DWSA students prepare for upcoming performance

High Schoolers at Denzel Washington School of the Arts are gearing up for their upcoming performance, an adaptation of Broadway’s Tony award winning “Buena Vista Social Club,” in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. The school’s performance will be held on November 7 at 6:30 p.m.

Inspired by true events, the musical debuted on Broadway in 2025, following a world premiere with the Atlantic Theater Company in 2023. It features a world-class Afro-Cuban band performing authentic Spanish-language music from the era, along with a sensational cast telling the stories of survival and second chances behind the acclaimed album.

“This performance is paying homage to the music and culture of Cuba during the civil unrest in the 60's,” Assistant Principal Yvonne Wright wrote. The “Buena Vista Social Club” Broadway musical is a new show that tells the stories of the legendary Cuban musicians from the 1997 album and documentary, bringing their "old Cuban music" and the vibrant culture of Havana to a new audience.”

The upcoming performance involves collaboration between the musical theater, band, visual arts and dance classes to bring the story to life on stage. 

Musical theater students have been learning various songs for the performance, such as “El Cumbanchero.” All of the songs are in Spanish, which allows the students the opportunity to further immerse themselves into Hispanic culture.

“I try to help them understand what the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month is,” said Zuheila Jason, Musical Theater Director at DWSA. 

Jazz band students have been practicing their skills on the trumpet and saxophone, perfecting their craft on songs like “El Cuarto de Tula,” with the guidance of band director Mansa Gory. Visual arts students will work collaboratively to create stage props for the performance, as well as other set designs.

Dance majors have been working hard mastering choreography crafted by fellow classmates Michael Middleton and Madison Govia. 

“The experience I would say is kind of, bittersweet because, you know, it's my senior year, so, it's like one of my last shows I’ll be doing,” said senior Michael Middleton. When it comes to choreographing for the production, Michael said “I'm more like on the sidelines. I let Madison take over, because she loves to choreograph.” 

When choreographing for the production, Madison is courteous about respecting other cultures that she is not necessarily a part of.

“I was given a script, but all the songs are all in Spanish and that's not my native language,” she said. “So it's really hard to kind of capture that. I'm African American, so even though I have friends and family that may be Hispanic, it is just not my culture. So it's like, how do I respect the culture and also show appreciation through this choreography.”

To see the students' hard work live on stage, visit the school on November 7 at 6:30 pm. to see them shine!