Reviews about Luis Salgado's ON YOUR FEET "A joyful and thrilling ‘On Your Feet!’ comes to life in Spanish at GALA"
BWW Review said:
ON YOUR FEET! La Historia De Emilio Y Gloria Estefan! En Espanol! at Gala Hispanic Theatre
"Choreography by Mr. Salgado is sizzling, stylized and technically proficient throughout the production. A huge ensemble of terrific dancers exploded on the stage space and these dancers danced up a storm with verve and electric energy."
"Direction and choreography by Luis Salgado and (associate director) Valeria Cossu have enhanced the fascinating source material of the Estefan and Fajardo family by giving the more intimate scenes as much heft as the dance numbers. A gentle and kind spirit hovers over this entire enterprise, even in the most emotional and intense scenes, and it is refreshing to see this quality in a musical."
Ajani Jones said: "GALA Hispanic Theatre’s completely Spanish rendition of the 2018 Broadway musical, directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, managed to perfectly recount the couple’s hard-fought rise to fame as their band, the Miami Sound Machine, became the first Latin-inspired band to cross over to mainstream pop success in the United States."
"director and choreographer Luis Salgado — who presciently played director and choreographer Kenny Ortega in the Broadway version of the show — delivers the goods." said the Review by Thomas Floyd
"Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, this is an outstanding piece of musical theatre. The entire cast, starting with Gaby Albo who plays Gloria (made famous on Broadway by Ana Villafañe), are young, hungry and talented. The pace is staccato, the dancers sharp and dynamic and the live orchestra provides further swing and sonority to the show. It is indeed a show, a sexy, swinging musical – West Side Story meet Miami Beach!" - Jose Sueiro
This fascinating real-life story of Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan is full of bite, vigor, and vibrating energy to touch the soul and the heart.
by David Friscic May. 8, 2022
On Your Feet! celebrates Cuban-American pride and the need to celebrate life during both the good times and the tough times. This fascinating real-life story of Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan is full of bite, vigor, and vibrating energy to touch the soul and the heart. A multicultural cast lends their voices and hearts to portray what it means to be the face of America and to strive and reach the American Dream.
The GALA Hispanic Theatre has given the DC metro region a professional and snazzy Spanish-rendered version of this popular Broadway smash. This production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, and it moves with the intensity of a prowling lion and catches you unaware with upbeat music, choreography that is super-charged to the max and dramatic scenes of poignancy and sensitivity.
The book by Alexander Dinelaris Jr. is very solidly written and this musical of Cuban -fusion pop hit music and Emilio and Gloria Estefan's life is so much more than a jukebox musical. Every song from "Conga" to "The Rhythm is Gonna Get You" is integrated seamlessly into the storyline. (The book translation is by Esmeralda Azkarate-Gaztelu and there are new Spanish lyrics by Gloria Estefan).
Direction and choreography by Luis Salgado and (associate director) Valeria Cossu have enhanced the fascinating source material of the Estefan and Fajardo family by giving the more intimate scenes as much heft as the dance numbers. A gentle and kind spirit hovers over this entire enterprise, even in the most emotional and intense scenes, and it is refreshing to see this quality in a musical.
Scenes of little Gloria (charmingly played by Kamila Rodríquez) intermingled with the adult Gloria (a stellar, captivating Gaby Albo) and were psychologically resonant and moving. The book never portrays the elder generation as stereotypes as so many current books do ---these are fully fleshed characters.
The central performances of Gaby Albo as Gloria and Samuel Garnica as Emilio are both complexly developed and nuanced in interpretation. Ms. Albo is a dynamic powerhouse when leading with the vocals in the large ensemble numbers and when singing romantically with Mr. Garnica. Ms. Albo also conveys a touching vulnerability when needed. Ms. Albo played the quicksilver transitions from dutiful young woman of the family to an independent and confident artist with ease.
Mr. Garnica has a soaring voice that "knocks it out of the park" in "Si Voy A Perderte". He also has a natural authoritative charm that works well here.
The interactions of Gloria's mother (a steely, perceptive performance by Fran Tapia) and Gloria's Grandmother, Consuelo (Madelin Marchant) with Gloria are gems of familial love and contradictions. Ms. Marchant and Ms. Tapia portray the tough love that mothers pass on to foster courage in their children. The scene where Ms. Tapia implores her child to fight on (when she is struck by tragedy) is unforgettable in its emotional power.
The concept of having the ill father of Gloria, José Fajardo (a charismatic performance by José Fernando Capellán) come to full life and sing to her to accept her new-found love is extremely moving and almost spiritual in tone ("When Someone Comes into Your Life").
Choreography by Mr. Salgado is sizzling, stylized and technically proficient throughout the production. A huge ensemble of terrific dancers exploded on the stage space and these dancers danced up a storm with verve and electric energy.
To add to the immersive feel of the production, the dancers often danced in front of the stage and up the aisles.
Choreographic highlights (some numbers were inspired by the original work and choreography of Sergio Trujillo) include "Tradiciόn" wherein the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami is show as the locale where respect for family and tradition is shown with exuberant dancing and colorful sunny tropical colors in attire (Costume Designer is Jeannette Christensen).
In the gloriously ebulliently choreographed "Conga", disparate celebrations are universally celebrated as one--- as a Bar Mitzvah, an Italian Wedding and a Shriner's Convention are coalesced in one knockout of a number.
The section of the international tour number entitled "Cuba Libre" is a "red-hot" scintillating, and empowered choreographic display of non-stop energy and intensity ---the dancers seem to be operating from a secret power supply as the energy is unflagging (once again, the vibrant costumes---this time, a lush red----are by Jeannette Christensen).
Musical Direction by Walter "Bobby" McCoy is top-notch, and he has marvelously managed and conducted a ten-piece band. The band is ingeniously perched behind a scrim or screen at the top-tier of the upstage rear backdrop wall and lit at certain transitional times in the production.
The exciting and rhythmic music by Emilio and Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine is a rich and almost inexhaustible catalogue of songs of many well-known popular hits as well as many new songs that I was excited to discover. Tender ballads, duets and large ensemble numbers come alive in this beautifully resonant and vocally thrilling production. (Sound Design by Matthew Rowe)
Lighting by Christopher Annas-Lee is appropriately pulsating and flashy in the zesty ensemble numbers and more subtle and evocative in the more intimate scenes.
Scenic Design by Clifton Chadick was a marvel of creativity. Gliding interchangeable panels were utilized for specific scenes, palm trees in the background, and an encased opening door on the backwall of the stage were all aspects of Mr. Chadick's creativity. The narrative-enriching projections/video designs of Patrick W. Lord should also be cited for their theatrical effect.
The ending numbers of the show were rousing affirmations of all that preceded, and I felt like I had come to know this amazing musical family personally. Little Gloria and Little Emilio (Winsley DeJesús) linked arms and danced out to wild applause. Bows were intermingled to sustained applause and I would recommend an extra more formal curtain call---this company of professionals has earned it!
"The Rhythm is Gonna Get You" in this knockout musical celebration of pride, family, perseverance, and success against all odds! The striving of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is relevant and applicable to anyone who has had the aspiration and dream to succeed.
Running Time: Two Hours and ten minutes with one twenty-minute intermission
On Your Feet! La Historia De Emilio Y Gloria Estefan! En Espanol! was presented on May 6, 2022 at 8pm at the GALA Hispanic Theatre located at 3333 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Performances are through June 5, 2022. For tickets, click here or phone: 202-234-7174.
A joyful and thrilling ‘On Your Feet!’ comes to life in Spanish at GALA
When Gaby Albo took the stage, it was as if we were watching Gloria Estefan, the legend herself, perform.
By Ajani Jones -
On Your Feet! La historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan !En Español! captures the awe-inspiring legacy of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. GALA Hispanic Theatre’s completely Spanish rendition of the 2018 Broadway musical, directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, managed to perfectly recount the couple’s hard-fought rise to fame as their band, the Miami Sound Machine, became the first Latin-inspired band to cross over to mainstream pop success in the United States.
The musical wastes no time captivating its audience. The opening scene encapsulates the brilliance of the entire show as Albo’s stunning vocals and dazzling stage presence are immediately on full display. Her performance as the magnificent Gloria Estefan was a wonder throughout the entire show. Albo perfectly portrayed the star’s thrilling journey to fame, seamlessly capturing her charisma and determination as well as her otherworldly stage presence and killer voice.
As the scene transitions into a short exchange between Gloria, Emilio (Samuel Garnica), and their son Nayib (Winsley de Jesús), the sheer chemistry among the cast is highly apparent. The three easily bounce off one another, resulting in a convincing and heartwarming portrayal of the love they have for one another, a kind of overwhelming chemistry that would continue to shine through as the show went on.
The supporting cast of On Your Feet! also delivered equally strong and compelling performances. Fran Tapia and Madelin Marchant, who played Gloria’s mother and Grandmother, Gloria Fajardo and Consuelo respectively, worked excellently together in their portrayal of the mother figures in Gloria Estefan’s life. While their characters were strong complements to the story of the primary focus of the show, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, they were also able to undeniably hold their own as fully fleshed-out characters for the audience.
In her showstopping performance of “Mi Tierra,” Tapia delivered her lines with immeasurable fervor and grace. She stunned the audience with her breathtaking vocal performance and stage presence, while also maintaining their complete interest in the backstory of her own character. Like her, many of the other cast members delivered wonderfully charismatic and vocally thrilling performances that kept the audience invested and served to fortify the strength of the show and its emotional impact.
Due to the undeniable strength of its cast, the show does an excellent job of showcasing the highs and lows of Gloria Estefan’s rise to fame. In its entirety, On Your Feet! is a rather joyful experience filled with countless moments of laughter and cheer. The audience cannot help but celebrate alongside Gloria and Emilio as they are finally able to carve their way onto the U.S. music scene. However, alongside these cathartic and joyous moments also come low moments of conflict and despair. Whether it be Gloria’s conflict with her mother or the journey toward recovery following her accident, the cast maintains their strong portrayals of their characters.
While the musical was performed almost entirely in Spanish (with screens on either side of the stage providing English subtitles for non-Spanish speakers in the audience), the sheer power and emotional weight of every scene and musical number were not lost. Each cast member gave it their all, resulting in poignant performances that transcended any potential language barriers. The undeniable power of the cast’s performances left the audience, even non-Spanish speakers like me, hanging onto every word, purely captivated by the world created on the stage.
The performances of the cast and the compelling narrative of On Your Feet! were definitely high points of the night. However, these elements were complemented, and arguably enhanced, by the captivating dance and musical performances throughout the show’s duration.
Walter “Bobby” McCoy’s musical direction was exceptional as the musical elements of the show, paired with the wonderful sound design of Matthew Rowe, were immaculately crafted. The sheer amount of care and time that went into the music behind each scene was clear as each note paired perfectly with the action on stage. Salgado’s choreography was fluid and energetic, adding an additional layer of life to the already electrifying musical performances.
In tandem with the musical and performance elements of the show, the light and staging design of On Your Feet! also added to the show’s interest. The lights (Christopher Annas-Lee) and projections (Patrick Lord) transport you into each scene, enhancing that electric feeling of every musical number and allowing the audience to feel as if they were actually watching Gloria Estefan perform. Jeannette Christensen’s dazzling costumes added flair.
On Your Feet! was a brilliant glimpse into the journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. The great care that went into the show’s production really shined through as it delivered a heartwarming story, captivating performances, and electrifying beats that would leave the audience dancing along as the cast gave their final bows.
Running Time: About two and a half hours, including one 20-minute intermission.
On Your Feet! La historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan !En Español!
Book by Alexander Dinelaris
Featuring music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine
Spanish Language Translation by Esmeralda Azkarate-Gaztelu Carro
New Spanish Lyrics by Gloria Estefan
Directed and Choreographed by Luis Salgado
Musical Direction by Walter “Bobby” McCoy
Scenic Design by Clifton Chadick
Lighting Design by Christopher Annas-Lee
Costume Design by Jeannette Christensen
Sound Design by Matthew Rowe
Projection Design by Patrick Lord
With: Gaby Albo as Gloria Estefan, Samuel Garnica as Emilio Estefan, Fran Tapia as Gloria Fajardo; José Fernando Capellán as José Fajardo, Madelin Marchant as Consuelo, Gina María Fernández as Rebecca, Kamila Rodríguez as Little Gloria, Winsley de Jesús as Little Emilio and Nayib
Ensemble: Bryan Ernesto Menjivar, Rodolfo Santamarina, Camila Cardona, Camila Taleisnik, Brayan Llamoza, Myriam Gadri, Amy Romero, Miranda Pepin, Christian Laguna, Grant Latus, Carlos Adol, Hugo Brument, Steve Orrego Upegui, Luis Armando Benitez, Laura Castrillón, Graciela Rey
SEE ALSO:
Gloria Estefan talks ‘On Your Feet! en español’: A story of love, family, and the American dream (interview by Nicole Hertvik)
Spanish debut of ‘On Your Feet!’ showcases Estefans’ universal appeal
Gloria Estefan wrote new Spanish lyrics for four songs in the jukebox musical, now onstage at GALA Hispanic Theatre.
Review by Thomas Floyd
Seven years after “On Your Feet!” first conga-ed its way to Broadway, the Gloria and Emilio Estefan jukebox musical has arrived at GALA Hispanic Theatre for a vibrant Spanish-language premiere that plays not like a reinvention but rather the staging that was always intended.
The original English-language production, which ran at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre from 2015 to 2017 before touring the United States and shipping to London’s West End, garnered a reputation as a somewhat rote but reliable crowd-pleaser, thanks to a toe-tapping, hip-shaking songbook courtesy of the Estefans and their former pop group, Miami Sound Machine. But for a fact-based show that derives drama from the power couple’s attempt to “cross over” from the Latin market to the American mainstream, “On Your Feet!” resonates anew when staged mostly in Spanish with English surtitles. ...
... On that front, director and choreographer Luis Salgado — who presciently played director and choreographer Kenny Ortega in the Broadway version of the show — delivers the goods. Amid Christopher Annas-Lee’s eye-popping lighting, Patrick Lord’s immersive projections and Jeannette Christensen’s candy-colored costumes, Salgado lets his sizable ensemble shine with boisterous dance breaks (on songs such as “Tradición,” “Cuba Libre” and “Conga”) and dreamlike diversions.
The band, shepherded by music director Walter “Bobby” McCoy, is strikingly situated on a platform above the stage, even if the production puzzlingly hides the musicians for most of the show. Still, their festive sound permeates the intimate space without ever overbearing the audience. As the skeptical record producer learns in the show, the appeal of the Estefans’ music — whether it’s performed in English, Spanish or a blend of the two — knows no boundaries.
On Your Feet! La Historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan, music by Emilio and Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine. Book by Alexander Dinelaris. Book translation by Esmeralda Azkarate-Gaztelu. Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado. Music direction, Walter “Bobby” McCoy; scenic design, Clifton Chadick; lighting, Christopher Annas-Lee; costumes, Jeannette Christensen; sound, Matthew Rowe; projections, Patrick Lord. With José Fernando Capellán, Gina María Fernández and Winsley de Jesús. About 2½ hours. $35-$95. Through June 5 at GALA Hispanic Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.
GALA THEATRE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS WITH “ON YOUR FEET”
Written by Jose Sueiro
In a feat of astonishing ambition and virtuosity, D.C.s GALA Hispanic Theatre, one of the nation’s top Spanish language cultural centers, has managed to produce a complex, difficult, popular Broadway musical in Spanish, most appropriately about the life of diva and Cuban icon Gloria Estefan. “On Your Feet’ is a tour de force! GALA Theatre has used every possible resource within its reach to provide for a first rate, top of the line, exciting song and dance show with live musicians, exquisite voices and a dance ensemble made for Radio City Music Hall. All told, it is a production of extraordinary breadth and sophistication.
Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, this is an outstanding piece of musical theatre. The entire cast, starting with Gaby Albo who plays Gloria (made famous on Broadway by Ana Villafañe), are young, hungry and talented. The pace is staccato, the dancers sharp and dynamic and the live orchestra provides further swing and sonority to the show. It is indeed a show, a sexy, swinging musical – West Side Story meet Miami Beach!
It is, of course, the life story of legendary singing star Gloria Estefan & husband Emilio recounting how it all began. The musical spent more than 3 years on Broadway and this, curiously enough, is the world premiere in Spanish (although feels like it was written originally in that language).
Samuel Garnica brilliantly performs the role of Emilio. Scenes recount the moments where the Cuban born impresario had to work out the prejudices and obstacles to the vaunted ‘crossover’ success of the Miami Sound Machine and even one scene in which he proudly defends his Cuban heritage to an insensitive and racist record company executive.
Both Ms. Albo and Mr, Garnica perform moving tunes that engage the audience and Gaby’s interpretation of Estefan’s famous numbers are as good as it gets. The supporting cast is equally special and the whole ensemble involves the audience in a way that makes for joyous interactions. Two adorable pre-teens (Winsley De Jesus & Kamila Rodriguez) sing and dance as part of the show. A musical that appeals to the entire family. So take the family out to the theatre and enjoy a festive and exhilarating experience.
“On Your Feet” is a fitting finale to the 46th season of this remarkable theatrical organization, a tribute to a lifetime of artistic achievement for Hugo & Rebecca Medrano who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to this priceless cultural jewel.
The musical runs through June 5th, and is worth viewing. You will feel like dancing and singing and it will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Make every attempt to check it out. Go to their website www.galatheatre.org for information and tickets.
Check out these reviews in their own amazing pages.
Comments
Post a Comment