Displaying items by tag: Gloria Estefan

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is now playing for a strictly limited engagement at the CIBC Theatre through Sunday, March 24, 2024. Ticket prices range from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. This inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—has already won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

Gaby Albo and Samuel Garnica will lead the cast as Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Albo and Garnica starred in the critically acclaimed world premiere of ON YOUR FEET! in Spanish at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, where both earned rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. Mexican actor Gaby Albo made her stage debut in A Chorus Line in Mexico, followed by other iconic shows such as Aladdin, Cats, Mentiras and the North American tour of West Side Story. She is a graduate of AMDA NY where she was featured in their Broadway's Rising Stars showcase. In 2017, she was a semifinalist on The Voice TV competition in Mexico. Venezuelan actor Samuel Garnica's credits include El Laurel de Apolo and La Canción (Repertorio Español, New York), The Tempest (R.Evolucion Latina), Matilda (Salgado Productions), Love and Yogurt (New York Theater Barn) The Dropout, and more. He has been the voice for Boost Mobile, Papa John's, Publix, Pepsi, and Nivea Men among others. His awards include the 2017 ATI award for best supporting actor for his work on Así Que Pasen 5 Años, and the 2019 award for best actor at the Fuerza Fest for his work on La Llamada de Lauren.

"We are deeply honored to have Gaby Albo and Samuel Garnica leading the cast of this newest version of ON YOUR FEET!," said Gloria and Emilio Estefan. "Having seen both of these talented young performers in the show, we are confident that they will dazzle and delight audiences across the country. Gaby throws herself into the music and dancing with such fervor, and Samuel couldn't be more charming. They represent the heart and soul of our story, and audiences will surely feel their authenticity. We can't wait to see them on stage again!"

ON YOUR FEET! also stars Kristen Tarragó as Gloria Fajardo, Max Cervantes as José Fajardo, Adela Romero as Consuelo, Emma Heistand as Rebecca, Sophia Yacap as Young Gloria, and Javier Iván as Young Emilio and Nayib. The ensemble of ON YOUR FEET! includes Camila Aldet, Berny Balbuena, Miguel Flores, Madelin Marchant, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Luis Obed, Ralphie Rivera De Jesús, Khi'Shawn Robinson, Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, and Zaiedd Vélez. The swings include Brian Márquez, Matt Rivera and Maya Santiago.

"The representation in our cast is truly a rainbow of possibilities. We mean it when we say, 'This is what an American looks like.' My heart is pumping with excitement that we are bringing this talented group of people across the United States," Salgado added.

"RESIST IF YOU DARE!... The very air in the room seems to vibrate in this undeniably crowd-pleasing musical!"

– The New York Times

The ON YOUR FEET! band, led by Music Director Daniel Gutierrez (also on keyboard), features Jaime Ibacache Palma (guitar), Colin Taylor (drums), Danny Santiago (bass), Will Richards (percussion), Pedro Carrero (trombone) and Roger Torres (trumpet). This world class group of musicians includes GRAMMY winners and nominees, multi-instrumentalists, and artists who have performed with pop and rock legends.

"We're bringing a multicultural group of people to our new national tour. I'm proud of this cast and of the musicians who are joining us from around the world: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Mexico and everywhere in between. We are so proud of this dynamic company," said Luis Salgado.

"SMART, SOPHISTICATED & SPECTACULAR!"

– Time Out Chicago

ON YOUR FEET!, the exhilarating original musical based on the extraordinary life of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, features a book by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Alexander Dinelaris and a score featuring music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. The score is made up of some of the most loved and iconic songs of the past quarter-century including "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Conga," "Get On Your Feet," "Don't Want To Lose You Now," "1-2-3" and "Coming Out of the Dark." Having begun in Chicago in the summer of 2015, ON YOUR FEET! made its Broadway bow that November, played for two years, and received seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, three Drama League Award nominations and a Tony Award® nomination for Best Choreography.

"ON YOUR FEET! IS A RARE SHOW THAT EARNS ITS EXCLAMATION MARK."

– New York Post

The creative team will include Scenic Design by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design by Ryan J. O'Gara, Costume Design by Jeannette Christensen, Video Design by Patrick W. Lord, Sound Design by Diego Garzón, Casting by Kate Lumpkin Casting, Music Direction by Daniel Alejandro Gutierrez, Musical Supervision by Clay Ostwald, Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Arrangements by Lon Hoyt, Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jorge Casas, Clay Ostwald, and Oscar Hernández. 

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is produced by GFour Productions, Evan Bernardin Productions, Salgado Productions, Midnight Theatricals, Jeremiah J. Harris & Alexander Donnelly, Ordinary Magic, Marc David Levine, Sam & Rob Sutton and GRP Entertainment. It is produced through a special license from Theatrical Rights Worldwide, and represented by Columbia Artists Theatricals. This exciting new production is directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, who performed in the original Broadway production of ON YOUR FEET! and was the Assistant Latin Choreographer of In the Heights on Broadway, which won four Tony Awards®. In May 2022, Salgado directed and choreographed the world premiere of ON YOUR FEET! in Spanish at GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington D.C. which The Washington Post praised production as "boisterous... and dreamlike." 

Originally produced by James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc., Bernie Yuman, Roy Furman, Terry Allan Kramer, Catherine Adler, Caiola Productions, Reg Grove, IPN/Albert Nocciolino, Stewart F. Lane/Bonner Comley, Pittsburgh CLO, Eva Price, Iris Smith, Broadway Across America, Larry Hischhorn/Double Gemini Productions, Marc David Levine/Burnt Umber Productions, Stella La Rue/Lawrence S. Toppall.

For more information, visit OnYourFeetMusical.com or FACEBOOK, or INSTAGRAM, OR TIKTOK, OR X, OR THREADS @OnYourFeetBway

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances will be on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 pm (with a matinee on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 pm), and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (with a matinee on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm and Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 pm).

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for ON YOUR FEET! are now on sale and range from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

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For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

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Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that tickets for the brand new production of the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN, directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado will go on sale on Friday, January 19, 2024. Ticket prices will range from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. This inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—has already won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The strictly limited engagement of ON YOUR FEET! will play the CIBC Theatre from Tuesday, March 19 to Sunday, March 24, 2024. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is produced by GFour Productions, Evan Bernardin Productions, Salgado Productions, Midnight Theatricals, Jeremiah J. Harris & Alexander Donnelly, Ordinary Magic, Marc David Levine, Sam & Rob Sutton and GRP Entertainment. It is produced through a special license from Theatrical Rights Worldwide, and represented by Columbia Artists Theatricals. This exciting new production is directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, who performed in the original Broadway production of ON YOUR FEET! and was the Assistant Latin Choreographer of In the Heights on Broadway, which won four Tony Awards®. In May 2022, Salgado directed and choreographed the world premiere of ON YOUR FEET! in Spanish at GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington D.C. which The Washington Post praised production as "boisterous .. and dreamlike." 

"We are absolutely thrilled that our musical will once again be shared with audiences across the United States in this brand-new production of ON YOUR FEET! led by Luis Salgado," Gloria and Emilio Estefan said about today's announcement. "We've had tremendous fun sharing our story on the stage since our show first hit Broadway in 2015 and it is our hope that we can continue to inspire and uplift people with its celebratory message, especially at a time when we all need it so much."

Salgado said, "This story exemplifies the American Dream through the eyes and work ethic of Cuban immigrants. The Estefans have given us permission to dare to dream bigger. They allowed their truth to resonate through their music, penetrating all of us, whether you're Latine or not. This joy is a gift we want to give to our audiences."

"We are passionate about opening the door of representation on this tour and nurturing a diverse family both backstage and on stage, with creative team members who are joining us from around the world," he added. Several creative team members from the Washington D.C. production will join the national tour.

Joining the previously announced Gaby Albo as Gloria Estefan and Samuel Garnica as Emilio Estefan will be Kristen Tarragó as Gloria Fajardo, Max Cervantes as José Fajardo, Adela Romero as Consuelo, Emma Heistand as Rebecca, Sophia Yacap as Young Gloria, and Javier Iván as Young Emilio and Nayib. The ensemble of ON YOUR FEET! includes Camila Aldet, Berny Balbuena, Miguel Flores, Madelin Marchant, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Luis Obed, Ralphie Rivera De Jesús, Khi'Shawn Robinson, Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, and Zaiedd Vélez. The swings include Brian Márquez, Matt Rivera and Maya Santiago.

The creative team will include Scenic Design by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design by Ryan J. O'Gara, Costume Design by Jeannette Christensen, Video Design by Patrick W. Lord, Sound Design by Diego Garzón, Casting by Kate Lumpkin Casting, Music Direction by Daniel Alejandro Gutierrez, Musical Supervision by Clay Ostwald, Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Arrangements by Lon Hoyt, Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jorge Casas, Clay Ostwald, and Oscar Hernández. 

ON YOUR FEET!, the exhilarating original musical based on the extraordinary life of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, features a book by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Alexander Dinelaris and a score featuring music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. The score is made up of some of the most loved and iconic songs of the past quarter-century including "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Conga," "Get On Your Feet," "Don't Want To Lose You Now," "1-2-3" and "Coming Out of the Dark." Having begun in Chicago in the summer of 2015, ON YOUR FEET! made its Broadway bow that November, played for two years, and received seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, three Drama League Award nominations and a Tony Award® nomination for Best Choreography.

Originally produced by James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc., Bernie Yuman, Roy Furman, Terry Allan Kramer, Catherine Adler, Caiola Productions, Reg Grove, IPN/Albert Nocciolino, Stewart F. Lane/Bonner Comley, Pittsburgh CLO, Eva Price, Iris Smith, Broadway Across America, Larry Hischhorn/Double Gemini Productions, Marc David Levine/Burnt Umber Productions, Stella La Rue/Lawrence S. Toppall.

For more information, visit OnYourFeetMusical.com or FACEBOOK, or INSTAGRAM, OR TIKTOK, OR X, OR THREADS @OnYourFeetBway

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances will be on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 pm (with a matinee on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 pm), and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (with a matinee on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm and Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 pm).

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for ON YOUR FEET! will go on sale tomorrow and range in price from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

On Your Feet! is the compelling rags to riches tale of Emilio Estefan and Gloria Fajardo Estefan’s odyssey - from dreaming Cuban immigrants, to stars who brought a fresh Latin flavor to the American song book.

It’s also a love story, and a musical journey. It wasn’t painless, either. And the story line – they flee the island as the Communists rise to power, they fight against great resistance by recording studios to allow them to cross over to general audiences - provides sufficient grist for a dramatic mill that makes this much more than a juke box musical.

The Estefans’ music, popularized through their band, the Miami Sound Machine, in the 1980’s, may be less a fixture of our contemporary music scene – Shakira, from Columbia, is now better known as a Latin music star and alone has sold more albums than Gloria. But without question the Estefans’ songs are embedded in our collective culture.

At first, producers refused to release their music outside the traditional Latin markets, thinking it couldn't sell to "ordinary" Americans. In the show, Emilio goes nose to nose with the record label executive, telling him, “This is the face of an American!”, a line that won healthy applause from the Cadillac Theatre audience.

The Estafans resorted to guerrilla marketing, bringing records directly to dance clubs and pop stations, and performing for free at bar mitzvas and a Shriners convention. The strategy worked, launching the 1985 hit, “Conga,” to the top of the charts While nowadays YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook would do the trick.

To tell their story, the two developed On Your Feet! With its creative team and the rich vein of Gloria Estefan’s music, On Your Feet! made for a likely slam dunk, and indeed it is. The road show is directed by Jerry Mitchell – he won a Tony for Kinky Boots - with choreography by Sergio Trujillo (you saw his work in Jersey Boys). And the book is Alexander Dinelaris, who received an Academy Award for the movie Birdman (about a Broadway play, by the way).

Excitement comes from the moment the curtain rises on the big orchestra, which plays from back stage. The scene soon moves to Miami’s Little Havana, where the dutiful young Gloria Estefan is doing laundry, and singing traditional songs. In fact, the varieties of music - from renditions of street songs, to a fully orchestrated and choreographed night club act from pre-revolution Havana (starring Gloria’s mother, played with panache by Nancy Triotin - shades of Chita Rivera!) - enrich this show musically.

The quality and precision of the choreography is also worth noting. These highly expressive yet disciplined dancers are among the best I have seen in any musical, anywhere.

In addition to featuring the best-of songs (“Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the Dark”) the Estefan’s added some new transitional pieces for the show. Some familiar greats, such as “Words Get In the Way,” aren’t included in the show.

The drama crescendos when a severe bus accident nearly paralyzes Gloria, and her struggle to recover. In a fresh approach, Emilio (Mauricio Martinez) solos on, “I Don’t Want to Lose You Now,” one of Gloria’s most beautiful singles. It is a real showcase for Martinez, Mexico’s telenovela heart throb, who commands the stage and dominates his scenes. It also turns out he can dance really well.

While Gloria Estefan’s lovely contralto can’t be matched, she is said to have hand selected Christie Prades to play her character for this road show. Prades delivers a great performance both in song and dance, and she is a good actress to boot.

On Your Feet! originated here in Chicago in 2015 before making its celebrated Broadway run, and then returning to a road tour across the country and around the world. (It opened again in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on March 23 and runs through April 8.)

Aptly named, “On Your Feet!” is on its way to Broadway and officially launched their World Premier right here in Chicago at the Oriental Theater. The show tells the story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan through music and dance, laughter and tears. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this show it is hard to figure out where to start!

Written by Alexander Dinelaris (most recent credits include the screenplay for the Oscar winning “Birdman”), the story moves fast, initiated as a flashback from the tragic tour bus accident that landed Gloria in the hospital with a spinal cord injury. We are introduced to a young Gloria, played by the Alexandria Suarez, on laundry day in Miami. In a flurry of dancing, singing and swirling pastel sheets, Glorita grows from a young girl to a teenage Gloria, played by Ana Villafane, who wows us with a powerhouse voice that will blow you away.

My favorite character of the show is Consuelo, Gloria’s spunky grandmother played by Alma Cuervo. She is the catalyst that brings Emilio and Gloria together, supports her shy granddaughter to follow her dreams, and delights the audience with her quirky one-liners - my favorite being “terrible shorts, great culo!” after our first introduction to a young, short-short wearing Emilio, played by the handsome Josh Seggara.

Hit after musical hit carries us through the first act as we watch Gloria break out of her shell and take the spotlight while her and Emilio quietly fall in love. As their lives move forward, we learn more about her father’s time in the Cuban police force and then the American military and her mother’s lost dream of singing.  The entire story is supported by energetic dancing, effortlessly changing set design and costumes that transport you from Cuba to Vietnam to Miami.

While first act ends on a high note as Gloria successfully crosses over into the English speaking market with a performance of “Conga” that gets everyone in the theater dancing, the second act deals with more serious challenges as the relationship between Gloria and her mother is broken and rebuilt, and the family deals with the aftermath of the horrific bus accident.  In scenes that will bring tears to your eyes, we learn more about Emilio’s escape from Cuba and say goodbye to family members who have passed and witness Gloria’s triumphant rise back to stardom.

Villafane and Seggara are fantastic as Gloria and Emilio. Villafane’s incredible singing and dancing makes you believe it was actually Gloria Estefan you are watching. Seggara is spot on in his acting and his lovable Cuban accent, which makes up for his singing that is not his strongest asset.  The use of projected images and sets that slide on and off the stage with ease, created a wonderful backdrop for spot on dancing by a core ensemble. The choreography, by Sergio Trujillo, was rooted in Latin dance, with impressive moves that were performed completed in sync with style and flair.

Overall, I can whole-heartedly recommend this show to anyone looking for an exciting, fast paced show that will have you dancing in your seat and on your feet! The show is running at the Oriental Theater through July 5^th so grab your tickets soon – you will not want to miss this!