Cuban baseball player and singer José "Candelita" Iglesias is set to become the first Latino Major League Baseball player to grace the Broadway stage. It was confirmed on Thursday that he will join the cast of the acclaimed musical Buena Vista Social Club as the Narrator for a special six-week engagement.
Iglesias will make his debut at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City starting August 27, with performances running through October 4, 2026.
This announcement marks a dual triumph for the Havana-born Iglesias: he is recognized both as an elite shortstop in MLB and as a rising Latin pop star under the stage name Candelita, a moniker inherited from his father, Candelario Iglesias.
Throughout his Major League career, Iglesias donned the jerseys of the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Angels, Colorado Rockies, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres, with whom he signed a $3 million contract in March 2025.
His musical career took off in 2024 when his hit "OMG" soared to the top of the Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales chart, becoming the unofficial anthem for the Mets during their postseason run and garnering over two million on-demand streams in the U.S.
Iglesias expressed the personal significance of this moment, calling it a dream come true: "It's an incredible privilege to be part of such a historic ensemble. Anyone who truly understands Cuba knows the journey we've been on. To represent Buena Vista Social Club —and to do so on Broadway— is profoundly meaningful and truly special."
He also emphasized the historical importance of this achievement: "It's overwhelming in the best possible way because I will be the first Latino MLB player to perform on Broadway."
The musical welcoming him is no ordinary production. Buena Vista Social Club won five Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Choreography and Best Orchestration, and added a Grammy in February 2026 for Best Musical Theater Album.
The show fictionalizes the tale of Cuban musicians whose careers were derailed by the Revolution, later reuniting to revive a golden era of Island music, inspired by the legendary album recorded in 1996 at Havana's EGREM studios, which sold over eight million copies worldwide.
Director Saheem Ali highlighted Iglesias's immediate and unmistakable charisma: "From the moment we met José Iglesias, it was evident he possessed a unique and genuine charisma. He is proving that extraordinary performers can arise from the most unexpected backgrounds."
Producer Orin Wolf noted the rarity of someone reaching Broadway after already conquering such grand stages: "From the pinnacle of Major League Baseball to the top of the Billboard Latin charts, José has filled stadiums and captivated audiences globally. Now we're thrilled to welcome him to Broadway."
Tickets to see Iglesias in Buena Vista Social Club are available starting at $64 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, located at 236 West 45th Street in Manhattan.
Frequently Asked Questions about José "Candelita" Iglesias on Broadway
When will José Iglesias perform on Broadway?
José Iglesias will perform at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre from August 27 to October 4, 2026.
What musical will Iglesias be joining?
He will join the cast of the acclaimed musical Buena Vista Social Club as the Narrator.
How did Iglesias's music career gain momentum?
His career gained traction in 2024 with the hit song "OMG," which topped the Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales chart.