Inspired by true events, the first national tour of the five-time Tony Award®-winning Buena Vista Social Club™ will make its Arkansas debut at Walton Arts CenterDecember 15-20 for eight performances.
It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba – until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past.
Hailed as a “jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must-see" (The Washington Post), Buena Vista Social Club™ is a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana. A world-class company brings the story of the iconic album to life in this tale of big dreams, second chances and music that needs no translation.
With a book by Tony nominee Marco Ramirez (Drama Desk Award, The Royale), Tony-nominated director Saheem Ali (Fat Ham) leads an ensemble of visionary performing artists, including a band of renowned musicians from across the globe to tell the legendary story of the artists who recorded the original album. With a score completely in Spanish and a book written in English, Buena Vista Social Club™ is redefining what makes a new hit Broadway musical.
“In Buena Vista Social Club™, the music itself is the story. It is the heart, the soul and the driving force of the entire work, and the score is not simply vital to the production – it is its very reason for being” (Buffalo Theatre Guide) with the original Broadway cast recording receiving the 2026 Grammy Award ® for best musical theater album.
Standard all-in ticket prices are $48.30-$120.75. Tickets are available to purchase online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600.
Start the night with a hands-on cocktail class before the show. Mixologists will teach you to make two show-themed cocktails curated by Pink House Alchemy while you enjoy light eats and good vibes. Plus, your recipe card gets you 10% off ingredients at Liquor World, so you can remake the drinks at home. Reserve your shaker for just $51.75. Cocktail classes for this show are Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 pm and Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6 pm.
Show Dates and Times:
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 7 pm
Thursday, Dec. 17, 1:30 and 7 pm
Friday, Dec. 18, 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 19, 2 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 20, 2 pm
Support for Walton Arts Center is provided, in part, by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Walton Arts Center is Arkansas’ largest and busiest performing arts presenter. Each year more than 215,000 people from Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and beyond attend more than 300 public events at Walton Arts Center, including performances, rehearsals, community gatherings, receptions, weddings and more. Approximately 32,000 students and teachers participate annually in arts learning programs at Walton Arts Center, and almost 250 volunteers donate 28,000 hours of time each year to its operations. Walton Arts Center presents entertainers and artists from around the world including Broadway musicals, renowned dance companies, international artists, up-and-coming jazz musicians and more. As a non-profit organization, Walton Arts Center enjoys the generous support of public sector funding, corporate sponsorship and private donors, allowing audience members to enjoy world-class performances at a great price. To learn more about Walton Arts Center, visit www.waltonartscenter.org.
