Jose Iglesias, a former Major League Baseball player most recently with the New York Mets, has made his Broadway debut in the musical "Buena Vista Social Club." His appearance marks a rare instance of a professional baseball player performing on the Broadway stage, with the last known instance being Cap Anson in "A Runaway Colt" in late 1896.
Iglesias, 36, portrays the narrator in the production, which is based on Wim Wenders' 1999 documentary about the legendary Cuban musicians. The musical tells the multi-generational story of the band members who first performed together during the Cuban Revolution in 1958 before reuniting to record an album in 1996. Iglesias, a Havana native, joins the ensemble in a role described as small but impactful, sliding in with the ease of a "great pinch hitter."
"We have a big responsibility on our shoulders. We’re representing Cuban music in the biggest stage there is, Broadway," Iglesias told Mets sideline reporter Steve Gelbs. "For me, it’s such an honor to be back in New York and also to represent 'Buena Vista Social Club.' I’m from Cuba, representing Cuba, representing Latin America, representing all the immigrants up there, it’s a privilege to be here."
The production, running at The Schoenfeld Theater, features a cast that brings to life the music and stories of the iconic Cuban band. The musical has been noted for its vibrant portrayal of Cuban culture and music, with dynamic Son Cubano performances that create a "crowd-pleasing concert" atmosphere. The staging utilizes the Schoenfeld Theater's space effectively with lighting and set design that enhance the celebratory energy.
Beyond Iglesias, the cast includes performers such as Natalie Venetia Belcon as the elder Omara and Leonardo Reyna as Rubén. The younger versions of the band members are also portrayed, recounting their history in 1958 Cuba. The show is scheduled to run through Oct. 4, 2026. Iglesias's previous baseball career included stints with the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. During his 2024 season with the Mets, Iglesias also gained attention for his song "OMG."