha Hill Award. Performance credits include Gibney Company (Bliss), S-E-D Company (R.O.S.E.), and Future Forms. She has also performed acclaimed masterworks by choreography icons Kyle Abraham and Johannes Wieland.

ALEX LLORCA (Ensemble). Originally from Barcelona, Spain. Honored to join the Buena Vista Social Club familia and spread joy across the U.S. Regional credits: West Side Story (Bernardo), On Your Feet! (Kenny), White Christmas (Paper Mill), Newsies (VTF), and Footloose (NCL). Endless love to my family and friends. Abuelo, esto es para ti. @alex.llorca

GABBY REMBERT (Ensemble) is a New Jersey native making her national tour debut! Credits: Radio City Rockettes ensemble (two seasons), Doja Cat (VMAs), and James Corden (Tony Awards). Pace University BFA graduate. Boundless love and gratitude to her family, friends, and team Bloc!

RALPHIE RIVERA de JESÚS (Swing, Dance Captain). Buena Vista Social Club Broadway (Swing); On Your Feet! National Tour (Ensemble/Dance Captain); In the Heights at The Muny, Broadway Sacramento, and Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (Graffiti Pete); On Your Feet! at North Shore Music Theatre (Kiki/Dance Captain); Momia en el clóset and Aguardiente (Ensemble) at GALA Hispanic Theatre. @ralphie.rrj

ORGENA ROSE (u/s Omara) is an award-winning international vocalist, composer, and producer. Broadway/Tours: Ragtime (Original Broadway Cast and Reunion Concert), Jelly’s Last Jam (First National Tour), and Disney Tour. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage ahead of Sir Elton John. TV credits include the Patti LaBelle PBS Special, The Today Show, Tony Awards, Oprah, and BBC.

JOSH TOWER (u/s Compay, u/s Ibrahim, u/s Rubén). Honored to join this stunning production. Favorite credits: Aaron Burr in Hamilton (National Tour), Simba in The Lion King (Broadway), Berry Gordy in Motown (Broadway), and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. Proud US Army Veteran. Special thanks to KLM.

Buena Vista Social Club™ won 5 Tony Awards® including Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical (Natalie Venetia Belcon), Best Sound Design of a Musical (Jonathan Deans), Best Choreography (Patricia Delgado & Justin Peck), and Best Orchestrations (Marco Paguia). A Special Tony Award® was awarded to the musicians who make up the band of Buena Vista Social Club, and the Original Broadway Cast Recording received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

With a book by Tony® Nominee Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award, The Royale), Tony®-nominated director Saheem Ali (Fat Ham) leads an ensemble of visionary performing artists, including a band of renowned musicians from across the globe to tell the legendary story of the artists who recorded the original album. Buena Vista Social Club™ features the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age, choreography by Tony Award® winners Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck (Illinoise, Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story).  

On Broadway, the band of Buena Vista Social Club™ features creative consultation by David Yazbek, music supervision by Dean Sharenow, orchestrations and arrangements and music direction by Tony Award® winner Marco Paguia, additional arrangements by Javier Diaz and David Oquendo, music consultation by Juan de Marcos.

Buena Vista Social Club™ features scenery by Tony® nominee Arnulfo Maldonado, costumes by Tony® nominee Dede Ayite, lighting by Tony® nominee Tyler Micoleau, sound by Tony Award® winner Jonathan Deans, wigs, hair & make-up by J. Jared Janas, and casting by The TRC Company.

The North American Tour of Buena Vista Social Club™ is produced by Orin Wolf, John Styles, Barbara Broccoli, Atlantic Theater Company, Luis Miranda, LaChanze, John Leguizamo and NETworks Presentations with Executive Producer Hannah Rosenthal.

Buena Vista Social Club™ and World Circuit Records released the show’s Grammy® Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording, produced by Dean Sharenow and David Yazbek. The album is co-produced by Marco Paguia and Orin Wolf, and Executive Produced by Allan Williams.

Buena Vista Social Club™ made its world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company, New York City in December 2023 and was nominated for Best Musical by the Drama League and Outer Critics Circle organizations.

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