The Bar at Buena Vista

On location in Cuba

Ever wondered what a night out in Havana is like? Want to savour the atmosphere and music of a bar in this Caribbean city fondly known as ‘the key to the new world?’ If so, there’s not a minute to lose, as The Bar at Buena Vista: The Grandfathers of Cuban Music is about to hit Australia.

Cuba has given the world so many forms of music, and we continue to twirl, swirl and cha cha our way around the dance floor, and leave our inhibitions at home. Once in a way, you may want to discover a little bit more, and what better way to do so than through a dance musical?

At the heart of the musical is the Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon – Havana’s most famous bar of the 1940s, where legendary Cuban musicians gathered to play and entertain. A hive of dance and music, it later proved to be the cornerstone of a revival of interest in traditional Cuban music.

The Bar at Buena Vista is about recreating the environment of the Club. Seen through the eyes of the man behind the bar (who always knows everything about everyone), this musical unfolds via stories, dancing, music and songs, brought to life by some of Cuba’s most renowned musicians and its future stars.

Capturing the magic of old Havana

The sound is a lively mix of Son (a mix of Spanish guitar and African percussion instruments), the slow tempo of the Bolero, the ‘country music’ notes of Guajira and the infamous beats of the Salsa. The big band sound, made famous since the 1940s, is instrumental in transporting the energy and the charged nature of Cuba’s street music and popular songs.

Directed by Toby Gough, at the heart of The Bar at Buena Vista is the character of the barman. He is the thread that holds this vibrant pattern together, by introductions, stories and sheer charisma. Australian fans will be pleased to learn that Jesus Terry Rodriguez, who plays the character of the barman, did, at one time, work as a barman at the Buena Vista Social Club. Now, that’s what you call real life experience!

The undisputed stars of the show are the veterans that ruled the golden age of the Cuban music scene in the 1940s and 1950s. It’s a classic collection of stars and includes the ‘father of the band’ Reynaldo Creagh; Papi Oviedo, known by many as the world’s number one tres player; pianist Maestro Rubalcaba, known in Cuba as the ‘hand of gold;’ and the Cuban diva Siomara Avilla Valdes Lescay. Together, they prove that old adage – age is no barrier.

Veterans lead the way

The veteran musicians are backed by a talented band, fronted by Musical Director Ricardo Munoz Martinez. Soloist and choreographer Eric Turro is in charge of the dance troupe.

The Bar at Buena Vista has kept the pulse of a memorable era alive, and it’s a great start for anyone wishing to explore Cuban music. The atmosphere, the beats, the evocative narratives and all those hip-grinding moves will surely take you straight to old Havana.

The Sydney shows will be held at the State Theatre on Friday, 27 May at 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, 28 May at 5:00 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Following this, the show will move on to Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Melbourne, Canberra, Mackay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Perth. Tickets are now on sale. For tour and ticket details, and for booking information, visit www.baratbuenavista.com

Images © www.baratbuenavista.com