Posts with the label Gloria Estefan
Showing posts with label Gloria Estefan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gloria Estefan. Show all posts
Tuesday, 25 February 2020
On Your Feet! (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
On Your Feet (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 24th February 2020 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
Currently embarking on a UK tour after a summer stint at the London Coliseum, On Your Feet! is a celebration of Gloria Estefan continually thriving in the face of adversity. The musical has a flawed book, but there's heart in spades, glorious music and a real life story of endurance that is enough to warm your heart.
Transporting us from Gloria's childhood in Cuba, to her recording career and near fatal accident, it's truly inspiring to see how she rebuilt herself after physical trauma as well as always remaining true to what she believes in, even under the pressures of the music industry. The fairly small cast do an excellent job of filling every inch of the stage and perform with the energy and enthusiasm you could expect to see on the streets of Cuba. Consistently full out and precise in their movements, the cast are very impressive in their performance of Sergio Trujillo's intense choreography.
It's the pacing of this musical that is the biggest downfall. Of course it's based on real life events, but Alexander Dinelaris' book often lacks development and therefore depth. The main focus is on the lighthearted moments, meaning the more intense scenes are sometimes glossed over quickly. Act two packs much more of a punch in terms of emotional impact, with Gloria's scenes with her mother proving particularly moving. Again, this is a musical which reminds up to stick up for our values and beliefs. This idea is woven throughout but is especially effective in the scenes where the Estefans are at odds with their record producer (played excellently and humourously by Robert Oliver).
As the Miami diva herself, Philippa Stefani excels, bringing Gloria to life with a truthful performance. She engages the audience and never falters in energy or performance. Stefani's transition from shy teenager to commanding performer is masterful to watch and really showcases her as an actress. More so than anyone, Stefani uses the limited book hugely to her advantage and performs as though she really is on a huge, sell-out headline tour.
Stefani's chemistry with George Ioannides as Emilio Estefan is believable and romantic. Since seeing the show at the Coliseum, it seems George has really grown into the role as he gives a suave, vocally assured performance. Vocal powerhouse and legend of the stage, Madalena Alberto gives an exceptionally strong performance as she simmers ready to bubble over in anger or despair at any time. Vocally she is fantastic and her interactions which every character, especially her daughter, are truly enjoyable to watch.
The set design by David Rockwell is effective as it allows the action to transition from Cuba, to the USA and from kitchen to tourbus in a very simplistic but effective way. Quite a lot is left up to the imagination which, alongside having the band visible on stage, allows the true focus to be on the music. Like the ensemble, the band are full of an energy which fills the theatre and transmits amongst the audience. Kenneth Posner's bold lighting and Emilio Soso's bright costumes bring a carnival feel to the whole production which engages and entertains.
There are flaws to this musical for sure, but it's an uplifting piece of theatre which brings a little bit of Cuban sunshine to the streets of Wimbledon. For fans of Gloria Estefan this is a must-see, and for everyone else, it's a chance to tap your feet and imagine you're basking in the Miami sun. For a celebration of music, life and heritage, get On Your Feet and conga your way to see this tour.
On Your Feet! plays at the New Wimbledon theatre until 29 February and then continues its tour
On Your Feet! plays at the New Wimbledon theatre until 29 February and then continues its tour
Monday, 22 July 2019
20 Questions with On Your Feet's Christie Prades
Taking on the iconic role of Gloria Estefan, is the energetic, enthralling and all round wonderful Christie Prades. Editor Olivia sat down with her to ask Christie 20 Questions about her life, career and of course On Your Feet. We found out her favourite food, advice for aspiring performers, her spirit animal, what game show she'd like to compete against the Estefan's on, plus a whole lot more!
Featuring the hit songs of Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine, On Your Feet is currently playing at the London Coliseum until August 31st, with tickets available from the official website: www.onyourfeetmusical.co.uk
If you're unable to get to London, the show is also going on a tour of the UK (dates and venues available here).
Watch our full chat with Christie and some sneak peeks at the backstage area of the London Coliseum below or here.
Saturday, 29 June 2019
On Your Feet!, London Coliseum | Review
On Your Feet
London Coliseum
Reviewed on Thursday 27th July 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★★
The long summer nights are here and it's the perfect time for a fun, high energy musical that will have you tapping your toes and feeling good. Thankfully On Your Feet! is here to provide just that. Despite a flimsy plot, there's fun to be had, lights to dazzle and latin sounds to ensure you leave the theatre smiling.
Taking us from her childhood in Cuba, through her recording career and her near fatal accident, On Your Feet! is a real celebration of Gloria Estefan's career and determination, and is a real reminder to always stand up for what we believe in. The cast are as enthusiastic and sharp as you would hope, and provide some highly exciting moments, especially when dancing Sergio Trujillo's fiery choreography. Particularly impressive is the sandal tap dance which really wows and creates a rousing wall of sound that is fantastic to see and hear.
The main downfall of the musical is certainly Alexander Dinelaris' book which lacks much depth or emotional drama. Many of the more intense emotional scenes are quickly brushed over and it's not until act two that we really become absorbed in the story. Of course this is real life and it's the music of Gloria Estefan that we are celebrating, but there are several moments where the pacing feels too slow and too little happens. However, the scenes where Gloria and her mother are at odds with one another and when there is conflict between the Estefans and their record producer, are great at highlighting Gloria and Emilio's grit and the limited book is all performed well.
The direction by Jerry Mitchell does feel basic at times and sometimes highlights the flaws in the book, but he rightly places the wonderful music of Gloria and Miami Sound Machine at the heart of the musical. The high energy songs, including the Conga and On Your Feet make the audience feel uplifted and energised. It's hard not to feel swept up by the glorious Latin rhythms that make you want to grab a cocktail and swirl around.
Leading lady Christie Prades is confident and engaging in her performance. She delivers a performance which never waivers in energy or commitment; and vocals which wow and engage. Prades' chemistry with George Ioannides as Emilio Estefan is wonderfully nuanced and believable. George also provides strong vocals, which falter at times but mostly maintain the suave Latin feel. Karen Mann as Conseulo is delightfully entertaining as she pushes Gloria to achieve her dreams in any way she can, even if that includes bribing a club owner with Empanadas! Meanwhile, Madalena Alberto is sharp (and a vocal powerhouse) as she portrays Gloria's mother who begrudges her daughter, but of course, loves her regardless. Ensemble standouts include Dawnita Smith and Francesca Lara Gordon who catch the eye as they perform each moment with power and perfection. Little Gloria Emily Perra is also fantastic, with a magnetic stage presence and beautiful vocals.
The onstage band bring every song to life with an enthusiasm which radiates off the stage. Emilio Soso's floaty, colourful costumes just add to the party feel of the piece, as does Kenneth Posner's bold, bright lighting. Both aspects are equally strong when they dim themselves to fit the more emotive, atmospheric moments.
Overall On Your Feet! is an entertaining delight of a show. The book is hugely lacking but for fans of Gloria Estefan it's a perfect portrayal of her life and music. Transport yourself to the Miami sun and take a journey through the lives of Gloria and Emilio.
On Your Feet! is booking at the London Coliseum until August 31st
photo credit: Johan Persson
Thursday, 27 June 2019
On Your Feet!, London Coliseum | Review
On Your Feet
London Coliseum
Reviewed on Wednesday 26th July 2019 by Lucy Jardine
★★★★
Last night at the Coliseum, on a glorious evening, On You Feet, brought some Cuba/Miami sound and spectacle to London.
Mostly, it was a triumph. Christie Prades was a delight as Gloria. It was a treat to hear the authentic American and Latino accents without them being massacred. Her voice, whilst not quite on Gloria's epic scale, carried us along with her. Madalena Alberto was probably the star of the show though - such a strong voice and utterly convincing as the mother who had been forced to give up her dreams and therefore resented her daughter wanting to follow hers. And Karen Mann as Consuela, Gloria's grandmother, although some of her dialogue and mannerisms were a little cliched, brought many a chuckle to the audience.
The ensemble treated us to some fast-paced, foot-tapping, booty-shimmying sets and at the end, yes, we were all on our feet, clapping and dancing along with the excellent band that transported us to the hot steamy nights of Miami. Sergio Trujillo's choreography was solid; the staging, through the use of large moving cloth panels and the projection of images, from clubs in Miami to original photos of the terrible traffic accident that Gloria was in, was well crafted.
The one significant disappointment was George Ioannides in the role of Emilio Estefan. Again, his accent was authentic and his acting good but, unfortunately, his voice could not carry the songs and a couple of the duets with Christie were, frankly, a little uncomfortable. This didn't seem to matter to the audience though. After a rousing encore, we all left with our hearts a little lighter and our smiles a little brighter. Not a bad thing in today's world.
Tickets for On Your Feet are available at LondonBoxOffice.co.uk
photo credit: Johan Persson
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