According to the New York Times, members of a Cuban troupe plan to seek political asylum in the United States. The Cuban performers came to the Stardust Resort and Casino, in Las Vegas, where their “Havana Night Club” revue is booked for a three-month run. However, when the show is completed, many of the members, including 44 dancers, singers and musicians, have no intention of returning to Cuba.

Cast members were allowed to leave Cuba despite previous orders not to apply for U.S. entry visas “because the issue had received widespread attention in the United States and because the Castro government did not want to be seen as impeding the flow of culture,” said cast members.

In addition, organizers of the show said several influential people were instrumental in getting permission for the cast members including the actor, Kevin Costner, Siegfried & Roy, and Pamela Falk, a law professor at the City University of New York. Members of the “Havana Night Club” revue who intend to seek political asylum claim they fear for the safety of family members residing in Cuba.