The article discusses the challenges faced in musical theater, particularly emphasizing the importance of the book. It critiques the production of Buena Vista Social Club, which underwent significant changes from its Off Broadway run to its Broadway debut. Instead of deepening the narrative, the creative team opted to simplify the plot, resulting in a more streamlined two-hour show. This adaptive approach allowed the performances to shine, particularly highlighting the character of Juan de Marcos and the vibrant energy of the cast, suggesting a successful shift in storytelling techniques.
In musical theater, the book's often the trickiest thing to get right and the easiest target for criticism. If you don't believe that the characters have a reason to break into song, blame the book.
The Broadway Buena Vista clocks in a little shorter than its Off Broadway iteration - now, it's just two hours with intermission - and breezes through its set-up with quick dashes of exposition.
Back when my colleague Sara Holdren reviewed the musical, very loosely based on the true-life stories of the sensational Cuban supergroup, she noted that "the play side of Buena Vista feels like it's been carefully assembled by committee."
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