Casting announced for On Your Feet! at Marquis Theatre

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Casting has been announced for the upcoming new musical based on the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, On Your Feet!, which begins previews at Broadway's Marquis Theatre on 5 October 2015, before officially opening on 5 November 2015, and is currently booking through to 3 April 2016. (It will also be premiered prior to Broadway at Chicago's Oriental Theatre from 2 June 2015 to 5 July 2015).

Making her Broadway debut as Gloria Estefan will be Ana Villafañe. She stars alongside Broadway alum Josh Segarra as Emilio Estefan. Additional casting includes Andréa Burns as Gloria Fajardo (Gloria's mother), Alma Cuervo as Consuelo (Gloria's grandmother), Alexandria Suarez as Little Gloria, and Noah Johnston as Little Emilio, with Karmine Alers, Yassmin Alers, David Baida, Natalie Caruncho, Henry Gainza, Linedy Genao, Carlos E. Gonzalez, Nina Lafarga, Genny Lis Padilla, Omar Lopez-Cepero, Hector Maisonet, Marielys Molina, Felix Monge, Doreen Montalvo, Liz Ramos, Eliseo Roman, Luis Salgado, Marcos Santana, Martín Solá, Brett Sturgis, Eric Ulloa, Tanairi Vasquez and Lee Zarrett.

Director Jerry Mitchell released the following statement, concerning the casting of Ms. Villafañe:

"She walked into the room, and I immediately thought to myself - 'this is it'. Not only was she beautifully reminiscent of a young Gloria, but she embodied her energy and spirit in such a captivating way. And then she fully rose to the occasion by giving a sensational audition."
When asked about Mr. Segarra, he continued:
"It's a rare and wonderful thing when you find an actor who wholly matches the material. Josh has been a part of this project since the very first reading, and brings such an incomparable spark, passion, and humor to the role of Emilio, that we held onto him with all our might."
Creative team members have also been announced. On Your Feet! will feature scenic design by David Rockwell, costumes by Emilio Sosa, lighting by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Steve Kennedy, projections by Darrel Maloney, hair & wig design by Chuck LaPointe, music direction by Lon Hoyt, orchestrations by Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, and dance arrangements and dance orchestrations by Oscar Hernandez.

On Your Feet!, directed by Jerry Mitchell, features a book by Alexander Dinelaris, music & lyrics by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Synopsis: "On Your Feet! is the story of two people who — through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream — showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom. The musical is set to Gloria's chart-topping, smash hits such as 'Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,' 'Conga,' '1-2-3,' 'Get On Your Feet,' 'Don't Want To Lose You Now,' and 'Coming Out Of The Dark,' in addition to an original song written by Gloria and their daughter Emily Estefan."

The musical is produced by James L. Nederlander and Estefan Enterprises, Inc. in partnership with Bernie Yuman. it will feature a book by Alexander Dinelaris ('The Bodyguard', 'Zanna Don't!') and will be directed by Jerry Mitchell with choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

Gloria Estefan is a seven-time Grammy Award winner, and has sold over 100 million albums worldwide. She is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. She recorded the Oscar-nominated song "Music Of My Heart," and has been presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, named BMI Songwriter of the Year, and received an American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement.

- by Tom Millward

Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Ana Villafañe and Josh Segarra

Originally published on

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