On Your Feet: Gloria Estefan’s feel good music with a timely message
Grab your spot in the conga line. On Your Feet, the Emilio and Gloria Estefan musical is a highly energetic performance with an timely message.
The infectious rhythms of Gloria Estefan’s music are known around the world. The blend of Latin beats with catchy lyrics have made many of her songs stand the test of time. But, in today’s polarizing climate, her and her husband’s immigrant story adds a new perspective to those songs that many people have loved for years. In the musical, On Your Feet, the Emilio and Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical, the poignancy and sentimentality is just as strong as the conga beat.
After a very successful Broadway run, On Your Feet has started a national tour. This musical features many of Gloria Estefan’s well known hits. Considered a jukebox musical, theater audiences enjoy these types of musicals because the songs are already familiar. While it isn’t exactly a concert, the recognizable songs attract some non-traditional theater goes. But laced in between those hits is an emotional story of love, determination and reconnection.
Having attended the opening night performance of On Your Feet at Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, I was ready for a feel good experience. I dare you to not to tap your toes, clap or just smile when these infectious beats take over the theater. While I knew this musical would be entertaining, especially since we all could use a little fun in the world, I was more touched by the underlying messages in the production. Most notably, the Emilio and Gloria Estefan story is an immigrant success story.
Adriel Flete and Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan, ON YOUR FEET! © Matthew Murphy, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
Emilio Estefan, played by Mauricio Martinez, is the emotional base of the show. Martinez’s portrayal has the perfect balance of machismo and vulnerability. One moment you are drawn to his charismatic bravado, then you are stunned by his openness, and lastly you are cheering for his determination. While that scenario may seem like an emotional roller coaster, all the components draw the audience into his story. While Gloria Estefan may be the famous face, Emilio was, and is, the driving force.
Mauricio Martinez as Emilio Estefan and Christie Prades as Gloria Estefan and Company,
ON YOUR FEET! © Matthew Murphy, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
During the opening night performance, the most resounding applause came in the first act. It wasn’t for a musical number or a perfectly timed joke. Instead, it was a reference to Estefan’s determination to fight for success as an American immigrant. The line was quick, but extremely forceful. In today’s difficult political landscape, the brief scene has even more meaning. The audience’s reaction was more than just support for a well delivered line. It was acknowledgment and support of an American ideal.
Of course, On Your Feet wouldn’t be a musical without Gloria. Christie Prades does a commendable job portraying the famous singer. While not specifically mimicking the real life Gloria, her singing and depiction of the famous singer is enjoyable. The concert scenes show her command of the stage. She shines in the scenes with Martinez, offering the balance to his brashness. From tender moments to feisty exchanges, their dynamic is paramount to the musical’s success.
While parts of the Estefans’ story are well known, like the tragic bus crash, some aspects of their lives aren’t public. Gloria’s estranged relationship with her mother and her father’s illness show that a superstar’s life is full of tough reality. While she may be bringing joy and happiness to others through her stage performance, the performer is a real person, with real issues.
Company of the National Tour, ON YOUR FEET! © Matthew Murphy, photo provided by Dr. Phillips Center
Even with the substantial underlying themes, On Your Feet is a fun evening of theater. By the end of the show, everyone is literally on their feet clapping and dancing. For a couple hours, the musical offers a little bit of hope and even escapism. Maybe a little happiness and laughter can make a huge difference in everyone’s lives.
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On Your Feet is on a national tour throughout the United State. It is currently playing Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando through the weekend.
Time to put on your party shoes and get moving. On Your Feet is a highly energetic musical with an emotional heart. Don’t be surprised if you want to conga your way home.