"On Your Feet!" chronicles the remarkable, real-life journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, two individuals who wholeheartedly embraced their music, heritage and each other to rise as international sensations. Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine have cemented an enduring cultural legacy, their music continuing to resonate with audiences of all generations, firmly entrenched within the Latin music canon.
Together, the Estefan's have amassed an astounding 26 Grammy Awards, their songs becoming anthems of an era. Gloria Estefan's personal narrative stands as a testament to resilience and bravery, exemplified by her remarkable recovery after a near-fatal bus accident in 1990, her unwavering determination inspiring countless others.
The opening of this musical production at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts couldn't have been more timely, coinciding perfectly with National Hispanic Heritage Month. Beyond delving into the tale of a family with deep Hispanic roots, it's noteworthy that the majority of the cast themselves hail from Hispanic backgrounds, adding an authentic layer to the narrative. The Estefan's success and their prominent roles in the entertainment industry have significantly contributed to better representation of Latinx individuals in mainstream media, helping to dismantle stereotypes and biases.
PLOT
"On Your Feet!" is a dynamic jukebox musical that narrates the genuine and motivating tale of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, two Cuban immigrants who ascend to stardom as international music luminaries. This musical traces their voyage from modest origins in Miami to their ascent as music industry superstars. Along this extraordinary journey, they confront both personal and professional challenges as they endeavor to craft their distinctive fusion of Latin and American pop music. Their narrative is a tribute to their enduring love and resolute spirit in the face of adversity. Infused with a multitude of their chart-topping hits, this high-energy and uplifting production authentically encapsulates the essence of the Estefan's remarkable life and career.
Every major conflict and incident in the show faithfully mirrors the actual events in their family's history.
CAST & PERFORMANCE
Samuel Garnica’s performance as Emilio Estefan was the perfect blend of charm, humor, and singing. Garnica's ability to infuse humor into his performance added a delightful layer to the character, providing moments of levity and relatability that resonated with the viewers. He fit the role brilliantly.
While Gaby Albo is undoubtedly a talented vocalist, I found that her vocal quality didn't quite align with Gloria's distinctive sound. This, in conjunction with the alterations in the musical interpretations of the iconic songs, occasionally disrupted the immersive experience for me. However, it's Albo's acting abilities that truly carried her performance, particularly in those emotionally charged scenes where her talents shone brilliantly. She appeared to embody Gloria's essence and effectively conveyed the profound pain her character endured, evoking a heightened sense of empathy and investment in her success.
Kristen Tarrago truly shone in her portrayal of Gloria Fajardo, Gloria Estefan’s mother. After witnessing her rendition of "Mi Tierra," I couldn't help but consider that she might have been an even better fit for the role of Gloria Estefan instead of Albo. It was during that particular number, along with her impressive duet performance of "If I Never Got to Tell You," an original composition crafted specifically for the musical, that she nearly stole the spotlight. Her stage presence during musical and dance numbers is undeniable.
MUSIC & LYRICS
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine produced numerous chart-topping hits, including "Conga," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "1-2-3," and "Don't Wanna Lose You," all of which are included in this musical.
Although I knew the songs were likely going to be performed in a musical theater style rather than the original pop/Latin style, it was still slightly jarring to listen to a version that was different from the one I had heard on the radio for four decades. I’m not saying it wasn’t good, I’m just saying it’s going to take some getting used to.
Dinelaris, the book writer, skillfully selected songs from the Estefan's existing discography and incorporated them into the show in a way that moved the story along without having to drastically change the lyrics. One example of this is how the song “When Someone Comes into Your Life” from a romantic love song to one a father could have sung to his daughter.
COSTME AND SET DESIGN
So there I was, checking out these costumes, and let me tell you, they transported me straight back to the glorious '80s, oozing that classic Miami Vice vibe. I mean, we're talking pastels and prints that would make a flamingo blush. Did we actually rock those short shorts back in the day? I'm beginning to suspect we might've.
The stage setup for "On Your Feet" came across as quite straightforward. It mainly relied on projections, a digital screen, and a few practical set elements. At times, the simplicity of the design left something to be desired, with certain scenes feeling somewhat shallow and not fully immersive. Yet, there were moments where this minimalist approach was brilliantly leveraged. Notably, during the transition from a young Gloria to her more mature self (you'll catch it when you see it), and in how they handled the (spoiler alert!) tragic bus accident – it was done with taste and managed to be remarkably effective. Considering that this is a nationally touring production, the pragmatic choice of set design works rather well. It doesn't distract from the storyline and serves its purpose adequately, making sure you stay engaged in the narrative.
OVERALL IMPRESSION
Whether you're just a casual fan or a die-hard devotee of the Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan, this musical promises to thoroughly entertain you. If you happen to be an immigrant in the United States, this production will hold particular resonance. It beautifully illustrates how embracing your cultural heritage and weaving it into the tapestry of American life can yield its own brand of enchantment.
In a pivotal moment within "On Your Feet!", Gloria and Emilio find themselves attempting to convince a record label executive to support their transition into the English-speaking music market. The executive responds dismissively, asserting that there's no demand for the Latin rhythms of Miami Sound Machine in the United States and subtly implies that the couple aren’t genuinely American. However, Emilio, visibly angered, delivers the final statement on what it is to BE an American and dispel misconceptions about what one should look like. "You should look very closely at my face. Because whether you know it or not, this is what an American looks like."
In a candid interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Gloria shared, "They kept telling us, 'Your sound won't work, this is not your country, change your name, take out the horns, take out the percussion." The Estefan's demonstrated that it's entirely possible to honor one's cultural roots while being undeniably American. It's a message that we can all embrace, especially in the present times. So, don't miss the chance to experience this show and draw inspiration from the tale of resilience and the pursuit of dreams it weaves.
Take a peek at my exclusive, behind-the-scenes photo gallery including shots of the new Courtyard Café at the theatre here.
LA MIRADA THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
14900 La Mirada Blvd.
La Mirada, CA 90638
DATES
October 7 - October 29
There is no performance on Sunday, June 4 at 6:30 pm.
There will be an Open-Captioned performance on Saturday, October 21 at 2 pm.
Talkbacks with the cast and creative team will be on Thursday, June 8 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, June 22 at 7:30 pm.
TIMES
Thursdays at 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8:00 pm
Saturdays at 2:00 pm & 8 pm
Sundays at 1:30 pm & 6:30 pm
Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
TICKETS
Tickets range from $19 - $85 (Prices subject to change).
Student tickets: $14
Group and military discounts are available.
Children under 3 will not be admitted into the theatre.
Parking is free.
For information and reservations, call 562-944-9801 or 714-994-6310 or visit the theater website at www.LaMiradaTheatre.com.
ABOUT OUR WRITER:
Meet Grace. She’s just your average girl who loves to wear muumuus on her days off, drink ice-cold beers, and questions what she wants to do with her life. She’s also a writer and photographer, born and raised in La Mirada. Yup, she’s a native.
Her life is a constant quest for the imperfect blend of entertainment, creativity, and a well-cooked meal. When Grace isn't busy putting pen to paper, she’s out there road-trippin’ to New Orleans, eating street food in Bangkok, and, of course, checking out the show at the local theater.
As a connoisseur of budget eating and travel, Grace has an uncanny ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. If you’re ever in need of a dose of flavor and a dash of adventure in your life, just follow Grace’s escapades. She’s the person who loves to remind us that life is better with a side of fries and a generous sprinkling of spontaneity!
We are excited to have Grace writing our reviews to help us keep within with our mission of informing the La Mirada community. In addition, Grace has assembled a very extensive online photo gallery, that includes a La Mirada gallery! Many of these photos you have seen on the La Mirada Blog. Check out her La Mirada section under the travel tab and past La Mirada Theatre reviews under the events tab here.
