“Washing cleans the clothes.  Singing washes the soul.”

Leave it to music trailblazers Gloria and Emilio Estefan to make even folding laundry an exciting event. 

With lively direction and chorography by Marcos Santana and Jose Delgado’s upbeat music direction, North Shore Music Theatre presents On Your Feet live and in person at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 14.  This theatre-in-the-round bilingual production runs 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission and the action is not limited to the stage. Click here for more information and for tickets.

From its first few powerful notes flowing under multicolored club lights, On Your Feet is a party from the start.  Cuban dancers emerge pounding bongo drums which kick off Gloria’s music fueled upbringing that resonates even in the midst of ordinary chores.  North Shore Music Theatre’s distinct theatre-in-the-round and rotating stage brings plenty of surprises as scenes rise from the floor and appear in various parts of the theatre.  Santana’s upbeat choreography frames every aspect of this international true story with flair and gusto. 

On Your Feet has an equal share of wild, quick, and intense music with complex fancy foot work including Cuban tap as well as poignant and inspiring moments within a few of Gloria Estefan’s famous ballads.  Gloria and Emilio Estefan are behind the Latin rhythms, touching original compositions, and orchestrations of some of Gloria Estefan’s biggest hits.  This captivating production not only showcases Latin culture and a peek into its history, but Gloria and Emilio’s tenacious struggle to break out into the American music scene.

Costume designer Emilio Sosa skillfully replicates Gloria’s sparkling and iconic outfits featured in her memorable concert appearances. The Estefans’ worldwide travel brings together the colorful styles of the 60s, 80s, and 90s from casual and vibrant floral summer wear to elegant nightclub attire.  Jack Mehler’s often romantic scenic design and dynamic vivid spotlight lighting depicts Havana to Miami’s palm tree silhouettes to the glare of the spotlight.

Prior to the show, an array of projected Estefan family photos deliver a personal and authentic touch by Pamela Hersch that permeates throughout the musical. On Your Feet not only explores Gloria and Emilio’s budding romance and their mutual dreams, but their aspirations to pursue music as Latin performers.  One of the most fascinating aspects of this musical is Marcello Audino as Emilio and Isabel Leoni as Gloria’s sheer dogged determination to thrive.  Audino offers a charming yet driven performance as business minded and determined Emilio with smooth and rich vocals.  He delivers a touching rendition of Gloria Estefan’s hit, Don’t Want to Lose You Now and an original song co-written by Gloria Estefan’s daughter, If I Never Got to Tell You, a stirring duet with Karmine Alers as Gloria Estefan’s mother, Gloria Fajardo.  Audino is intense, charismatic, and always planning one step ahead.

It is easy to see why Leoni as Gloria has such natural and endearing chemistry with Audino.  Leoni as Gloria complements Emilio’s drive through her vibrant, shy, and creative personality.  Curly haired and slim with inflections of Gloria Estefan’s distinctive vocals, Leoni is well suited to depict the award-winning singer-songwriter.  She engages the audience with a glowing smile while skillfully handling the quick pacing and complex choreography of this production, often breaking out into song and dance on a dime.   From a ‘can’t-help-but-sing’ child doing chores in Cuba portrayed sweetly by Massachusetts local Kendall Rivera to a timid woman taking the stage, Gloria’s charismatic stage presence in undeniable. Together, Gloria and Emilio are a force to be reckoned with in their uphill battle to become a music sensation.  Their tender song, Here We Are and powerful duet, To Keep From Loving You are particular highlights, showing off their sweet chemistry.

Alers delivers a memorable performance as Gloria Fajardo, Gloria’s protective mother.  Alers portrays strong willed Fajardo with passion and soaring vocals, especially during the flirtatious number Mi Tierra sung in a Havana nightclub.  Alers as Fajardo is stubborn and hard on Gloria, but with a giving spirit toward Henry Gainza as Gloria’s loving war veteran father, Jose.

On Your Feet not only quite literally encourages the audience to dance to some of Gloria’s most catchy numbers such as 1-2-3, Rhythm is Gonna Get You, Conga and Dr. Beat while also unveiling the journey and sorrows of following a dream including its family turmoil, challenges and past resentments.  It also boasts its share of humorous moments in Sydia Cedeño-Genat as Gloria’s heartwarming and discerning grandmother, Consuelo, in her unwavering support of her granddaughter while delivering a few sharp one liners.  However, most importantly, On Your Feet certainly brings the beat to this uplifting music celebration.

North Shore Music Theatre’s On Your Feet continues live and in person at Bill Hanney’s North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts through Sunday, June 14.  Click here for more information and for tickets.