Vlad Bunoan

Kayla Rivera as Gloria Estefan in ‘On Your Feet!’ Rockwell

Article (news)

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784103786736A voice that transcended generations, Gloria Estefan&#x27;s journey shines as a testament to passion and the transformative power of music..jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Kayla Rivera as Gloria Estefan in ‘On Your Feet!’ Rockwell</div>By a stroke of theatrical coincidence, 9 Works Theatrical opened “On Your Feet!” just a week after closing “Yemaya.” At their most basic narrative level, both productions are immigration stories tracking the Cuban diaspora to the United States. Yet, any thematic similarity begins and ends right there. A more useful point of comparison is actually “The Bodyguard,” 9 Works’ major production last year that opened the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell. “On Your Feet!” represents a continuation of that marketing strategy: serving up heavy doses of &#x27;80s and &#x27;90s nostalgia specifically tailored for Rockwell’s demographic. The difference is that this time, the formula works far better.Jukebox musicals generally fall into two categories. There are those like “Mamma Mia!”, which take an artist’s discography and graft it onto an entirely original, unrelated narrative. “On Your Feet!” belongs to the biographical branch of the genre, using Gloria and Emilio Estefan&#x27;s music to chronicle their rise from Miami&#x27;s Little Havana to international superstardom. That approach gives the songs a more natural place in the narrative, although the book still follows a familiar blueprint. The story opens in 1991, moments before Gloria Estefan&#x27;s triumphant return to the stage at the American Music Awards following the devastating tour bus accident that nearly ended her career. From there, it flashes back to her teenage years in Miami&#x27;s Little Havana, where she meets the ambitious young musician and producer Emilio Estefan, who invites her to front his band.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784103758538Jason Canela charmed audiences as Emilio Estefan, delivering a charismatic and heartfelt performance.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan. Rockwell</div>The narrative unfolds almost exactly as one would expect. Gloria balances family responsibilities with a budding music career, the Miami Sound Machine struggles against an American music industry that views Latin artists as too ethnic for mainstream audiences, crossover success finally arrives with &quot;Conga,&quot; tragedy strikes with the 1990 bus crash, and an emotional comeback brings the story full circle to that emotional, gospel-choir-backed comeback performance of &quot;Coming Out of the Dark&quot; at the AMAs. It is a predictable and highly sentimental success story audiences have seen countless times before. The book leans heavily into primetime soap opera elements, focusing more on Gloria&#x27;s family — her protective mother who bitterly harbors resentment over the performing career she was forced to abandon when fleeing Cuba, and her father, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. What saves “On Your Feet!” from feeling like a paint-by-numbers biopic is the sheer infectious energy of Gloria Estefan’s discography. Musical director Daniel Bartolome has assembled a spectacular live band complete with a roaring horn section and driving percussion. Every time the production unleashes its high-energy Latin dance numbers, the show instantly elevates, bolstered by Nunoy van den Burgh’s choreography that is noticeably more complex and dynamic than what we saw in “The Bodyguard,” capturing both the exuberance of Latin pop and the excitement of a live concert.While the dance tracks bring the house down, the show&#x27;s smarter choice lies in how it repurposes Gloria’s pop ballads to service the text. For instance, &quot;Don&#x27;t Want to Lose You&quot; was transformed into a poignant dramatic solo for Emilio.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784103703356IMG_1052.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Pinky Marquez and Kayla Rivera. 9 Works Theatrical</div>The production is further anchored by strong casting choices. Pinky Marquez is an undeniable scene-stealer as Gloria&#x27;s grandmother, bringing warmth, humor and effortless charm to every appearance. However, the dramatic anchor of the show is Ayen Laurel in her stage comeback as Gloria&#x27;s mother. Laurel brings a commanding seriousness and a remarkably consistent presence to a familiar role, delivering one of the evening&#x27;s absolute musical highlights during a flashback solo as a star back in Cuba.As Emilio, Cuban-American actor Jason Canela brings an authenticity that goes beyond accent. It is a nuance that fully justifies the production&#x27;s international casting — and one that proves far more effective than the approach taken in “The Bodyguard.” Canela possesses the charisma to make Emilio&#x27;s relentless optimism believable while revealing the unwavering devotion that anchors the couple&#x27;s relationship throughout the show&#x27;s many hardships. <div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784103637937Together, Gloria and Emilio Estefan navigated the highs and lows of an extraordinary career.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Kayla Rivera and Jason Canela as Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Rockwell</div>Opposite him, Kayla Rivera possesses an inarguable musical talent as Gloria. She is stunning and sings beautifully, and while she occasionally lacks that feisty Latina fire and accent, she looks the part perfectly. The nostalgia factor is helped immensely by costumes that faithfully recreate Gloria’s iconic MTV-era looks.Ultimately, “On Your Feet!” is an entertaining, feel-good night out at the theater. If you are a fan of Gloria Estefan&#x27;s music, or if you fall squarely into the target &quot;Tita&quot; demographic, you are likely to have a vibrant, rhythm-filled good time. However, for those less invested in the Estefans, the formulaic book won&#x27;t do much to convert you.<div> </div><div>“On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan” runs until August 2, 2026 at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati City. </div>

9 Works Theatrical's ‘On Your Feet!’ delivers infectious music, energetic choreography and a strong cast, overcoming a familiar biographical formula with sheer entertainment value.

9 Works Theatrical's ‘On Your Feet!’ delivers infectious music, energetic choreography and a strong cast, overcoming a familiar biographical formula with sheer entertainment value.

Theater review: Nostalgic ‘On Your Feet!’ congas to a familiar tune

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

People, Culture, and Events

Theater review: Nostalgic ‘On Your Feet!’ congas to a familiar tune

Vlad Bunoan,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 15, 2026 04:36 PM PHT

Read More:

On Your Feet

theater review

9 Works Theatrical

Rockwell

Proscenium Theater

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.