Let the music of the Miami Sound Machine rev up your engines and ignite your feet and heart.
For a spicy salsa kick with a Latin-American chaser, look no further than the triumphant musical tale of Gloria Estefan and her producer husband Emilio. Join the winding conga line all the way to the Palace Theater in Waterbury for three performances Friday and Saturday, December 15 and 16 as “On Your Feet!” commands your exciting attention.
This immigrant story features a three year old Gloria moving with her family from Havana, Cuba to Miami, Florida. Along the way, she had to deal with a father battling an incurable disease, a mother who voiced her disapproval of Gloria’s hopes and dreams and an accident that almost destroyed everything she and her husband had worked decades to achieve.
“On Your Feet!” is energized by a book by Alexander Dinelaris, choreography by Sergio Trujillo and direction by Jerry Mitchell.
Combining an exploding juke box theme, with tunes like “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Anything For You,” “Turn the Beat Around" and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” with an inspiring autobiographical story, the audience is treated to highs of extreme joy contrasting with real obstacles to success. Their crossover music dreams are continually dismissed as impossible by record executives in the know as well as their refusal to release their hit singles in English.
In her home life, Gloria faces a heartfelt estrangement from her mother, the painful witnessing of her father’s illness and then the shattering reality of the tour bus crash one snowy night with a truck that leaves her severely injured with a broken back. Her triumphant return to the stage, after battling incredible odds, is showcased in her performance at the 1991 American Music Awards. Her resilience and spirit can be applauded at every step.
With Samuel Garnica as Emilio, Sophia Yacap as the young Gloria and Gaby Albo as the adult star, we are taken on a journey that showcases their life. With two dozen songs sprinkled throughout the drama, we witness how this immigrant child rose to become the winner of multiple Grammy Awards, racking up over 100 top ten hits, be honored with a 2015 Presidential Medal of Freedom as well as, in 2017, receiving the Kennedy Center Honor.
For tickets ($47-87), call the Palace, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury at 203-346-2000 or online at www.palacetheaterct.org. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Follow the intriguing path to glory that Gloria and Emilio Estefan forge in the musical world. Get “on your feet” and let the rhythm catch you.
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