Iván Macías and Félix Amador, known for hit musicals in Madrid, launch an international platform to bring Spanish productions to Broadway. Their new project, ‘Carmen, a New York Story’, reimagines a classic for global audiences.
Spanish musical theatre is preparing for a new leap as Iván Macías and Félix Amador, the creative duo behind several major productions on Madrid’s Gran Vía, set their sights on Broadway. Their latest initiative, Impulse Scena, is designed to bridge the gap between European and American musical theatre, starting with a contemporary reworking of the classic ‘Carmen, a New York Story’.
Originating from the Liceo Municipal de la Música de Moguer in Huelva, Macías and Amador have spent over a decade building a reputation for ambitious, export-ready musicals. Their partnership began with ‘Germinal’ in 2015 and has since produced titles like ‘El médico’, ‘La historia interminable’, ‘El tiempo entre costuras’, and ‘Los pilares de la tierra’, all of which have drawn large audiences in Madrid. Now, with four major productions behind them, they are moving to establish a stable creative channel with Broadway, aiming to prove that Spanish-originated works can compete internationally.
Impulse Scena’s first major project, ‘Carmen, a New York Story’, reimagines Prosper Mérimée’s iconic character in a modern context. The story is relocated to New York, where Carmen is portrayed as a Hispanic woman navigating the challenges of immigration and organized crime. The musical score retains Spanish roots but is transformed through contemporary American influences, reflecting the cultural diversity of its new setting. The production is scheduled to premiere in October in Brno, Czech Republic, before moving to New York for further development with American producers and creative teams.
Macías and Amador emphasize that their goal is not just to reach Broadway, but to demonstrate that high-quality musicals can be created in Spain and successfully exported. They highlight the advantages of European production costs and the global appeal of universal themes in their works. Amador notes that their stories are crafted to resonate with audiences worldwide, not just in Spain, and that emerging Asian markets are also a target for future premieres.
Their international ambitions are supported by Brendan Walsh, a New York-based theatre producer, who will act as a strategic partner for Impulse Scena in the United States. This collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for Spanish musicals in the American market, where the industry’s scale and structure offer both challenges and potential rewards.
One of the pivotal moments in their careers came when they secured the rights to adapt ‘El médico’, the renowned novel by Noah Gordon. Initially rejected by the author’s family, they eventually gained approval after presenting a musical prologue that convinced Gordon of their vision. The resulting production has achieved nearly a thousand performances and international recognition, reinforcing the export potential of Spanish musical theatre.
While developing ‘Carmen, a New York Story’, Macías is also working on ‘Patria’, a stage adaptation of Fernando Aramburu’s novel. He describes a different approach to music in this project, aiming to convey emotions not expressed in the text, without imposing ideological positions.
Despite their achievements, both creators insist that their journey is far from over. Macías, now based in Madrid but often returning to Moguer, stresses the importance of persistence and continuous learning. Amador, who still lives most of the year in Moguer, values the creative inspiration drawn from his hometown’s artistic heritage.
Their working process is described as intense and sometimes contentious, with frequent debates and differing perspectives. However, they agree that these creative tensions ultimately strengthen the final product. Macías recalls being asked in New York why he continues to collaborate with Amador, to which he replied that reliability and humility are key factors in their partnership.
The Spanish musical scene has seen significant developments in recent years, with more productions reaching international stages. The passing of influential figures, such as Ángel Alonso, founder of Sala Villarroel in Barcelona, has also marked a period of transition and reflection for the industry. For more on the impact of such figures, see this overview of Barcelona’s theatre legacy: Barcelona’s theatre community mourns a visionary founder.
Spain’s growing presence in global musical theatre is supported by a combination of creative ambition, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to adapt classic stories for new audiences. As Macías and Amador prepare for the international launch of ‘Carmen, a New York Story’, their efforts highlight the evolving role of Spanish productions on the world stage.
For context, Spain’s musical theatre sector has expanded rapidly over the past decade, with Madrid’s Gran Vía becoming a hub for both domestic and international premieres. The country’s lower production costs and strong pool of creative talent have made it an attractive base for new works. As Spanish teams increasingly collaborate with international partners, the potential for further exports and cross-cultural projects continues to grow, positioning Spain as a rising force in the global musical theatre landscape.
