Broadway is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and histories, weaving together stories from across the globe to create a melting pot of musical wonder. It's a place where diverse narratives come to life, offering audiences a unique glimpse into the stories and rhythms from around the world.
Enter Buena Vista Social Club. The five-time Tony Award honoree transports audiences to the pulsating streets of Havana, where music is not just entertainment—it’s the soul of the story. With its blazing trumpets, sizzling guitars, and rhythms steeped in Afro-Cuban tradition, the show is a vibrant addition to the Broadway Collection’s curated lineup—specially selected for visitors seeking an authentic and thrilling cultural experience.
Inspired by true events, Buena Vista Social Club tells the tale of four talented musicians whose paths intertwine amidst the Cuban Revolution, ultimately leading to their legendary 1997 album collaboration that celebrates resilience and the soul-stirring power of music.
The Broadway Collection recently caught up with Wesley Wray, who plays Young Ibrahim Ferrer—a charismatic Cuban singer moonlighting as a bartender at the club. In the video, Wray shares the joy of his Broadway debut, the challenge of portraying a real-life legend, and a running practical joke the stage crew plays with the fake limes on his onstage bar.
This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.
Hi. My name is Wesley Wray. I play Young Ibrahim in the show, and I’m originally from Miami, Florida.
Broadway Collection: How has it felt knowing your Broadway debut was in a five-time Tony Award-winning show?
Wesley Wray: I mean, this is a dream come true. I’m so blessed to be here. A lot of times people have to work their way up to be in an original Broadway show and have a principal role in it. So, I’m just so thankful. And thankful to all of the team, to my family, to my community for getting me up to this point.
Why is Broadway the perfect stage for this story, inspired by true events?
Broadway is the mecca. Everyone comes here from all around to see a Broadway show. So, we’re really getting this beautiful story—especially in the time that we are in right now—I feel it can really speak numbers to people that come see it.
Did portraying a story based around real people/events add pressure as a performer?
Absolutely. I mean, especially because these are real people. I’m speaking a different language that is not my first language. And learning was so much fun, but I also had that, you know, intimidation—like, am I going to do this the authentic, correct way? No matter how much study I do, will I do it correctly? There was always a little bit of that. But I'm feeling good now!
With the Afro-Cuban band on stage, is the music its own character in the show?
Absolutely. Because the music is the story. There is a line in the show…I’m going to try my best to remember. It says, “The music isn’t beautiful because we wrote it. It’s because we lived it.” So, this music really, really tells a story. The music is why the story in the show is doing so well. Because it’s a real story about real people, about real culture.
If you could steal any prop from the show what would it be?
I would steal…so, on my bar, for the show, I have these little fake limes and stuff. A lot of the crew puts eyes on them. I would love to take that home with me. It’s a silly thing that we do before the show just to, you know, keep it interesting.
The audience is electric throughout the show. What’s it like on stage?
Oh, it is so beautiful. It’s one thing to get up on a stage and have to fight for, you know, applause and all the things. But when you get here, initially you feel the love. You feel the energy. People in the front row—all the way in back sometimes—really enjoying this music, enjoying this beautiful show. So, it’s a dream come true to feel that.
What is your favorite number in the show and why?
Honestly, I’m going to have to say “Bruca Maniguá”—”Castellano” into “Bruca Maniguá.” It’s the first club scene that you get to see the Buena Vista Social Club, and you get to see this beautiful, vibrant music, and these beautiful dancers, beautiful music, beautiful lights. It’s such a beautiful experience the first time you get to see the club in action.
What’s your one-sentence pitch for why Buena Vista Social Club is a must-see?
You should come see Buena Vista Social Club because history is being made right here on this stage.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the mesmerizing Buena Vista Social Club on Broadway, where the universal language of music transcends barriers and invites you to dance through the streets of Havana with every beat. Feel the energy. Sway to the rhythm. Embrace the culture. Visit the show’s page on The Broadway Collection for more information, performance schedules, and ticket options—it’s a show you won’t want to miss.