FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 11, 2018

MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

 The first national tour of the Broadway musical hit ON YOUR FEET is performing right now at Dallas’ Music Hall and you need to get your tickets right now!  The musical is based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY® winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan.  Together the Estefans and their group The Miami Sound Machine has sold over 100 million records.   Never before has a Latin pop musical group become such a sensation and taken over the music industry.  They endured many roadblocks along the way but through ingenuity and endurance (and a lot of talent) they became a radio and music video sensation in the 80’s with dozens of smash hits.  But that’s only half the story.  This is an incredible true story about an immigrant girl from Cuba from modest means who finds the kind of success that one could only dream of and oh the way finds love too.  You can’t make this stuff up.

Here’s the plot:  A young Gloria (incredibly talented Amaris Sanchez) is living in Miami where she and her family have moved after the Cuban revolution.  Gloria is an inspiring songwriter and singer who’s encouraged by her father, Jose who is serving in Vietnam.   José believes in his daughter’s talent and tells her “You’re a born artist, my angel. And one day you’re going to be a big star!”  After the war when he returns home, Gloria’s father tragically develops  multiple sclerosis and Gloria takes on the role of her father’s caretaker (along with her mother and little sister).   A struggle develops between Gloria’s mother and the new man in Gloria’s life, Emilio Estefan.  Emilio wants Gloria to partner with him and his Latin band and fulfill her dream in the music world.  Gloria’s mother meanwhile is more than a little vocal in her disapproval of Gloria’s ambitions because of jealousy and fear of losing her dutiful daughter.  Meanwhile her biggest support is her darling grandmother (a real jewel played by Debra Cardona) – she’ll make you smile throughout the performance.

This jukebox musical is energetic and makes it hard to stay in your seat.  Such huge hits such as “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” and one of my personal favorites “Don’t Want To Lose You Now”.   I had forgotten how huge this musical group was, what a cultural impact they made on pop music, and how much I loved their music until I saw the musical!

If you know Gloria Estefan’s story  you’ll also remember a horrific accident that almost takes her life and definitely changed it.    You will rejoice at the resilience she has and be reminded that this is what made Gloria the superstar she is in the first place.  The beautiful original song “Reach” written by Gloria and her daughter Emily is performed during this point of her story and will have you in tears.

The sets are simple yet project both the Miami of Gloria’s childhood and her old Havana roots.  The performances vibrate with energy, spice, and passion and are really fun.   Gloria is captured well by the very talented Christie Prades and Mauricio Martinez who plays Emilio is a total delight.   The dancers are perfection and will seriously make you want to go get on your feet and go take salsa lessons.

It’s no secret that I love musical theater and I loved this performance from beginning to end.  This was a story that was made for the stage because it has everything we love –  music that is familiar (and we know all the words to), great choreography, and an epic love story.  It’s a true American dream story that will have you in awe of their success.  Go and enjoy the journey.   My husband and I are still singing the songs.

Single tickets are available for ON YOUR FEET! On line at: DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dallas Summer Musicals 2017-18 season will continue with WAITRESS with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, March 28-April 8, 2018; the thrilling, spectacular and unforgettable LES MISÉRABLES, April 24-May 6, 2018; Disney’s THE LION KING, winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, June 13-July 8, 2018; the spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera LOVE NEVER DIES: The Phantom Returns, July 24-August 5, 2018; and closing the season will be the hilarious new musical SCHOOL OF ROCK, based on the hit film, August 15-26, 2018.