THE THREE KINGS & THEIR QUEENS

Step back into the golden era of Latin music with The Three Kings and Their Queens, a theatrical musical concert that transports audiences to the legendary Palladium, the “Home of the Mambo.” The show takes you back to New York City in the 1950s to the city’s most iconic nightclub, where people from all economic and social backgrounds—working class, middle class, and high society—gathered to dance the night away.

In an era when divisions in society were prevalent, the Palladium offered unity on the dance floor. It was one of the few places where differences in race and class were set aside in the name of music and dance. Hollywood stars, gangsters, judges, and everyday New Yorkers all shared the same floor. The only rule? "Can you dance?"

With invaluable guidance from Latin music historian and musicologist Joe Conzo Sr., this production honors the icons who helped shape Latin music history: Machito and Graciela, Tito Puente, Tito Rodríguez, Celia Cruz, and La Lupe. Their groundbreaking artistry created a soundtrack for a generation and beyond.

Produced by David Maldonado, whose sold-out November 2024 production of I Like It Like That electrified audiences, The Three Kings and Their Queens brings the same high-caliber artistry and passion to the stage. Expect nothing less than a cultural celebration that will have audiences dancing in their seats.

Featuring a live big band orchestra under the musical direction of Steve Oquendo, and powerhouse vocalists including Frankie Figueroa, internationally acclaimed sonero and former lead vocalist for Tito Puente’s legendary orchestra, this electrifying evening celebrates the rhythms, voices, and revolutionary spirit of Latin music royalty. The story is woven together by the dynamic host and narrator, poet and performer Caridad De La Luz, “La Bruja,” with stage direction by Waddys Jáquez.

CAST

• Frontman of legendary freestyle trio TKA, K7 brings his dynamic showmanship as Latin jazz great Machito.

• Miss Yaya, tropical Latin vocalist, lights up the role of Graciela with powerhouse vocals and vibrant charisma.

• Grammy-winning percussionist and bandleader Bobby Allende embodies “El Rey del Timbal,” the incomparable Tito Puente.

• International singer and actress Anissa Gathers is renowned for her acclaimed role  as Celia Cruz in the Off-Broadway hit Celia: The Musical, praised for channeling “The Queen of Salsa’s” voice and spirit.

• Dynamic performer Grizel “Chachi” Del Valle starred in both the musical concert and Off-Broadway play I Like It Like That, bringing the fire of La Lupe to life.

• Latin Grammy-nominated salsa star Michael Stuart, currently headlining residency at the San Juan Hotel in Puerto Rico, takes center stage as the suave and soulful Tito Rodríguez. Michael also starred in the musical concert I Like it Like That.

Special Guest Vocalist: Frankie Figueroa (former lead vocalist for Tito Puente’s band)