The Rhythm is Gonna Get You at On Your Feet

“On Your Feet! The Emilio and Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical,” the new musical now playing at The Pantages, follows the lives and careers of Gloria And Emilio Estefan. In addition to including 26 ballads and upbeat high energy dance numbers, the musical follows the Estefan’s journey from beginning a new life in America as Cuban immigrants, meeting and falling in love, fighting with musical executives to cross over to the English language market and the 1990 tour bus crash that left Gloria severely injured.

Christine Prades (Gloria) and Mauricio Martinez (Emilio) shine as leads with Nancy Ticotin (Gloria Fajardo) and Debra Cardona (Consuela) filling the roles of Gloria’s hesitant mother and supportive grandmother.

Alexander Dinelaris’ book creates some comedy and drama, as well as few lines of commentary on currently relatable immigration issues, in between the many dance numbers. Ticotin also has a nice Havana nightclub scene and later a moving duet with the handsome Martinez that showcases her standout singing.

Our audience at press night was dancing in the aisles to “Get On Your Feet,” “Conga,” and “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” crying during “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “Anything for You” and cheering for “Coming out of the Dark.” An added plus was that many musicians in the band are members of the Miami Sound Machine.

When the real Gloria and Emilio Estefan came onstage during curtain calls, everyone was on their feet.

“On Your Feet!” is playing at The Pantages Theatre through July 29. For tickets, visit www.hollywoodpantages.com.

Photos courtesy of The Pantages, Matt Murphy and Chelsea Lauren.