The 2025 Tony Awards celebrated the best and brightest of Broadway. Of all of them, the musical adaptation of “Buena Vista Social Club” was the runaway star. On March 19, 2025, the then-historic Radio City Music Hall in New York City was amped with energy. Artists, producers and fans united to recognize extraordinary excellence in the world of theater.
“Buena Vista Social Club” went on to achieve major acclaim, winning multiple Grammy Awards and other honors. Jonathan Deans won the Tony Award for Best Sound Design of a Musical for his work on the production. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the musical’s unparalleled auditory experience, which has helped propel its critical acclaim.
Natalie Venetia Belcon really brought the show at the awards ceremony. She won the Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical! Her portrayal in “Buena Vista Social Club” captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in contemporary theater.
Plus Marco Paguia’s Grammy for Best Orchestrations! He received this award for his remarkable work on “Buena Vista Social Club.” His brilliant orchestrations have proved essential to recreating the magic of the original movie. Her beauty is magnetic and her heart-wrenching performance brings life to this powerful stage production.
Even though “Buena Vista Social Club” did extremely well in many categories, it was up against tough competition in others. Dane Laffrey & George Reeve’s work won the Tony that year for Best Scenic Design of a Musical. They took home this prestigious award for their beautiful artistry on the musical “Maybe Happy Ending.” Also nominated was Arnulfo Maldonado, currently the designer of the scenery for “Buena Vista Social Club.” This honor is a reflection of the high level of talent and artistry behind the entire production.
His masterful coordination of the cast and crew comes alive in this beautiful piece. His visionary leadership has been key in building this colorful and dynamic theatrical world, one that truly speaks to and engages today’s audiences.
Even with its nominations in every category—cinematography, editing, and best documentary feature—“Buena Vista Social Club” came up empty in all respects. Given the notoriety of the stomping feet, the production seemed most poised to win that award for Best Choreography. This goes to show that it dazzled in song and spectacle, other finalists really danced their way to success.
Jack Knowles received the Peter Mckintosh Award of Excellence for Best Lighting Design of a Musical for his fantastic work on “Sunset Boulevard.” “Buena Vista Social Club” was shut out completely in this category. This absence further emphasizes just how competitive these awards are and how many dynamic productions are in the running to be recognized.
The Broadway company of “Buena Vista Social Club” features extraordinary artists. As Tyler Micoleau and Marco Ramirez will tell you, their contributions were key to the tremendous success of the show and its influence since it opened. Dede Ayite’s bold and inventive costume design in particular added great visual punch to the production. To do that, it created an immersive experience that transported audiences right to Cuba.
From the moment it premiered at Cannes, it has come under fire. The Guardian hailed the work as “brilliantly ambitious,” noting its unprecedented capacity to integrate music and narrative so fluidly. And this acclaim, no doubt, has contributed to its runaway success at the Tony Awards.
Jonathan Groff, known for his performance in “In the Heights,” was unable to participate in “Buena Vista Social Club.” Even as he leaves the stage at Broadway’s biggest theater, his mark on the Great White Way endures through his ongoing work.