The musical On Your Feet! tells the inspiring story of the life and music of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The duo, who first met in 1975, were groundbreakers. Despite all the obstacles they faced and the constant “no” they heard at every turn, the couple brought their unique Latin sound to mainstream American radio. They transcended barriers to become a global sensation.
Winners of a combined 26 Grammys, these music titans helped pave the way for countless Latin artists including Jennifer Lopez, Shakira and Ricky Martin to cross over to the pop music charts. And just last month Gloria Estefan became the first Hispanic woman to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
When President Obama honored Gloria and Emilio Estefan with the Presidential Medal of Freedom he said, “Together their fusion sound has sold more than 100 million records. And as proud Cuban Americans they promoted their cultural heritage and inspired fans all over the world.”
On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan features a score filled with their beloved songs like “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 show also has a book by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Alexander Dinelaris.
Playing on Broadway for two years, On Your Feet! received seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, three Drama League Award nominations and a Tony Award nomination for Best Choreography. “It’s the story of two immigrants who came to a new land believing in who they were and staying true to their roots,” says Estefan about On Your Feet!. I think our roots give us strength.”
After a nationwide tour of more than 70 cities, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan will relaunch this fall with stops in new cities across the United States after two sit-down engagements. Directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran, Luis Salgado, On Your Feet! will play at Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine from July 20 to August 19, 2023 and at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada, California, from October 6 to 29, 2023. Salgado also starred in On Your Feet! during its Broadway run.
This version of On Your Feet! offers a fresh, new take with even more Latin flair. The exceptionally diverse cast and creative team hails from more than ten countries. Gaby Albo, who plays Gloria, is Mexican. Samuel Garnica (Emilio) is Venezuelan. Music director Daniel Gutierrez is from Colombia, and Luis Salgado, the director/choreographer, is native of Puerto Rico.
When the show played at Artis–Naples in Naples, Florida Gloria and Emilio Estefan sat in the audience and congratulated the cast, crew and band after. “This amazing group of people are taking [the show] to places that I never imaged would see the show,” Gloria Estefan told the cast. “Every night you give it your all.” She also gave the audience a big shout out. “I really have no words of appreciation for all you,” she told the cheering the crowd. “It’s just never enough.”
Jeryl Brunner: The representation on the On Your Feet! national tour is so vast and diverse. Why was that important and what does this level of diversity add to the story you are telling?
Gloria Estefan: It is incredibly important for us that we have such diversity on stage. While we were on Broadway, we were the first cast to be pretty much 99% Latino. So to have Latinos from all over the world represents so much to us.
As we go through the United States and the world, it’s important that there is something really true about what’s on that stage. We are thrilled that so many people have been able to come to this country to be a part of this show.
Brunner: You and Emilio have an inspiring story of perseverance. Is there something you wish you could tell young artists struggling to get their songs on the air?
Gloria Estefan: It’s really hard to give advice to young artists because everyone has their own way of doing things. But I always say, “look for your passion.” And when you feel strongly about something, it’s very important that you follow through and stay true to who you are.
The reason something is fresh and new is because we bring something else to it from all the different countries in Latin America and even here, in the United States. Make sure that you find your passion. And give it your all. Persevere. Prepare yourself. And don’t listen to anybody who tells you it will never happen, because we didn’t listen to that. We were our own cheerleaders.
Emilio Estefan: The door is open now. Show your talent. You can show the diversity you have at the same time. So much talent comes from different countries, but at the same time we represent a whole community and we’re proud of that.
Brunner: Why is this particular production of On Your Feet! so special?
Gloria Estefan: They’re really trying new things. But the core of the story is the same. The message of hope is the same. Our perseverance—what we went through—is the same. With people telling us “no,” and yet us fighting hard for our sound—for what we believed would be successful in this country and throughout the world—still rings true.
At the core of the show are these incredible artists who are up on stage every night giving it their all. It’s the story of two immigrants who came to a new land believing in who they were and staying true to their roots. I think our roots give us strength.
Emilio Estefan: What you are going to see is an example of the future. It’s about unity. Unity is such an important thing in the world to have.
Brunner: Do you remember when you first saw Gaby Albo (Gloria) and Samuel Garnica (Emilio) perform in the show?
Gloria Estefan: The first time I saw Gabby and Samuel was in Washington. It was the very first time On Your Feet! was performed in Spanish. The show was in a 200 seat theater. So small. So intimate. So bare. And we were blown away by their performances. And it is a particular happiness to me that they be the ones that take this story on this regional tour in the United States and probably throughout the world. Because I know there’s already interest in inviting them to different countries.
They really embody this dream because both of them are young artists who hope to make a living at what they love to do. They come from very different countries in Latino America. And I love the fact that they’re not Cuban. Because this story is universal. It doesn’t have to be anyone from any particular country. It’s a story of love for what you do and passion and believing in it and being successful in the long run. And it’s about being able to enjoy a successful career. We wish that for them and we appreciate the passion and love that they put into this every single night.
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