Estefan Mother-Daughter Duo Premieres 'Basura' Musical in Atlanta

New show celebrates the true story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra and the transformative power of art.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:12pm

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An abstract close-up photograph of shimmering, crumpled gold and silver sequins under dramatic studio lighting, conveying the luxurious and celebratory atmosphere of a theatrical premiere.The world premiere of 'Basura' promises to bring the glitz and energy of a Broadway musical to the stage, celebrating the power of art to transform lives.Atlanta Today

The world premiere of the new musical 'Basura' is set to take the stage at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. Inspired by the real-life story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, the production follows a dedicated music teacher who empowers his students to find their voices despite adversity. The cast features a blend of seasoned performers and emerging talent, with music supervision by Alex Lacamoire and scenic design by David Korins. Notably, the score is composed by music icons Gloria and Emily Estefan, marking Gloria's first original stage musical.

Why it matters

The story of 'Basura' celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art, even in the face of limited resources. By showcasing the true story of the Recycled Orchestra, the musical aims to inspire audiences and highlight the value of creativity in uplifting communities. The choice of Atlanta as the premiere location further emphasizes the production's themes of cultural richness and diversity.

The details

The musical 'Basura' follows the story of a dedicated music teacher who empowers his students in Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra to find their voices and create music from found objects. The production features a talented cast led by Jaci Calderon as Nambi, alongside Dario Alvarez, Zack Calderon, and other emerging performers. The creative team behind the scenes includes music supervision by Alex Lacamoire, scenic design by David Korins, and the original score composed by the mother-daughter duo of Gloria and Emily Estefan.

  • The world premiere of 'Basura' is set to take place at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The production is scheduled to open on April 25, 2026.

The players

Gloria Estefan

A renowned singer-songwriter and musician who has composed the original score for the 'Basura' musical, marking her first foray into creating an original stage production.

Emily Estefan

The daughter of Gloria Estefan, who has collaborated with her mother on the music for the 'Basura' musical, bringing their shared musical talents to the production.

Jaci Calderon

The lead actress portraying the role of Nambi in the 'Basura' musical.

Michael Greif

The director of the 'Basura' musical, known for his keen eye in discovering and nurturing new talent.

Mandy Gonzalez

A seasoned Broadway performer who is bringing her expertise to the 'Basura' production, lending her experience to the cast and creative team.

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What they’re saying

“This story of resilience and the transformative power of art is exactly the kind of uplifting and inspiring tale that audiences need right now.”

— Michael Greif, Director

“Collaborating with my daughter on the music for 'Basura' has been a true labor of love. We hope to capture the spirit of the Recycled Orchestra and share their message of hope with the world.”

— Gloria Estefan

What’s next

The world premiere of 'Basura' at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta is scheduled for April 25, 2026, with a limited run through May 18, 2026. Tickets are expected to go on sale to the general public on March 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The 'Basura' musical is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of art, even in the face of adversity. By showcasing the true story of Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, the production aims to inspire audiences and highlight the value of creativity in uplifting communities.