Celia, The Musical

The 2-hour multi-media show will feature Celia’s singular style and biggest musical hits such as Quimbara, La Negra Tiene Tumbao, Tu Voz, Bemba Colorá, and La Vida Es un Carnaval, while telling her story in a unique way. The premise of the show finds Celia on a stage once again giving one last concert in 2017 as if she never left us. As her musical legacy unfolds, she recalls episodes of her life, which are illustrated through live dramatic reenactments, dance, as well as through Celia’s own words. On three large screens, archival material, never-before-seen film and video footage, as well as unpublished personal photographs and documents support the unique narrative style. The musical numbers are performed live by international singing star Lucrecia, who will recreate Celia’s unique performing style and voice with the support of a 12-piece band and a dance troupe made up of twelve dancer/actors. Celia Cruz always said that she felt most alive onstage and through this unique concept that is where she will be again.

Celia, the Musical, according to press notes, “is the story of an artist’s love for her country revealed through a musical life that spans for more than 60 years. Throughout her career, Cruz faces constant successes as well as challenges. As a young woman, she defies her father’s opposition to become a singer and conspires with her mother to accomplish her dream. As her fame increases, so does the price of her success. She shares her victories and disillusions with the love of her life, Pedro Knight, and dreams of one day returning to her country. However, that dream is challenged when she is denied a visa to visit her dying mother, and then realizes that she may never again return to her beloved Cuba.”