Jamie Wilson And Gavin Kalin with
Colin Ingram and Peter Kane for InTheatre, Marc David Levine, Curve, Hunter
Arnold and Eilene Davidson Present The Hit Broadway Musical
On Your Feet!
The Story Of Emilio And Gloria
Estefan
Sunderland Empire
30 September - 5 October 2019
The new musical describing the story behind the rise of Gloria
Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, from the first meeting between Gloria and
Emilo in 1975 through to her appearance at the American Music Awards in 1991,
appears at the Sunderland Empire this week.
Jukebox musicals tend to either go down the route of either
trying to fit a story around the music (We Will Rock You, Our House, Mamma Mia)
or try to give the story of the musical act through their music (Jersey Boys,
Buddy, Thriller). On Your Feet has gone through the latter route. Unlike some
musicals through, this Alexander Dinelaris script sticks to story-telling
throughout the 2 ½ hour (including interval) show. It doesn’t give up in the
second act and descend into a tribute show. Having said that: most of the live
band under musical director Danny Belton are on stage from time to time and there
is a substantial “mega-mix” at the end that got the Empire got up on their
feet.
I was not that familiar with the story before seeing the
show and my memory of the music was just what I saw on Top of the Pops and on
MTV at the time. Having said that, this story is easy to follow and covers a
number of interesting issues. The original Miami Sound Machine were having hits
playing its Latin style in South America but the band found resistance from the
label when they wanted to crossover into English language dance music. Elements
of racism and attitudes to immigration are hinted out but not rammed home.
The story is much more about people and relationships. Opening
with the touring family trying to persuade their son to get back on the tour
bus to do his homework, it looks at the make up of Gloria’s family and
upbringing. The dilemma of making the decision to leave Cuba and to leave
members of family behind is examined a couple of times.
But the two lasting memories of this show are the vibrant
choreography by the ensemble, thanks to choreographer Sergio Tujillio, and the
wonderful music sequences. The dancing
is delightful and behind the scenes, the ensemble must be doing some very rapid
costume changes.
The singing is wonderful to hear. We were not expected to
hear over the top shouting or poor phrasing here. Philippa Stefani, as Gloria
and George Ioannides, as Emilia tackle the bulk of the songs and to their
credit, they take ownership of each number that they tackle. Additional solos from Madalena Alberto (as
Mother Gloria Fajardo) and Elia Lo Tauro (as Jose Fajardo) add to the musical
mix. The vocals were enchanting.
This show will please fans of the music. The hits are
there: Get on Your Feet, Conga and 1-2-3. Rhythm Is Gonna Get
You puts a brief appearance in the Overture too. There is even a new song
written by Gloria Estefan and her daughter Emily called If I Never Got to
Tell You which fitted in well.
Is the show for non-fans? Well, I wouldn’t describe myself
as a fan and I enjoyed it, as did my companion as it is an interesting story in
itself but I could imagine there will be limits to the interest of the wider audience.
That is the danger of jukebox musicals, I guess.
So we had a fun night at the theatre. Great performances
from both singers and dancers alike couple with a story that’s just about
interesting enough to warrant being told to make it a decent musical.
Tomorrow? I will be listening to some Gloria Estefan at
work.
Review by Stephen Oliver
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