Two Coral Reef Senior High School graduates helped create "Buena Vista Social Club," the five-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. The show opens at the Arsht Center on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Playwright Marco Ramirez, who grew up in Hialeah, wrote the book for the musical while in Coral Reef's drama magnet. Choreographer Patricia Delgado, who trained in the school's ballet magnet, co-choreographed the production with her husband, Justin Peck. They first met during their final year at the school, which is part of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and located at 10101 SW 152nd St.

"I remember meeting him in our last year of high school and wondering, 'Why did it take until senior year?' He was so interesting," Delgado told the Miami Herald.

Ramirez earned a Tony nomination for the show's book and previously won a Drama Desk Award for his play "The Royale." His earlier play, "Broadsword," premiered at the Arsht Center in 2010. Delgado spent 17 years with Miami City Ballet, including a decade as a principal dancer. She and Peck won the 2025 Tony Award for best choreography.

Miami-Dade schools tie lessons to the show

The show opens the Arsht Center's 2026-27 Broadway in Miami season during Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of a related initiative, the Arsht Center is working with Miami-Dade County Public Schools to equip teachers with lesson plans connected to the production, according to an Arsht Center press release. Up to 200 students will attend a performance for free.

The musical tells the story of the 1996 recording sessions in Havana that produced the landmark Buena Vista Social Club album. Ramirez said he focused the show on those few days at EGREM studios rather than trying to cover the musicians' entire lives.

The show also carries a personal dimension for Ramirez. His grandfather, Felix, now in his mid-90s, will be in the Miami audience. Felix never made it to New York. Ramirez told the Herald he had been rooting for the tour so his grandfather could finally see the show.

The Arsht Center is also hosting "Rhythm & Roots at the Arsht," a free weeklong celebration on Thompson Plaza running Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. The event features live music, domino games, local artisans and pop-up vendors. RSVP is required.

Tickets and the Fort Lauderdale run

The production runs Tuesday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Tickets range from $52.65 to $204.75. Information is available at arshtcenter.org or by calling 305-949-6722.