By Joey Amato
“On Your Feet” made its debut at TPAC earlier this week and was everything I expected. As a huge fan of Gloria Estefan and having worked for her record label back in the early 2000s, I was really hoping “On Your Feet” stayed true to her successes as well as the challenges she needed to overcome.
The musical featured a wonderful band performing all of her greatest hits including “Conga”, “Live for Loving You” and of course “Get On Your Feet.” The story begins as a young Gloria and Emilio make their way from Cuba to Miami to live a better life. The couple crosses paths and begins a musical relationship which later evolves into a romantic relationship.
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine begin to take the world by storm, even though their music wasn’t easily promoted in the earlier days. People weren’t sure whether to consider it Latin or Pop and they had a tough time getting radio stations to play the songs.
At the height of their success, the band was involved in a tragic accident in New York that left Gloria nearly paralyzed and in need of spinal surgery. After months of rehab, Gloria finally made her return to the stage at the American Music Awards, at the request of Dick Clark himself. She performs a stunning rendition of “Coming Out of the Dark” which leaves everyone in tears.
Catch On Your Feet at TPAC until January 20. Tickets for “On Your Feet!” are available at TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040 and at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., in downtown Nashville. For groups of 10 or more, call 615-782-4060.
