Review: On Your Feet, The Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

We invited local theatre enthusiast, Jane, to review On Your Feet for us at the Everyman Theatre.  She left the theatre feeling thoroughly upbeat after an energetic performance. Read on for more details...

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Arriba, Arriba, it’s party time! Feel the heat, listen to the beat and let the music move your feet. Last night the hit Gloria Estefan musical On Your Feet spectacularly burst on to the stage of the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham in an irresistible explosion of light, colour, sound and energy after a sensational sell out run in the West End.

On Your Feet is centered on the true love story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan and covers their journey from the humble origins of Gloria and the Miami Sound Machine in Cuba on to the streets of Miami and ultimate international stardom.  The compellingly sweet relationship between Philippa Stefani as Gloria and George Ioannides as Emilio was beautifully captured. There were also laughs and tears aplenty as we gained a fascinating insight into the couple’s family history. The special effects for Gloria’s accident were particularly well executed, as was the way her light shone brighter than ever when she came back ‘out of the dark.’

Cuban beats were strong as were vocals all round most notably from Madalena Alberto as Gloria Fajardo and of course Philippa who wasn’t just a star of the show, she was the star and deservedly so. Her portrayal of Gloria just blew me away. Percussion, passion and performance made this musical a real showstopper in every respect with hit after hit, a conga into the interval and everyone on their feet for the finale! Philippa’s tentative rendition of Anything for You and Emilio and Philippa’s soft Here We Are brought tears to my eyes whilst When Someone Comes Into Your Life by Philippa and Elia Lo Tauro as her father José Fajardo was equally as moving.

On Your Feet features a fabulous soundtrack of Gloria and the Miami Sound Machine’s greatest hits such as Rhythm Is Going To Get You, Conga, Don’t Want To Lose You Now, Dr Beat, 1-2-3 and of course, On Your Feet itself. It’s directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots and Legally Blonde) with classy choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey boys) and a book by Birdman-screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris.

Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is impressively the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music.  In addition to her 38 number 1 hits across the Billboard charts, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song ‘Music of My Heart’ and has received numerous honours and awards over the years. Emilio Estefan is a founding member of the pioneering Miami Sound Machine, who created a brand new Latin crossover sound – fusing infectious Cuban rhythms with American pop and disco. Combined, they have won a staggering 26 Grammy awards.

If by chance the Latin charged rhythm doesn’t get you in this ‘Glorious night out with Gloria’ (Daily Mail) then the chemistry between Emilio and Gloria most definitely will. 

On Your Feet is now showing at the Everyman Theatre Cheltenham until Saturday 8^th February. Book your tickets here.