Music | Actress | US Hispanic Market | Entertainment
Carolina Gaitán. Photo: Social Media
- The ‘Encanto (Disney) star headlines a run at Repertorio Español one of New York’s most iconic Latin theaters and a cornerstone of Hispanic performing arts in the United States
- Following successful performances in Bogotá and Miami, the production begins an Off-Broadway run, blending theater, live music, and Latin American rhythms to tell a deeply human story of identity, reinvention, and resilience.
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As millions of visitors arrive in New York to experience the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city is also preparing for one of the season’s most anticipated cultural events: the premiere of *VIDA*. This acclaimed musical monologue stars Colombian actress and singer Carolina Gaitán, internationally recognized for lending her voice to the global phenomenon “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Disney’s *Encanto*.
The production will have a limited Off-Broadway run from June 18 to 21 at Repertorio Español. With a schedule timed to coincide with the arrival of thousands of international visitors, ‘VIDA’ stands out as a premier cultural option for those wishing to experience New York’s artistic diversity beyond the stadiums and sports celebrations. “VIDA is a love letter to everyone who has had to rebuild themselves in order to move forward. New York is the perfect stage to tell this story because it is a city built by dreamers who came here to reinvent themselves,” said Carolina Gaitán.
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THE STORY
The play tells the story of María, a young Colombian singer who transforms her greatest failure into the driving force behind the creation of ‘Vida Santiago’ a diva persona forged from ambition, a quest for recognition, and the desire to find her true voice. Under the direction and dramaturgy of acclaimed Colombian writer Johan Velandia, the production integrates salsa, son, cha-cha-cha, and Latin jazz into an emotional journey that shifts between comedy, melodrama, farce, and tragedy, allowing Gaitán to showcase a wide range of characters and acting styles over the course of 90 minutes.
Opening night on Thursday, June 18, will feature a special reception, a photo opportunity on the red carpet, and a meet-and-greet with guests and the media. Additionally, performances on June 19, 20, and 21 will include exclusive post-show gatherings with Carolina Gaitán, giving the audience a chance to speak with the artist and take photos, while also providing an opportunity for the international press to ask questions.
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Amidst a highly competitive theater landscape and a cultural calendar enriched by the World Cup, the arrival of ‘VIDA’ offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a top tier Latin production starring one of Colombia’s most internationally renowned artists.
Today, Repertorio Español carries on its founders’ legacy, guided by an artistic vision that reflects the diverse Spanish, Latin American, and U.S. Latinx cultures and heritages, while offering high-quality theater to the Latinx community. Monqui Biznes is an NYC-based artistic production company. Founded in 2020 by Jorge Perez and Monica Piñeros who bring over 35 years of combined experience across Colombia and the U.S.the company possesses extensive expertise in theater, live events, television, and film.
MAS+ Theatricals is a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the professional development of immigrant artists in the United States. Founded by Majo Ferrucho, Allysun Mellick, and Sydney Meehan, the organization provides education, resources, and career guidance to help artists build sustainable careers in the performing arts and entertainment industries.
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