Parents who grew up dancing to Gloria Estefan’s music now have the chance to introduce those timeless hits to a new generation through 9 Works Theatrical’s production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan. Opening on July 10 at the Proscenium Theatre, the musical celebrates the life, love story, and music of one of Latin pop’s most influential couples.
More than a jukebox musical, On Your Feet! follows Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom. It also highlights the family’s resilience after Gloria’s life-changing bus accident in 1990—a story of perseverance that continues to inspire audiences today.
Before watching the show, revisit—or discover for the first time—these iconic Gloria Estefan songs featured in the production.
“Get On Your Feet”
Released as part of Gloria Estefan’s 1989 album Cuts Both Ways, “Get On Your Feet” became one of her signature solo hits. Its uplifting message about resilience and finding the strength to keep moving forward reflects one of the musical’s central themes.
The song has also enjoyed a lasting pop culture legacy, with memorable appearances in American Idol, Parks and Recreation, and Gloria’s own 1989 world tour.
“Conga”
Few songs define Gloria Estefan’s career quite like “Conga.” Released with the Miami Sound Machine, the upbeat dance anthem introduced Latin pop to mainstream audiences around the world and remains one of her biggest hits.
Expect this crowd favorite to have audiences clapping—and maybe even dancing—in their seats.
“1-2-3”
Co-written by Gloria Estefan and released in 1988, “1-2-3” showcased another side of the Miami Sound Machine’s infectious pop sound.
Fun fact: The song even reached younger audiences when Gloria performed a special version with Big Bird on Sesame Street.
“I See Your Smile”
Written by Jon Secada and Miguel Morejon, “I See Your Smile” is an emotional ballad about longing and enduring love.
In On Your Feet!, the song is performed by Emilio and Gloria’s characters, highlighting the emotional moments in their journey as a couple.
“Rhythm Is Gonna Get You”
Another chart-topping hit by Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” helped cement the group’s place in pop music history.
Its irresistible beat and energetic performance make it one of the musical’s most exciting numbers.
“Don’t Wanna Lose You”
One of Gloria Estefan’s biggest ballads, “Don’t Wanna Lose You” explores love, vulnerability, and the fear of losing someone close.
Within the musical, the song mirrors the emotional struggles Emilio and Gloria experience following the accident that changed their lives.
“Coming Out of the Dark”
“Coming Out of the Dark” marked Gloria Estefan’s triumphant return to music after surviving the devastating 1990 tour bus accident. Co-written by Gloria, Emilio Estefan, and Jon Secada, the song became an anthem of hope and recovery.
The title was inspired by a phrase Emilio often told Gloria during her recovery, encouraging her as she worked toward returning to the stage.
Looking back on the experience during an interview on Life Stories in 2024, Gloria described the accident as “surreal.”
“He didn’t leave my side for three months,” Gloria said of Emilio. “I made a goal to make it back on stage, and I was back on stage first at the American Music Awards in January 1991. My first show was in Miami on March 1, 1991.”
The song remains one of the most emotional moments in On Your Feet!, reminding audiences that even life’s darkest moments can lead to new beginnings.
Whether you’ve loved Gloria Estefan’s music for decades or are hearing these songs for the first time, this playlist is the perfect way to prepare for On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan.
Frequently Asked Questions
The musical includes many of Gloria Estefan’s biggest hits, including “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” and “I See Your Smile,” along with other fan favorites from her career.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan tells the inspiring true story of music icons Emilio and Gloria Estefan. The musical follows their journey from their early years in the music industry to international success, while also exploring the challenges they faced as a family, including Gloria’s recovery after a life-changing bus accident.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan opens on July 10 at the Proscenium Theatre, presented by 9 Works Theatrical.
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