NEW YORK — José Iglesias has built a career dazzling baseball fans across Major League Baseball stadiums. Now, the Cuban-born athlete is preparing to conquer an entirely different stage. The MLB veteran and Latin pop artist, who performs under the name Candelita, will make his Broadway debut in the acclaimed musical Buena Vista Social Club, becoming the first Latino Major League Baseball player to perform on Broadway.
Iglesias will take on the role of The Narrator during a special six-week engagement from August 27 through October 4, joining one of Broadway’s most celebrated productions at New York’s Schoenfeld Theatre.
For the Cuban star, the opportunity represents much more than a career milestone—it is a deeply personal tribute to his heritage.
“It is an incredible privilege to be part of such a historic band,” Iglesias said in a statement. “Anyone who truly knows Cuba understands the journey we have endured, so for me, this is a dream come true. To represent Buena Vista Social Club—and to do it on Broadway—is something deeply meaningful and truly special.”
He continued by reflecting on the historic nature of the moment.
“It is also overwhelming in the best possible way because I will be the first Latino MLB player ever to perform on Broadway. To make that debut in New York City, one of my favorite cities in the world, makes this opportunity even more extraordinary.”
A Celebration of Cuban Culture
Inspired by true events and the Grammy-winning 1997 album by the legendary Afro-Cuban ensemble Buena Vista Social Club, the Broadway musical has become one of the biggest success stories in recent theater history.
After premiering Off-Broadway in 2023, the production transferred to Broadway in 2025, where it has earned widespread critical acclaim. The musical has since won five Tony Awards and the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, cementing its place as one of Broadway’s defining productions.
Producer Orin Wolf believes Iglesias is a perfect addition to the cast.
“It’s rare that someone conquers one of the world’s biggest stages before ever stepping onto ours,” Wolf said. “From the pinnacle of Major League Baseball to the top of the Latin Billboard charts, José has filled stadiums and captivated audiences around the world. Now, we’re thrilled to welcome him to Broadway and into the Buena Vista community.”
From Baseball Diamond to Billboard Charts
While Iglesias is widely recognized for his defensive brilliance during an MLB career that included stints with the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and Miami Marlins, he has also emerged as an unexpected force in Latin music.
Recording as Candelita, Iglesias reached a new audience with his debut single “OMG,” which climbed to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Digital Song Sales chart. According to Luminate, the track sold more than 1,000 downloads in the United States during its chart-tracking week, proving that his musical ambitions resonate far beyond the baseball field.
A Natural Performer
Director Saheem Ali said Iglesias immediately stood out during the casting process.
“One of the joys of creating theater is discovering talent in unexpected places,” Ali explained. “From the moment we met José Iglesias, it was clear that he brought a charisma that was unique and authentic, and he’s proving to us that extraordinary performers often come from the most surprising backgrounds.”
A Historic New Chapter
José “Candelita” Iglesias’ Broadway debut marks a rare crossover between professional sports, Latin music, and musical theater. His participation in Buena Vista Social Club not only expands his own artistic journey but also represents an important milestone for Latino representation on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
For Broadway audiences, it promises the arrival of a performer whose story embodies resilience, cultural pride, and the limitless possibilities of reinvention—a fitting addition to a production that celebrates the enduring spirit of Cuban music and culture.
By TuRitmo
Photo by Polk & Co
