Buena Vista Social Club

Interviews with the cast

Natalie Venetia Belcon (Omara)

Belcon brings the legendary Omara Portuondo to life in Buena Vista Social Club. A Lucille Lortel Award winner and Drama Desk nominee, she’s known for originating the role of Gary Coleman in Avenue Q, as well as her work in Matilda and Rent.

Julio Monge (Compay)

Monge takes on the role of Compay in Buena Vista Social Club. A seasoned performer and director, he has graced Broadway in On Your Feet, Fosse, The Capeman, and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. He also served as an artistic consultant for West Side Story (2021).

Mel Semé (Ibrahim)

Semé brings his soulful artistry to the role of Ibrahim. Born in Camagüey, Cuba, he studied at the University of Arts in Havana and is now a renowned multi-instrumentalist blending Cuban rhythms with pop, folk, and jazz influences.

Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén)

Sterling embodies Rubén in Buena Vista Social Club. A Puerto Rican singer and percussionist with deep roots in jazz and Latin music, he has toured internationally as a Jazz Ambassador with Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Isa Antonetti (Young Omara)

Antonetti makes her Broadway debut as Young Omara in Buena Vista Social Club. A Carnegie Mellon BFA student, she has performed in Evita (NYCC) and Macbeth (CMU). She grew up singing with her father’s Latin band, making this role deeply personal.

Da’von T. Moody (Young Compay)

Moody makes his Broadway debut as Young Compay in Buena Vista Social Club. His credits include MJ the Musical (National Tour), Man of No Importance (Off-Broadway), and The Outsiders (La Jolla Playhouse).

Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim)

Wray is making his Broadway debut as Young Ibrahim in Buena Vista Social Club! Originally from Miami, FL, he is currently a junior studying Musical Theatre at the University of Michigan.

Leonardo Reyna (Young Rubén)

Leonardo Reyna brings his musical legacy to Young Rubén in Buena Vista Social Club. Born in Havana, he is an award-winning pianist and composer whose family has shaped Cuban music for generations.

Ashley De La Rosa (Young Haydee)

Rosa plays Young Haydee in Buena Vista Social Club! She has appeared on Broadway in Mean Girls and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, as well as in Hamilton and RENT (National Tours).

Justin Cunningham (Juan de Marcos)

Cunningham stars as Juan de Marcos in Buena Vista Social Club. Known for his work in theater and television, he brings depth and passion to this iconic role.