9Works Theatrical’s ‘On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan’ at the Proscenium Theater is a polished, confident production that delivers exactly what the Broadway classic demands. It is lively without becoming excessive, emotionally grounded without slowing down, and consistently entertaining.

Jason Canela gives the show a strong center as Emilio Estefan. He brings natural charisma to the role, but his performance is most effective in the quieter scenes. He gives life to Emilio with conviction and lends real weight to the relationship at the heart of the musical.

Kayla Rivera has played many leading roles, but ‘On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan’ asks something different of her. Gloria Estefan is not simply a vocal role. It requires her to command the stage like a pop star while still meeting the story's emotional demands.

Rivera meets that challenge — she acts, sings, and dances with equal confidence. Her performance feels like a significant step forward. She does not disappear into an imitation of Gloria Estefan; instead, she finds the drive and warmth that make the character compelling.

Molly Langley alternates in the role of Gloria, making a return visit worthwhile for audiences interested in seeing another interpretation of the part.

The supporting cast is excellent. Jon Joven Uy brings warmth to José Fajardo, while Vien King delivers a sincere performance as the younger Fajardo. Neo Rivera is also very effective in a comedic role and knows exactly how to make his moments land.

Pinky Marquez and Ayen Laurel are the production’s scene-stealers. Both performers have an immediate command of the stage, and neither wastes a moment. Their comic timing is sharp, but they also bring heart to their respective roles.

The ensemble deserves equal credit. The choreography is clean, the energy remains high, and the musical numbers are staged with heart and clarity. Gloria Estefan’s songs already know how to move an audience, and this production trusts the material enough not to overwhelm it.

What makes ‘On Your Feet! The Story of Gloria & Emilio Estefan’ work is that the story never feels like an excuse for the hit — the music and the narrative support and complement each other. The result is a show about resilience that never loses its sense of joy.

A jukebox musical can often rely too heavily on familiarity. This one does not. 9Works Theatrical has built a production with strong performances and a clear point of view. 

It earns the applause.

Presented by 9Works Theatrical.