Broadway in Cincinnati at the Aronoff Center kicked off it’s run of “On Your Feet! The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical” Tuesday, March 19. This production is an absolute “can’t miss!” As an ’80s/’90s kid, I had more than a passing remembrance of the music of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine. So going into it, many of the songs were quite familiar to me. However, this production was so much more than the great songs I remembered, delving much deeper and using the music as a backdrop to tell the story of two ambitious musicians who found fame, fortune and stardom — and at the same time, found each other.

The production begins by showcasing a Latin band center-stage. This could not be more appropriate, as the music is prominent throughout and infused into every scene. Quickly, the setting jumps back in time to tell the story of “Little Gloria,” as she communicates with her father serving in Vietnam. Growing up in a family that immigrated to Miami after fleeing Cuba, it cannot be overstated the powerful and timely message of opportunity in America, and what it truly means to be “American.” This is a theme that recurs throughout the story and in the lives of its subjects. From there we follow Gloria as she meets Emilio Estefan and auditions for his band.

Rather than simply a “rags-to-riches” story, the production does not shy away from the reality of the characters and the challenges they faced: rejection, racism, division, heartbreak and loss. But as the title alludes, these challenges are met and overcome with determination, ambition, family and love, making the story not only a celebration of their music, but a celebration of Gloria and Emilio Estefan themselves.

Beautiful costumes, riveting music and a concert-like atmosphere ensure that the audience does more than watch a play — they are engrossed in it. The roles of Gloria and Emilio are expertly performed by Christie Prades and Eddie Noel respectively. These two characters guide and serenade through the history of this amazing couple with well known songs such as “1-2-3,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Anything for You” and, of course, “Conga.” The supporting cast of actors, singers and dancers are incredible as well, and as they come dancing through the aisle to the audience, the rhythm will certainly get you as well.

For those of you reading this with families, this is a perfect production to bring the kids to. I myself brought my 8-year-old daughter along for the show. I smiled ear to ear to see her dancing to the music, singing along and applauding when Emilio describes what it means to be an American. Overall, a top notch production and extremely entertaining performance you won’t want to miss. 

“On Your Feet” runs March 19th through March 24th at the Aronoff Center.

Joe Maurits is the Director of Enterprise Licensing with Western & Southern Financial Group. He is a Cincinnati native and has three children with his wife, Laura.