Most of us remember news accounts of the tragic bus accident in 1990 where Gloria broke her back and faced an uncertain recovery after major spinal surgery. That conflict is part of the story, of course - with artistic/powerful sound/light effects to dramatize the accident.
But the story includes much more, following “little Gloria” (at this performance beautifully played by Amaris Sanchez) from her roots in the Little Havana section of Miami, through her connection to Emilio (the handsome, talented Mauricio Martinez) with the encouragement of her charming abuela Consuelo (Debra Cardona) but in conflict with her mother (Nancy Ticotin) who gave up her dreams of a music career. Nancy shines in a flashback musical number.
Christie Prades brings the needed star quality to her role of Gloria, delivering all our favorite songs, and dancing up a storm as well, and looking very much like the icon she portrays. Breaking out of the “Latin only” category to bring Cuban-fusion pop music to the masses was another challenge in the plot. My favorite number was “The Conga” a song they needed to play it wherever they could, to convince producers to release it, first at a bar mitzvah, second at an Italian wedding and finally at shriner’s convention in Las Vegas — a wonderful montage. (Jordan Vergara was an adorable and energetic dancer as “Jeremy” the bar mitzvah kid, and also played son Nayib, and Young Emilio.)
On Your Feet is an uplifting treat that continues through Sunday.
Wharton Center for Performing Arts at MSU - 517-432-2000 or 1-800-Wharton or www.whartoncenter.com