Two Latin Musicals Shine Ahead of Tony Awards

NEW YORK, NY — Two Latin-themed musicals have debuted on Broadway within five weeks of each other, both garnering attention ahead of the Tony Awards on June 8. Buena Vista Social Club leads with 10 nominations, while Real Women Have Curves: The Musical has received two nods.

Buena Vista Social Club tells the story of Cuban artists who shared their Grammy-winning album with the world in 1997. It is nominated for several categories, including best musical and best performance by an actress for Natalie Venetia Belcon. Additionally, the musicians in the show will receive a special Tony Award for their contributions.

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical, based on Josefina López’s original play and HBO‘s film, focuses on 18-year-old Ana García, who navigates her dreams of college against her mother’s expectations for marriage and running the family textile factory. It is nominated for best original score by the pop duo Cazwell and Benjamin Velez, and Justina Machado is nominated for her performance.

Another Latin-themed show is in development called BASURA, created by Cuban-American superstar Gloria Estefan and her daughter. This musical, inspired by the true story of Paraguay’s Recycled Orchestra, will showcase young artists transforming junk into music.

Broadway has a rich history of Latin music and artists, featuring classics like West Side Story and Evita, alongside modern hits like In the Heights. However, shows like The Capeman and Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown faced challenges despite their Latin themes.

Notably, shows not centered on Latin themes have also included Latin stars. Lin-Manuel Miranda, Anthony Ramos, and Javier Muñoz have all made impacts in Hamilton, while Bianca Marroquín has alternated roles in Chicago since 2006. Sofía Vergara made guest appearances, highlighting the ongoing contribution of Latin talent to Broadway.

With the 78th Tony Awards approaching, a list of notable Latin-themed musicals will be shared, celebrating their impact on the theater community.