José Iglesias Set for Broadway Debut in 'Buena Vista Social Club

WHO:

Playbill - José Iglesias began his MLB career with the Boston Red Sox in 2011 and last played in the Majors in 2025 with the San Diego Padres.

MLB.com - José Iglesias, also known as “Candelita,” is a Cuban-born artist who has played for multiple MLB teams including the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres.

Billboard - Producer Orin Wolf stated, "It's rare that someone conquers one of the world's biggest stages before ever stepping onto ours."

Billboard - Director Saheem Ali remarked, "From the moment we met José Iglesias, it was clear that he brought a charisma that was unique and authentic."

MLB.com - José Iglesias, also known as “Candelita,” is a former MLB All-Star and singer.

Billboard - Iglesias is the first Latin MLB player to perform on Broadway.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Iglesias's debut in "Buena Vista Social Club" is set for a six-week run starting August 27.

The New York Times - Iglesias described the opportunity to join the cast as "breathtaking" and stated, "There’s a lot of history behind that band, a lot of great memories."

The New York Times - Iglesias mentioned that he expects to perform at least one song in the production.

The New York Times - The Afro-Cuban band playing behind Iglesias received a Grammy award for 2026’s best musical theater album.

Billboard - Iglesias's 2023 debut single "Tambor" has more than 200,000 views on YouTube.

MLB.com - Iglesias's single "OMG" was used as his walk-up song during the 2024 MLB season and was performed on the field after a Mets win in June of that year.

MLB.com - Iglesias's single "OMG" became the Mets’ anthem during the 2024 season, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes Latin pop charts.

MLB.com - Iglesias will make his Broadway debut in the musical "Buena Vista Social Club."

MLB.com - He will play the role of the Narrator in the show.

MLB.com - The musical "Buena Vista Social Club" opened in 2025 and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, winning five.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The show will be performed at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York, N.Y.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The musical "Buena Vista Social Club" began performances on February 21, 2025, and opened on March 19, 2025.

MLB.com - Iglesias's debut in "Buena Vista Social Club" is scheduled for Aug. 27 for six weeks only.

WHY:

The New York Times - Iglesias expressed that he hopes other baseball players will be inspired to explore their talents beyond the sport, stating, "It’s a very positive moment for baseball players as well."

Billboard - Iglesias stated, "It is also overwhelming in the best possible way because I will be the first Latino MLB player ever to perform on Broadway."

Billboard - Iglesias stated, "To represent Buena Vista Social Club – and to do it on Broadway – is something deeply meaningful and truly special."

Billboard - Iglesias described his role in "Buena Vista Social Club" as "something deeply meaningful and truly special."

MLB.com - Iglesias expressed that making his debut in New York City is an extraordinary opportunity and a dream come true for him.

HOW:

Playbill - The musical features a book by Marco Ramirez and music supervision by Dean Sharenow, with orchestrations and arrangements by Marco Paguia.

Billboard - Iglesias expressed excitement about experiencing the energy of the theatre and creating unforgettable memories with the cast, musicians, baseball fans, and the theatre audience.

Billboard - Iglesias's transition from baseball to theater is highlighted as an example of discovering talent in unexpected places.

MLB.com - Iglesias transitioned from baseball to theater, leveraging his experience as a singer and performer.

Iglesias is set to make his debut in "Buena Vista Social Club" for a six-week run starting August 27, and he described the opportunity as "breathtaking," highlighting the rich history and great memories associated with the band. He also mentioned that he expects to perform at least one song during the production, which will feature an Afro-Cuban band that recently won a Grammy for 2026’s best musical theater album. Iglesias hopes his venture into the arts will inspire other baseball players to explore their talents beyond the sport, calling it "a very positive moment for baseball players as well."