'ON YOUR FEET' National Tour

[Zamedy154]

Posted: 9/24/17 at 5:44pm

I was there for preview night Friday of the 'ON YOUR FEET' national tour at Shea's Performing Arts Center. I knew it was about Gloria Estefan's life, I knew we'd hear her hits, but didn't know much more than that (and didn't have to).

My two cents:

-This isn't Shakespeare or A Little Night Music or Angels in America. The storyline is thin. But that's perfectly fine. If you're going to see this show, you should know that. Go in expecting a good time and you'll have a ball.

-The dancing is among the best I've ever seen in a Broadway or touring Broadway production (42nd Street revival still takes the top spot for me). But the energy, the familiar music... it's all just so infectious. And yes.. 'pure joy' as they say.

-Gloria and Emilio were somewhere in the theatre for preview and opening night. I think everyone was hoping they'd make an appearance on stage for the curtain call because it was the preview and opening shows of the tour but they didn't. Pretty classy when you step back and think about it. They are humble people. This was all possible because of them but it isn't ABOUT them. They love this cast and let them shine up there.

-And speaking of the cast: Wow. So much love and talent up there. The standouts to me were the actress who played Gloria's mom (Nancy Ticotin) and her abuela (Alma Cuervo).

-ALMA CUERVO. She gets her own line because I am absolutely in love with her. She stole the show, IMO. I last saw her several years ago in the national tour of WICKED playing Madame Morrible. I remember her being OUTSTANDING in that role (and that's not easy in that role). In my best Seth Rudetsky voice, I am obsessed with her and I want to be her friend. 

-Incredible to have members of the Miami Sound Machine up there on stage playing this music.

-The sets were beautiful. Never saw the Broadway show but never felt like I was watching the watered down tour version.

-Since we went to the preview, there were a number of people associated with the show sitting around us. Right behind us was a woman who must have been high in the directing/producing team. She was making notes on a pad and verbally to the person next to her. At one point, we heard her say "Jason.. You need more energy in your entrance." It was pretty cool to get that behind-the-scenes perspective.

-Emilio's line "This is what an American looks like!" got healthy applause. I'm glad and I hope that response continues. We had a great audience, I think.

It's too bad it didn't recoup on Broadway, but I'm glad it ran almost two years. Perhaps it would still be running if it had been in a smaller house that would have been easier to fill. Overall, I thought Act 1 could have been 10 minutes shorter and Act 2 could have been about five minute shorter, but I loved it and I'm planning to go back before it leaves Buffalo next Saturday. If you want to escape for two-and-a-half hours into a wonderful world of music and dancing, go see this show. The end of Act 1 and Act 2 will make your week.

 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 9/24/17 at 5:49pm

Thanks for the review.  I am seeing it on October 18 in Orlando.  Looking forward to it.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 9/24/17 at 5:49pm

double post

Updated On: 9/24/17 at 05:49 PM

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 9/24/17 at 7:58pm

Loved it on Broadway and am very much looking forward to the tour when it comes to San Francisco in 2018.  Emilio's line always gets an amazing reaction - deservedly so - and I can hear the audience roar its approval at every show on the tour.

Thanks so much for the review.  Quality control is always top notch for a Jerry Mitchell-directed show on Broadway or on the road.

Updated On: 9/24/17 at 07:58 PM

[maxd]

Posted: 9/24/17 at 8:08pm

https://www.broadwayworld.com/national-tours/article/BWW-Review-Latin-Rhythms-Overcome-ON-YOUR-FEET-Shortfalls-at-Sheas-Buffalo-Theatre-20170924