Broadway delivered a vibrant burst of music, dance, and cultural storytelling at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as two acclaimed productions—Buena Vista Social Club and Ragtime—brought their casts to 34th Street for show-stopping performances that captivated millions watching from home and along the parade route.

Buena Vista Social Club Brings Havana’s Spirit to New York

The morning began with the cast of Buena Vista Social Club, the new Broadway musical currently electrifying audiences at the Schoenfeld Theatre. Led by Tony Award winner Natalie Venetia Belcon, the company delivered a sizzling medley of “Chan Chan” and “Candela,” transforming the parade route into a celebration of Cuba’s golden musical era.

The production invites audiences into the beating heart of Havana—far removed from the glamorous Tropicana nightlife—into the intimate neighborhoods where the city’s legendary sound was born. The musical tells the deeply human story behind the iconic GRAMMY-winning album, tracing the journey of the artists who shaped an entire generation of Afro-Cuban music. It is both a tribute and a revival, celebrating resilience, reinvention, and the enduring global power of rhythm.

Directed by Tony nominee Saheem Ali and adapted for the stage by Marco Ramirez, the show boasts a world-class Afro-Cuban band alongside a stellar ensemble. The choreography—crafted by Tony Award winners Patricia Delgado and Justin Peck—infuses contemporary theatrical movement with traditional Cuban dance styles, creating a performance that feels both nostalgic and urgently alive.

The cast features an impressive lineup including Belcon (Omara), Julio Monge (Compay), Mel Semé (Ibrahim), Jainardo Batista Sterling (Rubén), Isa Antonetti (Young Omara), Da’Von T. Moody (Young Compay), Wesley Wray (Young Ibrahim), and many others whose artistry brings the island’s musical history to life onstage each night.

Ragtime Cast Delivers a Moving Performance at the Parade

Later in the morning, the cast of Ragtime took to the parade stage, led by powerhouse performers Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis, who presented stirring renditions of “Wheels of a Dream” and the show’s soaring title number. The performance served as a reminder of why Ragtime remains one of Broadway’s most emotionally gripping and socially reflective musicals.

Currently running at the Vivian Beaumont Theater, the revival blends fictional characters with real historical figures against the backdrop of early 20th-century America. Its Tony Award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, paired with Terrence McNally’s sweeping book, paints a portrait of a nation wrestling with identity, injustice, and aspiration.

Following Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Henry), Sarah (Lewis), immigrant artist Tateh (Brandon Uranowitz), and a privileged white family led by Mother (Caissie Levy), the show explores the timeless pursuit of the American Dream from multiple vantage points. The parade performance not only energized Broadway fans but also sparked excitement for upcoming shows, as new ticket blocks from January 4 to June 14 go on sale soon.

Broadway’s Ongoing Presence at the Parade

The 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade reaffirmed Broadway’s central role in New York’s cultural landscape. With thousands cheering on 34th Street and millions more streaming and tuning in worldwide, the parade performances served as a joyful celebration of resilience, artistry, and the thrill of live theatre.

FAQ

Q1: Which Broadway shows performed at the 99th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
Buena Vista Social Club and Ragtime both delivered special performances.

Q2: Who led the performances?
Natalie Venetia Belcon led the Buena Vista Social Club cast, while Joshua Henry and Nichelle Lewis led the Ragtime presentation.

Q3: Where are the shows currently playing?
Buena Vista Social Club runs at the Schoenfeld Theatre, and Ragtime plays at the Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Q4: Are tickets available for both shows?
Yes. New ticket blocks for Ragtime will open soon, and Buena Vista Social Club tickets are available via major ticketing platforms.