On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation. Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s story has arrived on stage in an exhilarating original production that has won the hearts of critics and audiences alike.
“On Your Feet is not only the story of Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan’s love story, it’s that American Dream story,” said Marina Pires, who portrays Gloria Estefan. “It’s applicable to anyone who has made that journey and fought and struggled and sacrificed and given so much to make their dream happen here.”
“I play Emilio Estefan and it’s amazing to be portraying this person because I can relate with him in so many ways,” said Eddie Noel. “You know, when you have a dream, when you want to pursue something, when you don’t want to compromise your idea.”
As Gloria’s grandmother, Consuelo, Sydia Cadeño is the main champion for Gloria to follow her dream and become a singer. “
“I’m the comic relief, but the comedy is in her honesty and in her just telling it like it,” said Cadeño. “That’s what people find refreshingly funny.”
Cadeño also noted that the dancers bring a full force of energy to every performance, just like Gloria Estefan’s music.
“I play Gloria’s mother [Gloria Fajardo]. She’s never really happy and has a very difficult relationship with Gloria,” said Karmine Alers, who finds Gloria Estefan to be inspirational, both in her life and her lyrics. “’Get on your feet, get up and make it happen,’ I mean, these are things that your therapist would tell you!”
“I think a lot of people come to this show not expecting to feel all of the emotion that they do,” said Pires. “It’s just a really beautiful love story, but you will definitely get a concert you’ll definitely want to get up out of your seat and you’ll have ample opportunity to do so.”
View the video above for featured interviews with the cast.
On Your Feet! is playing at The Gateway, 215 S Country Rd., Bellport, NY 11713, through May 25. For tickets, call 631- 286-1133 or visit thegateway.org.
