The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You

On Your Feet

Drury Lane’s first production of the New Year is a musical that’s exciting, often heartfelt and filled with pulsating, Latin-infused music and songs that everyone will recognize. The show offers two hours of comedy, drama and pure escape, where we can all enjoy and fall in love with Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, all over again. It’s also a musical that had its tryout in Chicago, when it premiered back in 2015. This is the first local professional production for Chicagoland audiences and this new version offers some wise script changes, something that most reviewers suggested eleven years ago. But Drury Lane’s production is wonderful, overflowing with infectious rhythms that leave the audience pulsating with a desire to just “Get On Your Feet.” But a warning to every future theatergoer: “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You!”

Gloria Estefan is a household name when it comes to likable, gifted entertainers. She is, of course, the wonderfully talented Cuban-American singer, songwriter and actress, who became known to the world as the lead singer of the popular recording group, the Miami Sound Machine. Through this big, splashy, song and dance-filled production, we are reminded of the often rocky road Gloria and her loving husband Emilio Estefan traveled on their journey to success. Brimming with colorful and memorable characters, a hot Latin beat, poignant ballads and infectious dance music, this enjoyable show is at its best during the musical numbers.

Creatively and inventively directed by talented award winning director, choreographer and educator, Luis Salgado, this production feels deeply personal. Mr. Salgado began his journey here, in Chicago, having appeared in the original Chicago tryout and then in the Broadway productions of ON YOUR FEET. Luis has returned to the Windy City, this time to direct and choreograph a musical that, at its heart, is a love story. He’s staged and guided this biographical jukebox musical with a fusion of Latine and Caribbean rhythms and dance styles, creating a spicy feast of drama, music and dance.

The predominately Latino cast stars lovely Gaby Albo as Gloria and Samuel Garnica as Emilio Estefan, backed by an energetic ensemble of talented singers, dancers and musicians. Ms. Albo’s performance seems almost effortless, as if this musical is part of her very being. And well it should be since Ms. Albo toured the country in the Spanish world premiere of ON YOUR FEET. Her exquisite vocal and dancing talent, as well as her honest dramatic portrayal of Gloria, from teenager to young mother, make her the perfect leading lady for this production. Ms. Albo actually looks and sounds so much like Gloria Estefan, it’s haunting and difficult to imagine anyone else in this role.

As Emilio Estefan, the talented and strikingly handsome Samuel Garnica, oozes charisma and charm. One can easily understand why Gloria fell in love with this kind and deeply caring man, whom she called her “first and only true love.” Mr. Garnica has a smooth, pleasing vocal style making his solos and duets both pleasant and powerful. Samuel played Emilio Estefan in the 2nd National Broadway Tour; and his previous credits also include MATILDA: THE MUSICAL. Together, Gaby Albo and Samuel Garnica make a pleasing and plausible musical couple.

Chicago-based actor and singer Claudia Quesada is a powerhouse as Gloria Estefan’s caring, but opinionated, and highly critical mother, Gloria Fajardo. As Consuelo, Gloria’s loving and saucy Abuela, Ana Maria Alvarez is another beloved Chicago actress who’s a true standout in this production. Both actresses are lovable and powerful presences in this musical. Young theatrical veterans, Charlotte Arias and Talia Josephson share the role of Little Gloria, and Angel Hikari Salgado nicely plays both a Young Emilio and Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s son, Nayib

Luis Salgado’s accomplished and ever-animated ensemble are all polished and professionally adept triple-threats. The supporting cast performs over two dozen songs. They include “The Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Anything For You,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Turn the Beat Around” and, my absolute favorite, “Conga.” Chris Sargent is both the production’s talented musical director and the conductor, as well as part of the eight member onstage orchestra, housed on the second level of scenic designer Clifton Chadick’s fluid and funky stage setting. Paired with Ryan O’Gara’s impressive lighting and some pretty incredible projections by the always impressive Mike Tutaj, the show looks like it’s directly from Broadway. Adding to the look of the production, the impressive costume designs by Christopher Vergara, and hair & wig designs by Bobbie Zlotnik, create a show that’s a treat to both the eye and ear.

This jukebox biographical production is mostly a jubilant, joyful presentation. But in Act II, the story takes a tragic turn. A traumatic bus and truck accident that almost killed the singing star abruptly changes the mood and tone of the musical. This true incident left Gloria Estefan paralyzed with a spinal injury that resulted in a touch-and-go, nine-hour surgery. It was followed by months and months of painful physical therapy. Remarkably, the talented and self-driven Ms. Estefan eventually recovered and returned to the stage, performing at the American Music Awards, which becomes the joyous finale of this show. Receiving a standing ovation, Ms. Estefan premieres “Coming Out of the Dark” at this event, a song with universal appeal but also expressed the agony and anguish she’d experienced during the past year.

In between, we get to know Gloria Estefan as a child, a teenage girl who worked hard at school, was devoted to her ill veteran father and who enjoyed the company of her younger sister and grandmother Consuelo. Despite her tight rein and constant criticism, Gloria loved and revered her mother Gloria Fajardo with all her heart. But when she met, joined creative forces with and ultimately married Emilio Estefan, that’s really when the couple “Turned the Beat Around” and “The Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented January 28-March 22 by Drury Lane 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.