Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s Broadway musical plays Kravis Center

Published On: November 13th, 2022Categories: Florida News

When the Broadway national tour of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan” comes to West Palm Beach, the cast will include three South Floridians.

The jukebox musical runs at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts from Nov. 15 to 20 and onstage will be Miamians Adela Romero, Madelin Marchant and Lauren Danielle Horgan.

“On Your Feet” chronicles the ascent to pop stardom of singer Gloria against the backdrop of a romance with Emilio, who is equal parts hubby, producer and Svengali. The production weaves songs made famous by the Estefans — who are Magic City majesties themselves — including chart-toppers “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3″ and “Coming Out of the Dark.”

The show opened on the Great White Way in 2015 and closed two years later after 780 performances. At the Tony Awards, it was outshined by the “Hamilton” juggernaut.

The South Florida Sun Sentinel had the opportunity to speak with Romero, Marchant and Horgan. Below find excerpts from that Q&A.

Gaby Albo as Gloria Estefan in the national tour of “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan,” which has a Nov. 15-20 run in West Palm Beach. (DJ Corey)

(Rebecca Fajardo, Gloria Estefan’s sister; and Gloria Estefan understudy)

Q: Favorite SoFlo hangouts?

A: Some of my favorite SoFlo hangouts have to be Bougie’s [Bougainvillea’s Old Florida Tavern], oh God I love it there on a Wednesday for ladies’ night … Wynwood is also one of my favorite places to go out dancing and have fun with my friends. You can always find me at Planta in Coconut Grove.

Q: You have worked with Gloria Estefan on tour, correct? What stands out in your mind from those concerts?

A: I’ve worked as a background vocalist for Gloria Estefan very recently, this year actually. I was very fortunate to do ‘On Your Feet’ in Miami under the musical supervision of Clay Ostwald, who is an original member of the Miami Sound Machine. After working with him for about seven weeks, he really vouched for me and I was able to join the band for that concert. It was such an incredible experience to be able to sing with an iconic woman and an iconic band. The standout moment for me was getting to sing the “Mi Tierra” harmony with Gloria, that was heart-stopping for me.

Q: Tell readers about your TikTok videos with the “Why does everyone ask if I’m Latina?” theme. How did that come about?

A: That sound is from one of my favorite shows, [HBO’s] “Euphoria.” That line is said by Alexa Demie and I just loved how much sass and attitude she had. This was just a for-fun little moment.

Q: What is your favorite part of the show, or something that gets you every single time?

A: This is so tough because I have so many favorite parts, but I think “Wrapped” is one of my tops. That song, the lyrics, the music, the choreography just make my heart flutter every single time. I have such an attachment to that number, and I look forward to it every night.

Q: Did you perform at any South Florida regional theaters?

A: My first professional contract was “Evita” at Actors’ Playhouse in 2017 under the direction of Dave Arisco, who I owe so much to. I was still in college and he gave me a shot to work professionaly at 19. I’ve done many shows there and I consider that being a huge push in my career. I’ve also worked at The Wick in Boca Raton. I’ve been very lucky to work at Slow Burn Theatre Co. at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, another theater that feels like home.

(Consuelo, Gloria Estefan’s grandmother)

Q: Favorite SoFlo hangouts?

A: I think what I like most is Art Basel and art galleries. And, of course, the performing arts; I love all of them, especially the opera, theater, concerts and movies.

Q: What is your favorite part of the show, or something that gets you every single time?

A: My favorite part of the show is the song that Jose sings to Gloria when she is falling in love with Emilio, “When Someone Comes Into Your Life.” Also, the choreography of “Tradición.” From Consuelo, I love the moment when she encourages Gloria to follow her dream.

Q: Is there any part of the show that you wish you could draw the audience’s attention to (maybe something small that they might miss or something you find cool)?

A: I think a very special moment that means so much for us is the end of Emilio’s speech, about what is an American, when we all come onstage and show the audience how an American looks like. I hope people get exactly the huge meaning of that moment for us as Latinos.

Q: What led to you emigrate from Venezuela?

A: My decision of coming to the United States and to Miami was taken after a few events. One of them was my divorce; I was destroyed. The other, I was harassed and pursued by the government. Since 2002, I was their target because of my position against the government. As a public figure, it was harder. In 2004, after an event in which, during a raid, I was a victim of mistreatment and abuse from the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela … I understood that it was going to be impossible to work or live in my country … I won a scholarship for writers in Telemundo Miami. I paid my debts, got a flight ticket, my suitcase, the money I had left and here I am.

Q: What can you tell readers about your upcoming books?

A: My upcoming books are in progress. One of them is about my experiences and beliefs during my path as a performing artist, dancer and trainer for actors. My other book project is about my life in the States, about my journey in the last 17 years. I was a 43-year-old woman who decided after a divorce and a chaotic country situation to immigrate alone to this country [in 2005 from Venezuela] with a suitcase and $4,000. It tells my story from the day I decided to move to this country and my 27 houses, the 27 places I lived following my dreams and bliss, sometimes struggling but never quitting. It also includes my happy love moments and melancholies … but always in a comedy tone and laughing about myself.

Gloria Estefan, Madelin Marchant and Emilio Estefan at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., for the world premiere in Spanish of the jukebox Broadway musical "On Your Feet! La historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan En Español!" — Gloria Estefan, Madelin Marchant and Emilio Estefan at the GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., for the world premiere in Spanish of the jukebox Broadway musical “On Your Feet! La historia de Emilio y Gloria Estefan En Español!” (Carlos Adol / Courtesy)

(Ensemble/Consuelo understudy)

Q: Favorite SoFlo hangouts?

A: Any beach that has a lighthouse or anywhere I can kayak or go boating. A day at the beach is a spa day in my book. Of course, love to do happy hour at different places with a relaxed vibe but good atmosphere and music. I personally love Tap 42 and Pisco Y Nazca.

Q: West Palm Beach faves?

A: I LOVE downtown West Palm Beach. I enjoy the [West Palm Beach GreenMarket] on Saturdays. The Square and Clematis Street are always happening — fun to people-watch and shop. I’ve seen shows at the Kravis Center, but it’s my first time performing on the stage.

Q: You were in “Miami Vice,” so what is your strongest memory from filming that TV show?

A: I had my first one line in the series in episode 5, serving drinks to both leads. And when the show aired, they cut my line out. That’s the business. That only propelled me to keep going and eventually it would pay off.

Q: What can you tell us about your appearance in the upcoming Apple TV+ 10-episode series “Bad Monkey,” which is written by fellow South Floridian Carl Hiaasen?

A: I have a recurring guest star as Ines, the mother in the Campesino household, and I get to play a Cuban. I loved how Bill Lawrence asked me how Cuban moms usually talk to their kids and I said, “Most of the time in Spanglish.” And he said, “That’s exactly what I want whenever you talk” … to my daughters. It was a great experience filming with Vince Vaughn. He’s naturally funny. It was great having all types of philosophical conversations with the cast waiting around the set. Truly blessed and booked, as they say.

Q: What is your favorite part of the show, or something that gets you every single time?

A: My favorite number in the show is “Tradición,” which is the entire cast celebrating our heritage and traditions. It’s our first large group dance number in the show, and the music is contagious. It really gets the audience going. I am in the ensemble and I play many different roles and am changing wigs and costumes constantly. One particular bit role is the “Crazed Fan” that comes running through the audience during the top of Act 2 as Gloria is doing a concert. The audience seems to think at first that it’s a real fan and then they applaud when I do get the autograph.