The world of music is about to be captivated once again as the sound of Havana takes center stage on Broadway. Nearly 30 years after the Grammy-winning album "Buena Vista Social Club" achieved remarkable success, a brand new musical inspired by its making and the legends behind it is all set to open this winter at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City. The announcement of this production on September 16th, exactly 27 years after the album's release, has sent ripples of excitement through the music community. Now, PEOPLE has been granted an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the original Broadway cast recording, specifically focusing on the recording of "Chan Chan," the iconic ballad that has become one of the original album's most beloved tracks.

Previewing the Journey to Broadway

In the captivating clip from episode 7, Music Producer Dean Sharenow, Music Consultant Juan de Marcos González, and members of the Broadway company gathered together at Manhattan's renowned Reservoir Studios to lay down the track. Their goal was clear - to recapture the magic and spirit of the original record. As Sharenow explains, "‘Chan Chan’ might be the most famous song from the 1990s album. It gets into your soul in a way that only the best music can. Whether you understand the lyrics or not, it instantly touches you." González adds, "The music of Buena Vista Social Club is originally from Cuba, but it is truly international. It is listened to all over Latin America and the world."Renésito Avich, who plays Eliades in the stage show, shares a special connection with "Chan Chan." He says, "‘Chan Chan’ is special. I've been playing it since I was 6 years old. My whole life, I've only wanted to play it the best way possible, and that's what we are doing with the musical."The highly anticipated Buena Vista Social Club is set to open on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Previews will begin on Friday, February 21. The cast is filled with talented performers. Alongside Avich, there is Natalie Venetia Belcon as Omara, Julio Monge as Compay, Mel Semé as Ibrahim, Jainardo Batista Sterling as Rubén, Isa Antonetti as Young Omara, Da’von Moody as Young Compay, Wesley Wray as Young Ibrahim, Leonardo Reyna as Young Rubén, Ashley De La Rosa as Young Haydee, and Justin Cunningham as Juan de Marcos. The company is rounded out by Andrew Montgomery Coleman, Carlos Gonzalez, Anthony Santos, Martín Sola, Tanairi Sade Vazquez, Angélica Beliard, Carlos Falú, Héctor Juan Maisonet, Ilda Mason, Marielys Molina, and Sophia Ramos.They will be accompanied by a world-class Afro-Cuban band led by Music Director and pianist Marco Paguia. Other members include David Oquendo (guitar), Gustavo Schartz (bass), Hery Paz (woodwinds), Eddie Venegas (trombone), Jesus Ricardo (trumpet), Javier Díaz (percussion), Mauricio Herrera (percussion), and Román Diaz (percussion).Saheem Ali developed and will direct the show, which is grounded by a book penned by Marco Ramirez. Choreography will be handled by Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck. Among those involved in the production team are John Leguizamo, Luis Miranda, and LaChanze. John Leguizamo expresses his enthusiasm, saying, "I think this musical is a game changer for the culture. It features the genesis of all Latin music. The birth of the music and the conflicts it arose from… This is the show I've been waiting for my whole life. What an honor and pleasure to be a part of this magical work."Tickets for Buena Vista Social Club are now on sale, allowing music lovers to be a part of this extraordinary journey.