Natalie Venetia Belcon and Isa Antonetti Bring Omara Portuondo to Life in Broadway's "Buena Vista Social Club"

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club
4. Two Stars, One Soul
5. The Process of Portraying Omara Portuondo
6. Capturing Emotional Moments
7. Learning from Omara Portuondo
8. Conclusion: A Moving Tribute to a Cultural Icon
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Premiere on Broadway: The new musical Buena Vista Social Club premiered on March 19, 2025, featuring Natalie Venetia Belcon and Isa Antonetti portraying the legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo at different stages of her life.
• A Cultural Legacy: The show revives the spirit of Cuban music, built on the success of the Grammy-winning album from 1997, exploring the rich narrative of its iconic artists.
• Diverse Talent: Both actors contribute unique backgrounds and expertise to their roles, enhancing the portrayal of Portuondo, who is affectionately known as "La Novia del Filin."

Introduction

In the heart of New York City, an extraordinary tale is unfolding on Broadway, one that bridges generations of Cuban music and culture. The newly opened musical Buena Vista Social Club brings to the stage the life of the legendary Omara Portuondo, an icon of Cuban music and a symbol of resilience and talent. On March 19, 2025, this production celebrated its premiere, featuring Natalie Venetia Belcon and Isa Antonetti, who embody Portuondo at different stages of her illustrious life.

Portuondo's story is interwoven with the history of Buena Vista Social Club, a musical ensemble that blends traditional Cuban rhythms with heartfelt narratives. As audiences flock to this vibrant retelling, the performances of Belcon and Antonetti serve as poignant reminders of the enduring legacy and cultural significance of Portuondo’s work.

This article delves into the intricate tapestry of the Buena Vista Social Club, the artistic journey of both actors, and the significance of conveying Portuondo’s story to the modern audience.

The Legacy of the Buena Vista Social Club

Formed in Cuba in 1996 under the direction of Juan de Marcos González, the Buena Vista Social Club brought together a group of veteran musicians, largely forgotten by the music industry, to create an eponymous album that shook the world. Produced by Ry Cooder, the album was released in 1997 and showcased traditional Cuban styles like son, bolero, and danzón.

The album became an international sensation, reaching number one on multiple Billboard charts, including Tropical Albums, and spending 24 weeks at the pinnacle of success. It won a Grammy for Best Tropical Latin Album in 1998, further cementing its place in music history. Fast forward to 2022, and the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry, a recognition of its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.

Much of the Buena Vista Social Club's magic comes from its vibrant performances, which feature artists like Ibrahim Ferrer and Compay Segundo alongside Portuondo, showcasing the talent of an older generation against the backdrop of the 1990s Cuban music renaissance.

Two Stars, One Soul

Natalie Venetia Belcon and Isa Antonetti offer a unique dynamic, each bringing their own flair to the role of Omara Portuondo, capturing both her youthful exuberance and mature grace.

Natalie Venetia Belcon: A Broadway Veteran

Belcon is no stranger to the stage, with an impressive resume that includes roles in Matewel and Avenue Q, where she originated the role of Gary Coleman. Having already portrayed Portuondo in the show's off-Broadway run, her performance earned her the 2024 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical. Belcon reflects on her connection to Portuondo, explaining, "I have musicians for parents, and they introduced me to Buena Vista Social Club, the album. It’s an honor to give voice to someone so impactful."

Isa Antonetti: A Debutante on Broadway

In contrast, Isa Antonetti, a recent graduate from Carnegie Mellon University, makes her Broadway debut in this production. Antonetti, who describes herself as a “Latinx, indigenous, mixed-race LGBTQIA+ actress,” brings authenticity and a contemporary essence to the character. “Growing up with my father's Latin band, Orquesta Antonetti, profoundly shaped my understanding of Cuban music and culture,” she explains, emphasizing the personal significance of her role.

Their distinct backgrounds not only enhance the depth of Portuondo's character but also resonate with the diverse audiences that flock to Broadway, enhancing the cultural dialogue around Latinx representation within theater.

The Process of Portraying Omara Portuondo

To accurately capture Omara Portuondo at different stages of her life, both actresses invested time in research and preparation, leaning on their unique experiences.

Singing in Spanish, Speaking in English

One of the notable aspects of their performance is the bilingual nature of the show. While the actors communicate in English, they sing in Spanish, which brings additional challenges. Antonetti admits, “I’m not fluent, but I do speak. Our dialect coach helped me get the accent right.” Belcon, whose family has Spanish roots, approached the language similarly, stating, “I treat languages like I treat music, focusing on the sounds.”

Finding the Essence of Portuondo

Both actresses approached their characters with a focus on authenticity. Belcon leaned heavily on the later works of Portuondo, immersing herself in performances like “Adiós” to embody the wisdom and gravitas of Portuondo's older years. Antonetti took a different route, relying on limited visuals from Portuondo's younger days and asking questions to the music team, capturing the spirited essence of a 19-year-old woman navigating the vibrant Cuba of the 1950s.

Capturing Emotional Moments

At times, the two interpretations intersect, creating moving onstage encounters that resonate with audiences. One notable moment is during the song “Silencio,” where younger and older versions of Portuondo meet in a display of memory and nostalgia. Belcon finds it to be an emotionally significant scene: “It’s a crossroads — ‘Do I make the album or not?’ It’s a butterfly effect that affects everything and everyone else.”

Antonetti adds that these emotional scenes often leave actors reeling: “Being part of the song ‘Chan Chan,’ despite its many iterations, has grown on me — it’s emotionally devastating, but I cherish the opportunity to convey that story.”

Learning from Omara Portuondo

The actors’ performances have not only fascinated audiences but also enriched their understanding of Portuondo as a person and an artist.

Strength and Resilience

Reflecting on their journey, Belcon emphasizes the twins’ strength: “To say that she’s strong is an understatement. Just look at her journey through history in Cuba; she not only survived but thrived.” Antonetti echoes this sentiment, describing Portuondo as “a powerful being that can take my breath away.”

Conclusion: A Moving Tribute to a Cultural Icon

As the curtain fell on the opening night of Buena Vista Social Club, excitement filled the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater, with Belcon and Antonetti receiving a warm ovation celebrating their heartfelt connection to the iconic figure of Omara Portuondo.

In a time where cultural narratives are essential, the show revitalizes appreciation for traditions and the stories that shape them while offering a fresh perspective through the eyes of its talented cast. The show not only celebrates the musical legacy of Portuondo and her peers but also paves the way for future generations to honor their heritage within the performing arts.

FAQ

What is Buena Vista Social Club about?
Buena Vista Social Club tells the story of the legendary Cuban music ensemble and their rise to fame, focusing on the life and career of Omara Portuondo as portrayed by actors at different stages of her life.

When did the musical premiere on Broadway?
The musical premiered on March 19, 2025, at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theater in New York City.

Who are the lead actors in the musical?
Natalie Venetia Belcon and Isa Antonetti play the lead role of Omara Portuondo at different life stages, with Belcon portraying her older self and Antonetti her younger counterpart.

What are some musical styles featured in the show?
The musical showcases traditional Cuban styles such as son, bolero, and danzón, reflecting the rich tapestry of Cuba’s musical heritage.

How can audiences relate to the story?
The production connects with various themes, including resilience, cultural identity, and the power of music, making it relatable to a wide audience, especially within the context of Latinx representation on stage.