Putting a Heart in the Arts

GET READY FOR A WORLD-CLASS MUSICAL THAT HITS HOME

Coral Gables has always been the cultural epicenter of Greater Miami – with a plethora of art galleries, four live theater companies, a revered art cinema, a renowned bookstore and, of course, public art that nearly broke the internet this summer. The City Beautiful is indeed at the forefront of the artistic community and we could not be prouder as a Chamber to help lead the effort.

In just a few days, Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre will present the world premiere of a new and exciting musical, Havana Music Hall. This electrifying production will begin its highly-anticipated run with previews starting Oct. 10, an official opening Oct. 18, and concluding November 18!

Set in 1958 Cuba, Havana Music Hall tells the story of a husband and wife musical team – Rolando and Ramona Calderon – who are on the verge of breaking through to the world’s stage when the Cuban Revolution tears apart the only life they have known, performing for adoring crowds. Now, almost 60 years later, we find the couple trying to forget the past in the now devastated Havana Music Hall… but others just won’t let them.

Directed by acclaimed On Your Feet! Co-Choreographer Maria Torres, with story and original score by Richard Kagan, this new musical captures the pain and joy of the immigrant experience like nothing before and will also have audiences dancing in the aisles with 22 musical numbers. Featuring new songs such as “Escape to Havana,” “Place of My Birth,” “Todo Es Bueno en Cuba” and “I Have My Voice,” this fast-paced musical brings audiences inside the Havana Music Hall as hearts break and spirits fly. Personally, I cannot think of a better time in our lives than right now for the debut of this show, where we can experience the emotional range that helps us re-discover hope and happiness.

Kagan, who has set up camp here in Coral Gables, is “all in” on Havana Music Hall. His energy, enthusiasm and engaging personality will no doubt ensure that this show is a hit – ultimately finding its way to Broadway after a run here in the Gables. But, we must do our part, both as patrons of the arts and lovers of the immigrant experience. We all have that story somewhere in our family DNA and this show will help bring it back to the light of day. Our own Chamber will be hosting an evening in mid-October and I hope you and your company, co-workers, neighbors and friends will do the same in full-throated support. Havana Music Hall is the best way to kick-off a new season of the arts, right here at home.

Thank you to Actors’ Playhouse Executive Producing Director Barbara Stein and Artistic Director and Havana Music Hall Creative Consultant David Arisco for co-curating a story that captures the power of life, the joy of music and the humanity of friends and family. Coral Gables and Miami audiences will adore their time in the old Havana Music Hall and will leave the theatre with their hearts soaring.