ON YOUR FEET is a solidly entertaining new musical that is quite likely to be a popular and financial success, largely propelled by the catchy rhythms that Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine made famous. Without that terrific score to keep the show bouncing along, I am not quite sure whether the story of Gloria Estefan’s rise to stardom and fame would be as captivating.
Any production that gives Alma Cuervo the opportunity to sing and dance gets my seal of approval. And Cuervo seems to be having the time of her life up there as abuelita (Grandma). Her stage daughter, Andrea Burns, is another special treat and is given a wonderful opportunity to take center stage in a flashback production number. Who knew she could dance so well? The two principals are attractive and sing gloriously, but I wish the part of Emilio (Josh Segarra) had been more fully developed.
I am not as familiar with this music (aside from a few of the big hits) as others, but believe ON YOUR FEET should be classified as a juke box musical (?), where the songs have been shoe-horned into the story. If that is the case, with one or two exceptions where the lyrics did not seem to be ideal for the moment, they’ve done a smart job. Again, to one not familiar with most of the music, many of the ballads sound like original music written with characters and plot in mind. Well done.
I had only one minor quibble. There’s a number in Act 2 where Emilio is singing alone on stage and, all of a sudden, he is joined by a chorus of offstage voices. I was enjoying his solo, and felt that the unexpected and loud choral assist took me out of the moment.
ATC folks will likely find some similarities (at times) with JERSEY BOYS, MAMMA MIA, and BEAUTIFUL, (and maybe even BABY IT’s YOU), and (spoiler alert) an Act 1 closer that recalls FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE. And there may be some who find that the Latin-themed choreography, a lot of it, may be repetitious.
Having said that, we had an unexpectedly good time and, along with the rest of the packed house, were on our feet for the mini post-show concert, dancing in our places.
Go and enjoy!
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