Buena Vista Social Club
Dallas

The Phenomenon Behind the Musical

The Buena Vista Social Club story begins in Havana in the 1990s when American guitarist Ry Cooder traveled to Cuba and discovered a community of legendary musicians—many in their seventies, eighties, and even nineties—who had been largely forgotten by the world. The resulting 1997 album became a global phenomenon, winning the Grammy Award for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album and selling millions of copies worldwide.

Director Wim Wenders followed with an Academy Award-nominated documentary that introduced the world to Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, Rubén González, and Omara Portuondo. Suddenly, these elderly musicians found themselves performing at Carnegie Hall and concert stages around the globe—a remarkable renaissance that the musical captures with both historical reverence and theatrical joy.

Dallas Performance Schedule

The Dallas engagement offers 16 performances across two weeks, providing flexibility for every schedule:

• Week One (Nov 3-8): Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday matinees and evening shows
• Week Two (Nov 10-15): Tuesday through Friday evenings at 7:30 PM, plus Saturday and Sunday matinees and evening shows
• Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission

What to Expect at the Show

• Live Music: A Special Tony Award-winning Afro-Cuban band performs authentic Cuban music live onstage throughout the entire performance
• Stunning Choreography: Tony Award-winning dance numbers blend traditional Cuban styles with contemporary Broadway spectacle
• Bilingual Performance: Dialogue is in English, songs are performed in the original Spanish—no translation needed to feel the music
• Immersive Design: Tony-nominated scenic design, costumes, and lighting transport you from the Tropicana to the authentic clubs of Old Havana
• Emotional Story: A tale of big dreams, second chances, survival, and the extraordinary power of music

Music Hall at Fair Park: A Historic Venue

The Music Hall at Fair Park has been home to Broadway Dallas since 1941, presenting the best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. The 3,420-seat venue features stunning Spanish Baroque architecture with Moorish influences, including six stair towers topped with cast domes. Located within Fair Park—itself a National Historic Landmark—the Music Hall offers a grand setting worthy of this celebration of cultural heritage.

The venue is located at 909 1st Avenue in Dallas, within the Fair Park complex. Ample parking is available, and the venue is easily accessible from downtown Dallas and surrounding areas.

How to Get Buena Vista Social Club Dallas Tickets

1. Choose Your Performance: With 16 shows over two weeks, find the date and time that works best for your schedule.
2. Select Your Seats: The Music Hall offers Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony seating at various price points.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista Social Club in Dallas

What is the Buena Vista Social Club musical?

Buena Vista Social Club is a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical inspired by true events during Cuba's Golden Age of music. It tells the story of singer Omara Portuondo and the legendary musicians who recorded the Grammy Award-winning 1997 album. The production features a live Afro-Cuban band, stunning choreography, and an emotional story about music, friendship, and second chances.

When is Buena Vista Social Club in Dallas?

Buena Vista Social Club plays at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas from November 3 through November 15, 2026. The extended two-week engagement includes 16 performances with various evening and matinee options.

How long is Buena Vista Social Club?

The running time is approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes, including one intermission.

Is the show in English or Spanish?

The dialogue is in English, while the songs are performed in Spanish—the original language of the beloved album. The music's emotion transcends language, and no translation is needed to fully enjoy the experience.

How many Tony Awards did Buena Vista Social Club win?

The production received 10 Tony Award nominations in 2025, winning multiple awards including Best Musical. The show's band also received a Special Tony Award honoring the musicians who perform live onstage.

Is there a live band in Buena Vista Social Club?

Yes! A highlight of the production is the live Afro-Cuban band that performs authentic Cuban music onstage throughout the show. The Special Tony Award-winning ensemble includes piano, guitar, tres, bass, woodwinds, trombone, trumpet, and percussion.

What ages can attend Buena Vista Social Club?

The show is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre. The content is family-friendly, celebrating music, culture, and human connection.

Where is the Music Hall at Fair Park?

The Music Hall at Fair Park is located at 909 1st Avenue, Dallas, TX 75210, within the Fair Park complex. The venue offers parking and is accessible from major highways including I-30 and I-45.

Is Buena Vista Social Club part of the Broadway Dallas season?

Yes, Buena Vista Social Club is part of Broadway Dallas' 2026-2027 season subscription series. Season subscribers receive priority access and benefits, though individual tickets are also available.

What is the Buena Vista Social Club album?

The Buena Vista Social Club album is a Grammy Award-winning 1997 recording produced by Ry Cooder featuring legendary Cuban musicians. It became a global phenomenon, introducing artists like Ibrahim Ferrer, Compay Segundo, and Omara Portuondo to international audiences. An Oscar-nominated documentary followed in 1999.

Are there matinee performances in Dallas?

Yes, the Dallas engagement includes multiple matinee performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM. These afternoon shows are perfect for families or those who prefer daytime theater.

Who is in the touring cast of Buena Vista Social Club?

Casting for the North American tour will be announced closer to the tour dates. The Broadway production featured Tony nominee Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara, Julio Monge as Compay, and Mel Semé as Ibrahim, with a world-class ensemble of actors, musicians, and dancers from across the globe.