The musical project
Panama will host the world premiere of 'Santa Rosa: The Musical', a production dedicated to Puerto Rican singer Gilberto Santa Rosa, scheduled for the second half of 2027 at the Teatro Pacific. Written and directed by Benjamín Cohen, the musical will bring together more than 60 performers from Panama and Puerto Rico and will follow its international tour to Puerto Rico, the United States, and other Latin American countries from 2028.
The creative team
The piece will be staged by Benjamín Cohen, who has brought artists such as Rabanes, Pedrito Altamiranda, and Erika Ender to life in previous productions titled 'Rabanes: The Musical', 'Pedrito Altamiranda: The Musical', and 'Erika Ender: The Musical'. Cohen has turned the Teatro Pacific into the home of several of his major theatrical productions, and his international experience includes work as a writer and screenwriter for series and telenovelas in Spain and Mexico. The show will feature more than 60 artists, including actors, singers, dancers, and musicians from both countries.
Upcoming international performances
After its premiere in Panama, the musical is set to continue its international tour with performances in Puerto Rico and the United States, as well as other Latin American dates from mid-2028. For Cohen, this project marks a new chapter in his career as a creator of original Latin musical productions, solidifying his reputation in both theater and television.
Gilberto Santa Rosa’s legacy
The show chronicles the life and career of the so-called Gentleman of Salsa, combining music, acting, dance, and a large-scale stage presentation that aims to bring Santa Rosa’s story to the world and highlight his influence on Latin music.
