Five Reasons to See Broadway’s On Your Feet
For those who think the new musical about the rise of Gloria and Emilio Estefan sounds a little cheesy, or a touch over the top, we are here to promise that the rhythm will indeed get you. Unlike any other show on Broadway, On Your Feet has actually been getting audiences, well, on their feet since it opened at Marquis Theater in November. Here are five reasons you need to experience this show before it closes April 3.
It’s the funniest new show on Broadway, surprisingly enough.
Gloria (Ana Villafane) and Emilio (Josh Segarra) are an unexpected comedy duo. We anticipated hearing Miami Sound Machine’s greatest hits, but the show also contrasts mild-mannered Emilio and strong, no-nonsense Gloria in banter that had us laughing out loud. Unlike many of the other new shows on the Great White Way this season (Hamilton, The Color Purple and Allegiance), On Your Feet is lighthearted and fun.
It’s also a raw, behind-the-scenes look at Gloria and Emilio’s rise to fame.
It’s almost all fun Flashbacks to both Emilio’s family and Gloria’s mother (a radiant Andrea Burns) leaving Cuba for the United States were emotional. And even though we were familiar with her story, the scene depicting Gloria’s near-fatal 1990 bus accident was shocking to watch. But the Estefan duo’s seemingly endless ability to pump out chart-topping beats and tear up the dance floor had us smiling again by the next scene.
It’s bringing the heat of 1980s Miami to Times Square.
With bright lights, colorful costumes and hits like “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” and “1-2-3,” this jukebox musical took us us back to the Miami club scene circa its Miami Vice days.
It’s inspirational.
The show condenses a decade of Gloria and Emilio struggling against a world that tells them they won’t make it. Business managers, record producers and even Gloria’s own mother stand in the way of their international crossover success. In spite of it all, the couple’s commitment to their Cuban heritage—and to one another—is almost as inspiring on stage as the Estefans’ actual rise to fame.
It’s actually getting audiences to do the conga.
The audience clapped, sang and danced along in their seats. Make sure to grab an orchestra seat near the aisles. At one point, the cast leaves the stage for a lively rendition of “Conga.” What better way to celebrate the Estefans’ genre-breaking greatest hits than doing the conga with the cast?
After curtain call, continue the party and head to the Knickerbocker for a post-show drink.
