Former Major League Baseball shortstop José Iglesias is set to make history as the first Latino MLB player to perform on Broadway, joining the cast of the Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club
as the Narrator for a six-week run beginning August 27, 2026.
When the phone call arrived about a month and a half ago, José Iglesias had to ask if producers dialed the right number. Best known in New York for his electrifying 2024 season with the Mets and his viral pop anthem OMG,
the 13-year big league veteran is stepping away from the baseball diamond and onto the stage at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on West 45th Street.
From Citi Field Anthems to the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre
Iglesias will play the role of the Narrator in Buena Vista Social Club starting August 27. The musical tells a fictionalized story of Cuba’s legendary musicians whose careers were disrupted by the Cuban Revolution before they reunited decades later to revive a bygone era of music. For Iglesias, who performs under the stage name Candelita, the opportunity is deeply personal. Growing up in Cuba, he listened to the band alongside his father.
“It is an incredible privilege to be part of such a historic band. 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. This musical is unique, powerful, and unlike anything else.”
José Iglesias, recording artist and former MLB player
Its accompanying Afro-Cuban band also won a Grammy Award for best musical theater album in 2026.
Director Saheem Ali and Producer Orin Wolf on the Unconventional Casting
Broadway producers and creative leaders recognized immediate star power in the athlete-turned-musician. Director Saheem Ali, who returned to stage the Broadway run following the 2023 world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company, noted that extraordinary performers often emerge from surprising backgrounds.
“One of the joys of creating theatre is discovering talent in unexpected places. From the moment we met José Iglesias, it was clear that he brought a charisma that was unique and authentic.”
Saheem Ali, director
Producer Orin Wolf echoed that sentiment, pointing out that Iglesias has already conquered massive crowds across multiple industries.
“It’s rare that someone conquers one of the world’s biggest stages before ever stepping onto ours. 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.”
Orin Wolf, producer
Navigating High-Stakes Adrenaline on a New Stage
Transitioning from professional sports to live theater brought immediate nerves for the 36-year-old athlete.
Iglesias lost sleep worrying about the transition before diving into theatrical training.
“I lost some sleep, I’m not gonna lie. Just like we’re gonna face an ace and a good pitcher in the playoffs: that type of energy, that type of adrenaline, that’s how it feels. It was tough, it was tough — but in a good way. In a great way.”
José Iglesias, recording artist and former MLB player
While the exact extent of his singing and dancing is still being finalized, Iglesias expects to perform at least one song during his six-week engagement at the Schoenfeld Theatre.
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