Add The New York Post on Google In late 1896, Cap Anson starred in the comedic Broadway show “A Runaway Colt.”
Following the famous Cub’s 24 performances — which weren’t particularly well-reviewed — the show closed and no Major League Baseball player had appeared on Broadway since.
Almost exactly 130 years later, former New York Met and “OMG” singer Jose Iglesias joined the cast of Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical “Buena Vista Social Club” based on Wim Wenders’ seminal 1999 documentary.
Iglesias, 36, plays the “narrator” in the multi-generational story of the real-life Buena Vista Social Club band members Omara Portuondo, Ibrahim Ferrer, Company Segundo and Rubén González who performed together as youngsters during the Cuban Revolution in the 1958 before reuniting to record an album in 1996.
And, while, Iglesias’ part is small, he slides into the ensemble with ease, like a great pinch hitter.
After entering early in the first act decked out in a Panama hat and classic guayabera/Cuban resort shirt, the magnetic “Candelita” lands jokes and delivers exposition with pitch-perfect precision. Not a stutter or false note; the man is all swagger, bravado and effortless cool.
When Iglesias isn’t the center of attention, the Havana native blends into the background and dances to the infectious danzón music along with his fellow cast members while wearing an expression that says “I can’t believe I’m here.”
He doesn’t take the newfound spotlight lightly either.
“We have a big responsibility on our shoulders. We’re representing Cuban music in the biggest stage there is, Broadway,” the career .279 hitter told Mets sideline reporter Steve Gelbs at a recent game at Citi Field.
“For me, it’s such an honor to be back in New York and also to represent ‘Buena Vista Social Club.’ I’m from Cuba, representing Cuba, representing Latin America, representing all the immigrants up there, it’s a privilege to be here.”
Want to catch the journeyman who has played for the Red Sox, Tigers, Reds, Orioles, Angels, Red Sox again, Rockies, Mets and Padres at his new home onstage at the ethereal Schoenfeld Theater on the Great White Way?
We’ve got everything you need to know about how to see Jose Iglesias in the boisterous “Buena Vista Social Club” from now until Oct. 4, 2026 below.
A complete “Buena Vista Social Club” calendar including all remaining show dates, start times and links to buy tickets can be found here:
Outside of Jose Iglesias’ small but mighty role in “BVSC,” the musical is a powerhouse.
Before the show gets underway at the stately Schoenfeld Theater, a piano, bongos and a drum kit sit onstage in front of a warmly-lit Cuban courtyard with faded walls that smack of a June summer night. There’s a tropical energy in the air. It feels like you’ve stepped into a villa.
In the off-chance you need a moment to yourself before the show, go downstairs and you’ll find spotless restrooms next to a merch booth and bar serving cocktails, soda and wine.
Hurry up, though. The show is starting again soon and you won’t want to miss a minute.
Prior to “BSVC” officially kicking off, session musicians enter before the cast. The players aren’t just standing around either; no, they’re having a gas playing licks of “Dos Gardenias” while trading knowing laughs.
Within minutes, “Buena Vista” finally arrives.
The cast crowds the stage to dance, sing and play but the setting never feels busy. Director Saheem Ali makes every fluid movement wholly intentional while writer Marco Ramirez’s snappy dialogue soars to the cheap seats.
Once the jaunty opening number concludes, an easy rapport develops between the standoffish, closed-off elder 1996 Omara (Tony winner Natalie Venetia Belcon, who originated the role off-Broadway and made me tear up the way she reverentially addressed a band member of hers for the first time in 40 years) and hammy Rubén (Leonardo Reyna, also originated his role) who are brought together by plucky producer Juan de Marcos González (Justin Cunningham).
Soon after, “Buena Vista” whisks us to the past and introduces us to their younger counterparts in war-torn 1958 Cuba. We learn about their complicated yet exciting history during a difficult time in the country’s history where they meet, play The Tropicana, recruit the gifted busboy Ibrahim (the younger version, Wesley Wray, steals the show) and ultimately lose touch.
Punchy banter, panache and attitude (as well as powerful lines like “I listened to you my whole life, thank you for listening to me” that stick to your bones) keep this thing pulsing but, make no mistake, the music is the real star here.
“Buena Vista Social Club” is almost more like a crowd-pleasing concert than it is a musical. The band delivers nonstop dynamic Son Cubano bops and, to steal a line from the show, “blow the roof off the place.”
On a technical level, “BVSC” makes the most of the Schoenfeld Theater, moving an onstage platform back and forth with grace while filling out scenes with painterly lighting. Bold colors pop every which way you look and add to the production’s celebratory energy.
Final Verdict: My only complaint? We can’t get up and dance. “Buena Vista Social Club” is a joy re-telling of a tough time in history that still has modern relevance for the Cuban diaspora and must be witnessed live.
Bonus Note: Renesito Avich takes the reins to get the second half of the show going and gives the show its most indelible moment with an inspired acoustic guitar performance that’s half silly Chaplin slapstick, half jaw-dropping Clapton virtuosity. It’s a sight to behold and a snippet can be seen here.
If you’d like to match names to faces, here’s who’s who of just a few players in the current cast of “Buena Vista Social Club.”
Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara) won the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical got “BVSC.” Other notable Broadway roles include “Matilda” (Mrs. Phelps), “Avenue Q” (original cast as Gary Coleman) and “Rent” (Joanne).
Isa Antonetti (Young Omara) is making her Broadway Debut in “Buena Vista Social Club.” She is a Latinx, Indigenous, Mixed Race LGBTQIA+ actress and singer from the Greater Rochester, New York area and currently completing her BFA in Musical Theatre at Carnegie Mellon University.
Rick Negron (Compay) was born and raised in Puerto Rico. He’s also appeared in “In The Heights” (Kevin Rosario), “Goodbye Girl,” “Legs Diamond,” “Drood” and “Leader Of The Pack” on Broadway.
Da’von T. Moody (Young Company) also makes his Broadway Debut with “BVSC” but has had the pleasure of taking part in many other projects including the National Tour for “MJ the Musical” (Alejandro).
Jose Iglesias (The Narrator) joined the Mets in 2024, which was one of the most magical seasons in the team’s 60+-year history as they went on a tear fueled in party by Iglesias’ play on the field and his irresistible earworm “OMG” that ended up debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart.
Bios come with infomation from “Buena Vista Social Club’s” website.
Need even more fun-loving, nonstop dance party musicals in your life?
Here are just five other shows with somewhat similar sensibilities to “Buena Vista Social Club” that you won’t want to miss on Broadway these next few months.
Curious what else is out there? Take a look at our list of all the 2026 Tony-nominated shows to find the one that makes the most sense for you.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
