Show History

History

Inspiration

4 Guys Named José... and una Mujer Named María (hereafter referred to as 4 Guys Named José) was conceived by David Coffman and Dolores Prida, with a book written by Dolores Prida and musical arrangements by Oscar Hernandez.  All of the music used comes from previously written Latin songs, covering standards like "La Bamba," "Guantanamera," "I Like It Like That" and "Bang Bang / Oye Como Va."

Prida and original director, Susana Tubert, write that the musical "grew out of a timely desire to celebrate through song and dance the diversities and commonalities of four cultural heritages in the U.S. – the Cuban, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Mexican."  The titular characters had met by chance in Nebraska and constantly meet to sing the golden oldies of Latin music.  María becomes the catalyst in the equation, as the four friends begin to turn on each other to grab her attention.

Productions

4 Guys Named José opened Off-Broadway at the John Houseman Theater on April 21, 2000.  The production was produced by Grammy-winning artist, Enrique Iglesias, and moved to the Blue Angel Theater on September 21, to play until March 4, 2001.  Shortly after closing in New York, a regional production opened at the Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables, Florida, to sold-out houses.

Cultural Influence

  • 4 Guys Named José was one of the first musicals to feature an entirely Latin American cast, inspiring such popular shows as In the Heights.

Trivia

  • The original Off-Broadway production of 4 Guys Named José was nominated for two Lucille Lortel Awards in 2001, including Outstanding Choreographer.