Photo by Matthew Murphy

As if audiences weren't spoiled enough already with Carole King ("Beautiful") or Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons ("Jersey Boys"), this brand new bio-musical offers an iconic back catelogue of music sure to get you dancing (or conga-ing) in the aisles.

Directed by Tony winner Jerry Mitchell and featuring a book by Alexander Dinelaris, On Your Feet! tells a story of love between two Latin American pioneers and the phenomenal success their union brought about. The Estefans' impact on pop culture, defying those in the music industry who told them that their Latin rhythms would never succeed in the mainstream, will go down in history. Their biography lends itself perfectly to musical theatre. Not only are the hits already in place - an onslaught of songs that cry out for perhaps the most energetic and joyful choreography on Broadway right now (Thank you, Sergio Trujillo!), but the twists and turns in Gloria and Emilio Estefan's lives themselves are perfect catalysts for a book filled with dramatic tension. Of course, the tragic coach accident in 1990, where she suffered a fractured spine, and her triumphant comeback just a year later at the American Music Awards in 1991, are events that hand over a bona fide happy ending on a plate. Gloria's fraught relationship with her mother and its consequent resolution offer another interesting arc for the musical and the idea of integration of Latin Americans in U.S. society is as relevant now as ever. There is certainly enough meat on the bone of the Estefans' story to warrant it being told eight times a week at Broadway's Marquis Theatre.

As for the cast, after an extensive global search, newcomer Ana Villafañe was finally cast to play Gloria. If she doesn't earn a Tony nomination for her efforts this year, I will be a perplexed and disgruntled Estefan aficionado for the rest of the season! What a performance! Not only does she have an uncanny resemblance to Gloria, but she is a triple threat who seems to effortlessly conquer one of the most demanding roles on Broadway night after night. She is complimented by Josh Segarra, who has mastered Emilio Estefan's accent to a tee. Segarra offers some great one-liners too, in his instantly likeable manner.

I suppose the main reason though why audiences flock to the Marquis Theatre is to hear the music played live and I agree, that factor alone is worth the price of admission. The hits include everything from "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" to "Coming Out of the Dark," "Reach" to "1-2-3," "Dr. Beat" to "Don't Wanna Lose You," "Mi Tierra" to "Anything for You," and of course "Conga" and "Get on Your Feet." The list goes on and on. You forget how many glorious hits Gloria Estefan has released over the years of her career. Broadway's On Your Feet! is a perfect opportunity for a perfect reminder!

Click here for tickets to On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, which is booking through to 20 November 2016 at Broadway's Marquis Theatre.

- by Tom Millward