On Your Feet! (9 Works Theatrical)

♣♣♣♣/♣♣♣♣♣

Emilio Estefan (Jason Canela) and his band Miami Sound Machine already have an established presence within the Latino community of Florida when he meets Gloria Fajardo (Molly Langley). A combination of mutual attraction and recognition of talent bind them together. While her grandmother Consuelo (Pinky Marquez is encouraging of her musical inclinations, her mother Gloria (Ayen Laurel) is dismissive, owing to her own regrets over a stalled career when she fled the oppressive regime in Cuba. While Gloria is hands-on in her role in the family as big sister to Rebecca (Jani Magadia) and caring daughter to her bedridden war veteran father Jose (John Joven Uy), soon she will have to make a decision whether to prioritize family or her burgeoning career. When Emilio decides to put her front and center of their band, she is thrusted into a world of fame and demanding touring schedules, culminating in a life-changing accident that forces her to reevaluate her life.

I’m starting to believe the theories circulating online about 9 Works Theatrical rebranding to cater to the rich Titas of Proscenium. There are no available tickets below 3,000 pesos. I went on a Friday night and the balcony was half empty. Are they making money out of these shows? There is also a certain pattern emerging that I just can’t put a finger on for now. Comparing On Your Feet to The Bodyguard, it seems nostalgia is the common denominator. I guess the question now is, are there enough jukebox musicals that 9 Works can restage before another rebrand comes along? To be honest, they heavily limited their audience with this move to Proscenium, and the prohibitive prices that accompanied that move.

But let’s talk about On Your Feet. In terms of storyline, it is more engaging than The Bodyguard, maybe because it tackles the life story of a 90’s staple in the Latino scene. I am not really a fan of Gloria Estefan, so my curiosity allowed me to enjoy the show, because I learned things about her life that somehow made my appreciation for her grow. As with most jukebox musicals, there are also those quick realizations and acknowledgment when you hear a beat or a song and realize, oh so that was HER song. It’s like rediscovering the discography of a musical artist, and for me that usually suffices to give me a good time.

As for the acting, I’m just glad that Jason Canela is a legit triple threat and the material allowed him to show that. His voice is smooth and has a soul/pop vibe to it. He also gets to sing duets with many of the actresses involved, so we get to enjoy the harmonies. Langley was Gloria Estefan the night that I watched, and I had no issues with her acting and singing. I also love how she fully embodied Estefan, all the way to the curly hair! And then there was Ayen Laurel who put on her own show via Gloria’s backstory and Pinky Marquez who was obviously having so much fun onstage with all the dancing. The ensemble brought their a-game, so the show was entertaining overall. And let’s not forget the big band. Those latin beats were infectious!

All in all, I had a really great time. As always, what turned out to be sad for me was the half empty audience and the lack of energy that brings about. I feel like the cast and the band gave the show their all but the enthusiasm was a bit lukewarm, even those who went up the stage to dance with them before the intermission. If you are the type who is quick to dance and jive to the beat, though, then you will surely enjoy this show. Even if you are not a Gloria Estefan fan, you might just get out of that theater with a new appreciation for her as an artist and as a person. Who knows, from there a sound trip down memory lane on Spotify might follow. Anyone can benefit from a little bit of Conga from time to time.