“On Your Feet”

We saw the production in Milwaukee, but it is the same road company in Chicago’s CBIC Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago season.

Show Type: Musical

Running Time: 2hrs, 15mins; one intermission  www.BroadwayInChicago.com for tickets

If you go to www.theatreinchicago.com, you will see the reviews for the pre-Broadway version of the play.

***  Living in Chicago, we often get “pre-Broadway” productions and the experience is one to remember. Often, the writer, composer, or in some cases, the people that the show features are in the audience with us on opening night. Jane and I were fortunate to sit directly behind Emilio and Gloria Estefan at “On Your Feet” The story of their meeting and their lives.

Many of you have heard me talk about “bus and truck tours”. These are shows that go to a town for one night ( possibly two) set-up, do a show and then out the door, on to the next town. It is not a relaxed way to be an actor, but actors will tell you “it’s a job”!

While Milwaukee is a wonderful theater town, having a vibrant Theater District and wonderful stages, they do bring in a “one-nighter” every so often and their production of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan” played to a full house at The Marcus Performing Arts Center on March 24th as part of the 2023/2024 MPAC Presents Series. ( there were two shows ( a matinee and evening).

Directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado this brand new production is an energy packed two hours of  story-telling and music. The story is one of inspiration, heritage and of course love. Featuring Gaby Albo as Gloria ( and Sophia Yacap as “young Gloria”) and Samuel Garnica as Emilio ( with Javier Ivan as “young Emilio”), this version relied more on projections over heavy sets. This is understandable as the show moves every day or so.

In many ways, the focus on the story becomes greater and the music and story take over instead of the Broadway “glitz”.  If you are into Gloria Estefan and her music, and this show heads your way, this is your special night.

I do have to praise the Marcus Theatre, and tell you that Milwaukee is a wonderful place to attend the theater. The Marcus located downtown on Water Street is a beautiful building with an auditorium that has great leg room, sight lines and probably the most comfy of chairs. The lobby area has plenty of offerings for beverages and snacks. Often they have sandwiches as well as special treats, but for one-nighters, I guess not.

The garage is across the street with a connecting skywalk so you NEVER have to go outside and the street parking is right there as well. There are dining spots in the immediate  (walking distance) area and on a nice night, we have done that.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center has a full season of Broadway plays- check them out at www.MarcusCenter.Org

FYI From Northbrook Court to the garage 1 hour and 4 minutes ( and I stopped for gas, saving 30 cents a gallon). Going downtown, probably 1 hour 20 minutes.

This show will be part of Broadway In Chicago’s season arriving in March at CBIC Theatre

for info visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.