Afro-Cuban singer and composer Ignacio Villa (known as “Bola de Nieve”) was an international sensation from the ’30s to the ’60s. Recognized for his unique “spoken song” style, he is now the subject of a zesty musical by Cuban playwright Héctor Quintero. Bola: Cuba’s King of Song, highlights important moments in the private and professional life of the artist through his own captivating songs and those of other composers from the unforgettable golden age of Latin American popular music.

The musical (in Spanish) is being staged at the GALA Hispanic Theater for Latino Performing Arts in Washington DC from June 3-27. The play is directed by Hugo Medrano, GALA’s founder and artistic Director.

Bola de Nieve was born Ignacio Jacinto Villa in Guanabacoa, Cuba on September 11, 1911. He was a successful Cuban singer-pianist and songwriter, whose round face earned him the nickname “Bola de Nieve.” Bola studied at the Mateu Conservatory of Havana, was a chauffeur, and played piano for silent films. In the early 1930s, he began to accompany his friend the actress and singer Rita Montaner on her tours. After Montaner returned to Cuba, Bola remained in Mexico, developed an original performance style as a pianist and singer, and performed on some of the most popular Mexican stages. He became known for his ironic patter, subtle musical interpretation, and a repertoire that included songs in French, English, Catalan, Portuguese and Italian. While in Mexico, Bola also began to accompany acclaimed Cuban composer Ernesto Lecuona and later joined him in Cuba performing on stage and radio. With Lecuona and as a solo artist, Bola toured widely to Buenos Aires, Paris, Madrid, Caracas, and New York. His concert in Philadelphia was so well received that he performed nine encores. Bola also appeared in two Argentine films. In 1949, Bola returned to Cuba and began playing at the Tropicana cabaret. Later during the 1960s, he appeared at the renowned “Monsegnor” restaurant in Havana. He died in Mexico on October 2, 1971, en route to Lima to attend a tribute to him by Chabuca Granda, the famous Peruvian singer and songwriter.

El Bola will feature guest artists Enrique Divine and Marcelino Valdés from Miami. Mr. Divine, originally from Venezuela, appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar in Caracas, in Cronicas desquiciadas in Miami, and in the popular telenovela Dáme chocolate on Telemundo and numerous other television presentations. Mr. Valdés, who was born in Havana, is of the renowned Cuban musical family of the celebrated Vicentico Valdés. He has performed in Miami, with the musical group La Dada, and at the Apollo Theater in New York.

For more information go to http://www.galatheatre.org/galita.php?cmd=loadEvent&id=51