Dance to the Latin Beat with Argyle Theatre’s production of ‘On Your Feet’

Kicking off its eighth season, Babylon’s Argyle Theatre presents the exhilarating musical “On Your Feet!, The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” the ultimate ‘80s power couple whose Latin music successfully crossed over from a purely Hispanic audience playing block parties and quinceaneras to global success filling every dance club with their infectious beat and pop hits like “Conga” and “Get On Your Feet.” 

Directed and choreographed by Vincent Ortega, “On Your Feet” invites the audience into a heartfelt story of  love, perseverance, creativity and success as they achieve the American dream! When 17-year-old Gloria who with her mother toils as a laundress, while also helping to care for her disabled father is encouraged by her abuela, her most avid supporter to sing for Emilio’s band, the Miami Latin Boys entertaining locally by playing traditional Cuban and Latin music, he is so taken by her talent he hires her and the band’s name is ultimately changed to the Miami Sound Machine with Gloria front and center.  Emilio’s belief in Gloria’s talent, comparing her to the female divas of the day Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders and Debbie Harry of Blondie but with an exciting Latin twist coupled with his marketing genius of getting their music from neighborhood venues to every high-powered disco and radio station in the ‘80s made them one of the first International Crossover successes. Not only does the band’s popularity soar; so does Emilio and Gloria’s love, which endures both the highs and lows they encountered along the way to monumental stardom, bridging the gap between mainstream American pop music and traditional Latin beats.   

Ortega, director, has chosen the very best team to bring forth this biographical musical production. His choreography hits the ground pounding with the very first dance featuring Gloria and the ensemble as colorful, crinoline slips swinging and swaying, setting the upbeat tone of the entire show. You just want to get up and dance! Costume designer Amanda Scanze bedazzled the multiple costume changes enhancing each number with sparkling Latin pizzazz. The last dress worn by Gloria’s mother with its multilayered detail punctuated by a floral flourish, is pure art. Gloria’s style was right on target with the pedal-pushers and crop tops she was known for performing in. Musical directors Jonathon Brenner and Analise Levesque brought the authentic Latin Miami sound to the Babylon stage, bringing out the Latin dancing not only onstage but at the end of the show, everyone in the audience got on their feet and danced to the Latin beat! Ortega, who has had the honor of meeting Gloria, Emilio and their daughter, is quoted as saying he remembers hearing “Conga” for the first time and thinking he had never heard anything so exciting. 

Kristin Tarrago as Gloria was so convincing through her acting, dancing, and singing you almost believed it was actually Gloria Estefan onstage. I loved her long curly hair, and all the ensemble’s hairstyles, perfectly curated by Jinx Kenyon to fit the ‘80s wild spirit. Matt Cervantes looked so much like the real Emilio coupled with his low-key, loving yet powerful stance; he brought authenticity to his portrayal of the character. His and several other moving moments throughout the show clutched my heart and brought me to tears... an emotional balance to the high-energy dancing and singing on stage. Megan Elyse Fulmer, playing Gloria’s mom, was as powerful a singer and dancer as Tarrago as Gloria. It was a delightful treat to get to view such talent locally. As always, Argyle Theatre’s producer’s Mark and Dylan Perlman and artistic director Evan Pappas brought the magic of Broadway to Babylon. Get on your feet and get over to the Argyle Theatre to see this fantastic production. You will be leaving singing and dancing out the door!

“On Your Feet” runs now through Oct. 25 at the Argyle Theatre 34 W. Main Street, Babylon. 631-230-3500 * See their website: argyletheatre.com to view all of their upcoming shows. The next show is “Mary Poppins.”