On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan
Why Watch On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan
Directed by Tony award winner Jerry Mitchell, On Your Feet! is a heartwarming story about two individuals who believed in themselves, their abilities, and each other. It was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Choreography and has seen wildly successful runs in Chicago and Broadway, and will make its West End debut in 2019. Mitchell is a genius when it comes to portraying raw emotion on stage, and the entire musical is a testament to his ability. Based on the real-life story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, the musical has gained international recognition for its spirited and rousing narrative. It follows the struggles and rise of the couple to become one of the most famous and popular singers of their generation.
The Story
The story begins with a young Gloria, as she and her family move to Miami after the Cuban revolution. A budding musician, she strums her guitar and sings a few of her own compositions, while listening to encouragements from her father, who is fighting the war in Vietnam. When her father, returns from the war, he develops multiple sclerosis. Gloria’s mother, however, is less approving of Gloria’s ambitions, partly stemming due to envy, since her father had squashed her dreams of becoming a singer.
Emilio Estefan, already a well-established singer by this time, comes in search of Gloria after hearing about her talent. She auditions for his band and amazes them with her vocal ability. With Gloria on board, the group quickly rises the ranks and becomes one of the most popular bands in the Latin market. The two of them decide to promote the songs themselves, after being dismissed by a record executive for attempting to record in English. In the first half, the struggle behind the release of their first massive hit, “Conga,” takes centre stage. They slowly grow closer and go through numerous other trials such as the bus accident that nearly left Gloria paralysed, to eventually becoming a household name in the 80s and 90s.
Good for
Family audiences | Kids | Date night
Critics Reviews
“You don’t need to have grown up dancing to “Conga” or “Turn the Beat Around” to enjoy this good-spirited and vibrant musical..”
– Hollywood Reporter
“As “On Your Feet!” finishes with a glittery full-cast “Mega Mix” reprise of hits, you will find yourself, yes, on your feet. That the rhythm IS gonna get you is inevitable — and any resistance is futile.”
– The Oakland Press
Please note that the reviews are for an earlier production of the same musical.