The Rhythm Will Get You – The Passion Will Keep You
By Wes Hessel & Cate Rees-Hessel
Drury Lane’s engaging, high-voltage energized production of “On Your Feet”, the Gloria and Emilio Estefan love story and rise to superstardom in it’s Chicago regional premiere, is not to be missed. For starters, especially for fans like us who had seen the living legend and company in concert in 1992, there’s the music – the stirring megahits such as “Conga”, “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”, “1-2-3”, “Anything for You”, and so on, are woven into the fabric of this musical not just as the showstoppers they are, but they work to bring forward the story of two Cuban immigrants who become a musical and marriage powerhouse.
Coupled with this is acting which deftly demonstrates the passion of the teen Gloria, who was already writing, playing guitar, and had that voice, “discovered” by bandleader Emilio, who recognized her serious talent and beautiful soul. Samuel Garnica’s portrayal of the architect of the emergence of one of the greatest musical groups of our time, especially in the person of the woman who became the face and then the name, is nothing short of brilliant. His realistic, convincing characterization singularly shows the fight and drive of Mr. Estefan, with razor-sharp comic timing and delicious delivery, the best of which is a passionate monologue about what an American looks like. Ivan James, as Gloria’s father José, quite adroitly depicts the progression of a family man and Vietnam vet turned severe multiple sclerosis victim.
The beautiful women of the cast all ably deliver empowerment and entertainment in different sizes and ages on the stage. As the lovely lady who is still a household name, Gaby Albo’s Gloria shines with the spirit of the woman who became half of the driving force to bring Cuban-inspired music to the mainstream. Ms. Albo’s engrossing emoting pulls you in and then doesn’t let go until the last note, capped by a powerful sound that makes you believe the singer/songwriter herself is onstage. Gaby’s work meshes in perfect personification with Talia Josephson and Charlotte Arias alternating adorably as little Gloria.
Claudia Quesada stands out as her mother, Gloria Fajardo, fighting for and with her family, especially with the depth that is revealed of her own past. Petite pro Lillian Castillo again illustrates her charming comic chops, terrific talent, and stellar stage presence, handling multiple characters as if each of them were her single role. Diana Marilyn Alvarez proficiently personifies the sisterly love of Rebecca, making her the quiet, strong supporter. And Ana Maria Alvarez is a precious panic as grandmother Consuelo García.
This mesmerizing musical not only appeals greatly to fans of Ms. Estefan and Miami Sound Machine’s music, it serves to highlight the strong, loving relationship of the two beautiful humans Emilio and Gloria, a solid marriage not threatened by infidelity, nor crisis. Nowhere is that partnership more evident then in the events following the life-threatening cervical fracture Gloria suffered in the March 1990 tour bus accident. The very real intensity of the touch-and-go circumstances is the pinnacle of this play’s drama, illustrating Emilio’s greatest battle, fighting for her best care, while Gloria fought for her life and then through the staggering, miraculous uphill recovery, appearing at the American Music Awards to debut “Coming Out of the Dark” 10 months later. Author Cate relates greatly, as her own sister recently had to undergo similar spinal fusion surgery.
The wonderful, authentic costumes designed by Christopher Vergara add admirably to the atmosphere, as does the set designs of Clifton Chadwick. The vocals and instrumentals, including from the musicians on stage, will blow you away. Intrinsically integrated breaking of the fourth wall makes for some great comedy and audience members dancing with cast members in the aisle during the first act finale. Harnessed together by the vibrant vision of director/choreographer Luis Salgado, “On Your Feet” is undoubtedly where you will find yourself at the curtain call. So “Conga” straight to www.drurylanetheatre.com before the last encore March 22nd for tickets or more information.
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