Last night we joined the colourful Conga line of Cuba, for the musical tour of On Your Feet at the Wales Millennium Centre. Packed with energy from the entire cast, Westend stars, Phillipa Stefani (also stared in Rent, Wicked and Sister Act) along with George Ioannides (also stared in Annie, Mama Mia, and Officer And A Gentlemen) tell the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
With energetic full cast numbers, infectious choreography and impressive vocals from all the lead characters, expect to do exactly what the title says! Both acts take you through Estefan’s story, starting in Havana with the Latin Pop Collective, Miami Sound Machine and their journey through crossing over from Latin American music to mainstream American music and global stardom.
Anyone who has listened to the Estefan’s music will already know the Cuban, salsa, rumba and mambo influences their music combined from the late ’70s, and the musical production doesn’t disappoint. With hits like, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, Dr. Beat, and Everlasting Love, it’s the perfect feel-good pick me up as the cold autumn nights draw in.
There are a few stand out moments from the show for us, Madalena Alberto’s performance of Mi Tierra (who plays Gloria’s mother Gloria Fajardo) was spectacular. Philippa Stefani’s vocal and medley numbers along with the ensemble were dazzling. Lastly, Karen Martin’s characterisation of Consuelo, Gloria’s grandma, injected feel-good humour and light into the plot.
What did we like? The great storytelling, energy, and vocals from the cast. The band, upfront and centre giving some of the best sounds we’ve heard in the Donald Gordon Theatre. And of course, the insuppressible urge to Get On Your Feet!
On Your Feet is a Tony Award® nominated show which ran on Broadway for two years playing over 750 performances and is in the Wales Millennium centre from 21-26 October 2019.
You can get your tickets here: https://www.wmc.org.uk/en/whats-on/2019/on-your-feet/