JAINARDO BATISTA STERLING (Rubén) Puerto Rican singer and percussionist Jainardo Batista comes from a family with a long tradition in music and theater in Puerto Rico. As a Jazz Ambassador of Jazz at Lincoln Center, he has toured Central and Northwest Africa as well as South America and the Caribbean. Additionally, he has performed in the Jerusalem Jazz Festival with Roman Diaz and Grupo Agolona; Essaouira Gnawa Festival (Morocco) with Colette Michaan’s Querencia; and Grammy-nominated Raices Haberas at New York’s Town Hall. Jainardo maintains an active performance schedule in NYC.
Buena Vista Social Club
Currently in: Buena Vista Social Club
SOPHIA RAMOS (U/S Omara) Born in the Bronx, New York, Sophia cut her teeth as a member of the NYC hard rock band Sophia’s Toy who were signed to Sony/Epic Records. Sophia was soon named “Best Undiscovered Artist” by VH1 and was awarded the Abe Olman Excellence in Songwriting scholarship from The National Academy of Popular Music. She has collaborated with the likes of Metallica’s Jason Newstead, Psychotica, and Joey Ramone, and performed as a vocalist with an incredible variety of artists, including Rod Stewart, Gov’t Mule, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and Jefferson Starship. Sophia is a veteran live and studio vocalist and voiceover artist. Her talents in both English and Spanish have been employed in countless commercials and jingles. Some of her theater work includes Robert Schenkkan’s musical The Twelve at Signature Theater, Arizona Theater Company’s production of Love, Janis, Berkeley Repertory Theatre and The Public Theater in New York City, in the ensemble cast of Party People created/produced by UNIVERSES and directed by Liesl Tommy. She went on to work with Liesl Tommy in Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Macbeth (2017), Huntington Theater production of Top Girls (2018). Live From The Edge UNIVERSES, City Theatre Pittsburgh, 2021, Live from The Edge UNIVERSES, Long Warf Theatre, 2023.
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LEONARDO REYNA (Young Rubén) Born in Havana in 1985, Leonardo is an internationally acclaimed pianist, composer, and educator. The legacy of Cuban music runs deep in his family; his grandfather, Rodolfo Reyna, was a violinist and arranger with the Orquesta Sensación, and he passed this passion to Leonardo’s mother, a pianist who first guided him on the piano. Leonardo has studied at prestigious institutions in Latin America and Europe and has trained under prominent teachers from the lineage of the legendary pianist Claudio Arrau. Leonardo merges his Caribbean heritage with a robust technique in both classical and jazz music. His versatility is evident in his wide-ranging work as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and composer. He has garnered over 15 international piano awards and has contributed music to notable film projects across Europe. His debut album, Vibraciones Clásicas, featured Afro-Cuban fantasies composed by him, encapsulating many of his musical interests and artistic explorations. Recently, he completed a new album focusing on significant global piano repertoire while also honoring Cuban composers who have shaped popular Cuban music since the 19th century. Additionally, Leonardo is an innovator in electronic music production and a proactive entrepreneur in the arts.
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(he/him) Broadway debut! Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Drew is a Brooklyn-based, proud alum of North Carolina A&T State University and the British American Drama Academy. He recently starred as King Louis in The Three Musketeersand Collins in Rent at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Select credits include Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors (North Shore), Omari in Pipeline (American Stage), Taylor in Prelude to a Kiss (World Premiere, Milwaukee Rep), and Eddie in Sister Act (New Stage, Derby Dinner). He currently stars as Jamal in the web series FortheBoys, available on YouTube. Shout out to Hudson Artists Agency, Tara Rubin Casting and his incredible family, mentors, and community who unwaveringly hold him up. Thank you, God!
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MEL SEMÉ (Ibrahim) Born and raised in Camagüey, Cuba, Mel Semé’s passion for music led him to the prestigious University of Arts in Havana. He now divides his time between Barcelona, Los Angeles, and New York’s vibrant theatre scene. Influenced by Cuban rhythms, pop, folk, and jazz, his music is a captivating blend. With a sultry voice and masterful multi-instrumentalist skills, Mel Semé transcends borders, uniting audiences worldwide. His music is a bridge between cultures, showcasing the unifying power of melody.
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MARIELYS MOLINA (Ensemble) Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Broadway Credits: On Your Feet (OBC Ensemble), Motown (OBC Ensemble/Marvelette), Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away (OBC Kate Alternate/Swing), Sweet Charity (OBC Ensemble). Regional: SWING! (1st National Tour – Swing Latin Couple/Ensemble), Come Fly Away (1st National Tour -Slim/Kate alternate), Wizard Of Oz (North Shore Music Theater), Cotton Club Parade (City Center’s Encores), Buena Vista Social Club (Off-Broadway – Ensemble). Films/TV: Music and Lyrics, Idlewild, In the Heights, Blues Big City Adventures, Old Dogs, Isn’t Romantic, Kiss of the Spider Woman, SNL, VMA’s, Billboard Awards, Latin Grammys, Tony Awards, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. She appeared in Jon Batiste’s Music Video, “I Need You,” as a featured dancer and has performed with artists such as Ludacris, Beyoncé, Ashanti, Sean Paul, Madonna, Thalia, Victor Manuel, Gloria Estefan, Nelly Furtado. Marielys is a World Salsa Champion with numerous collaborations with renowned Salsa and Latin dancers such as Jhesus Aponte, Sekou McMiller and Tito Ortos. Marielys is grateful to her loyal Manager and friend, Lakey Wolff, and her for friends and family who are always there with their unrelenting support.
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DA’VON T. MOODY (Young Compay) is making his Broadway Debut with BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB but has also had the pleasure of being a part of many other projects. National Tour: MJ the Musical (Alejandro). Off-Broadway: Man of No Importance. Regional credits include: The Outsiders (Dallas Winston) at La Jolla Playhouse, RENT (Benny) at the Signature Theatre, Gun & Powder (World Premiere), Ain’t Misbehavin’. Olney Theatre: A.D. 16- World Premier (Simeon); Ford’s Theatre: The Wiz, Christmas Carol, Amazing Grace (Mr. Tyler); Constellation Theatre: Aida! (Mereb); ArtsCentric: Hair (Berger) and Dreamgirls (C.C. White). Film: Once Again for the First Time.
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