On Your Feet! – Gateway Playhouse

Marina Pires and Eddie Noel as Gloria and Emilio Estefan Photo: Jeff Bellante.
By Jessica Kennedy.

Get on your feet! And that you WILL if you decide to check out Gateway Playhouse in Bellport Village as they open their 70th Anniversary Season with On Your Feet- The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.  Directed by Keith Andrews and featuring music produced and recorded by Emilio and Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine, this stellar performance will have you singing and dancing along for a night of tremendous music and fun!

“It’s going to be a lot of things that people don’t expect, but it’s our life,” Emilio Estefan says of a play which catalogues the personal and professional experiences  of him and his wife as they go from young, starry-eyed musicians, to passionate and successful superstars. From Gloria’s humble beginnings steeped in tradition and hardship, to Emilio’s journey to fulfill a promise to himself and his family, we watch these two young souls fall in love, and share that love- of each other, of music, of their culture- with the world.  This story shares the ups and downs of their lives and careers, revealing intimate moments that make the audience feel joy, shock, fear, and celebration. You will enjoy musical favorites from “1-2-3” and “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” to the show stopping “Conga,” all while developing a deeper appreciation for a musical pair who brought culture, class, heart, and soul to the music industry.       

Marina Pires and Eddie Noel as Gloria and Emilio Estefan Photo: Jeff Bellante.

The cast of this show is impressive and exquisite.  Marina Pires is flawless as Gloria from start to finish- her singing would be impressive enough if not for all the enthusiastic dancing to go along with it!   Eddie Noel plays off her beautifully as Emilio- their chemistry is charming and genuine. Now I’d be happy with such a strong pair on center stage, but the talent doesn’t stop there!  Karmine Alers wows as the fiery Gloria Fajardo, and Ruben Flores is tender and heart-breaking as Josȇ Fajardo. Even the extended family commands the stage: Sydia Cedeňo plays a hysterical, yet lovable Consuelo, and her singing is melodic and skillful.  The costume changes are frequent and fabulous- the vibrancy of colors adds to songs like Mi Tierra” and “Conga,” and the sea of white amplifies the emotional intensity of songs like “Wrapped.” Combine that with some dance moves by Broadway Choreographer Maria Torres, and you have a stage exploding with rhythm- and it’s going to get you!  

This show will be running from May 8-May 25 only, so get your tickets today, and I promise you’ll be saying you love it 5,6,7 times!

Running time is approximately 3 hours with one 15 minute intermission.
Just a note for any viewers with sensory sensitivities- be warned that the musical performances in this show are extremely loud. Perhaps too loud for the comfort of those with auditory concerns.
On Your Feet will be playing at the Gateway Playhouse until May 25th. The theater is located at 215 South Country Rd., Bellport NY. For tickets call the box office at (631) 286-1133 or click here.

2 Comments

  1. This was a wonderful fantastic show and experience!! Every actor on stage was a delight to watch and the energy was contagious and flawless!! Miranda Pires and Eddie Noel are amazing in their characterizations of Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan! I saw the show on Broadway and this was just as, if not more entertaining. Cried twice, laughed a lot, and I was so happy I had front row access to finally dance at the end!! I want to go again and again!! A must see!! Thank you!!

  2. Been a seasons holder for few years enjoy each season ON YOUR FEET one of the best ever you pick was excellent I did see the preview on BROADWAY congratulation to all great performance by lead and cast

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