This July, theater aficionados can expect an exhilarating celebration of music, family, and perseverance as “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan” makes its Southeast Asian premiere at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center Makati.
Presented by Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical, the internationally acclaimed Broadway and West End musical brings to life the extraordinary journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan—from their beginnings as Cuban immigrants to becoming global music icons who forever changed the landscape of pop and Latin music.
According to Proscenium Theater Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Rockwell Land and Executive Producer Tracey Castillo, the musical offers something much deeper and more universal, highlighting the core themes of the show.
The story follows Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s journey, including their struggles, successes, personal sacrifices, and how they overcame adversity together. It celebrates perseverance and the importance of family and love in difficult times.
“We watch On Your Feet! because of the music, but more than that, it’s about family, resilience, love, and finding the strength to get back up after life’s biggest challenges,” Tracey said.
“Even if you don’t know every Gloria Estefan song, these are themes that resonate with all of us. This is something we owe to ourselves to watch—it’s a breath of fresh air.”
Running on weekends from July 10 to August 2, the production promises an uplifting theatrical experience filled with unforgettable songs, dynamic performances, and an inspiring true story.
A story of dreams, determination, and family
Directed by Robbie Guevara, with musical direction by Daniel Bartolome and a book by Alexander Dinelaris, the show chronicles the remarkable rise of Gloria and Emilio and their unwavering belief in each other as artists, partners, and dreamers.
The musical explores the determination and creativity that transformed a local Miami band into an international sensation, while celebrating the values that anchored their success, including family, heritage, resilience, and community. It’s a story that goes beyond fame, offering the audience a moving portrait of ambition tested by adversity and strengthened by love.
The music that moved the world
One of the production’s biggest draws is its electrifying soundtrack, packed with some of Gloria and Miami Sound Machine’s most beloved hits.
The audience can sing along to classics including “Anything For You,” “1-2-3,” “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “Get On Your Feet,” while also discovering more intimate songs such as “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “I Just Wanna See Your Smile,” which reveal the emotional heart behind the Estefans’ extraordinary success.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or experiencing their music for the first time, the show offers a joyful celebration of the rhythms that helped define a generation.
Two powerhouse performers take on Gloria Estefan
9 Works Theatrical, in partnership with Rockwell, has assembled a stellar cast for the highly anticipated production, led by two acclaimed performers alternating as the Queen of Latin Pop herself.
Molly Langley, a Filipino-British singer and actress who trained at Performers College in the United Kingdom, brings extensive theater and international performance experience to the role. Her credits include RENT, Side Show, The Wild Party, Spring Awakening, and A Christmas Carol, while her work with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines has taken her to audiences around the world.
Sharing the role is Filipino-Canadian performer Kayla Rivera, a singer, actress, and radio personality who first rose to prominence as a grand finalist on ABS-CBN’s Star Power. Since making her theatrical debut in In the Heights, Kayla has built a celebrated stage career, earning multiple Best Actress nominations for standout performances in productions such as Carrie and Side Show.
Together, the two performers promise to bring Gloria Estefan’s charisma, resilience, and extraordinary musicality to life for the Manila audience.
Jason Canela returns to one of his most personal roles
One of the production’s most exciting highlights is the return of Cuban-American actor Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan.
Raised in Miami before establishing a career in New York and Los Angeles, Jason is known for his work in Palm Royale, The Rookie, Pitch, and The Young and the Restless, where he became the first Latinx actor to hold a contract role during the show’s then 45-year history.
Yet Emilio Estefan remains one of his most meaningful portrayals. Jason previously starred in the Miami regional premiere of On Your Feet!, becoming the first Cuban actor to play the legendary producer and music executive on stage. Returning to the role six years later, and now as a father himself, he brings a renewed emotional understanding of Emilio’s vision, determination, and devotion to family.
“This story isn’t something I had to search far for—it’s in my DNA. It is my story, too,” Jason shared in a statement.
“To honor Gloria and Emilio and tell the story of the most iconic Cubans to step off the island means the world to me,” he added.
The actor has also expressed excitement about performing in the Philippines for the first time, saying that “Filipino hospitality, culture, and cuisine have already made Manila feel like home.”
A stellar supporting cast brings the Estefan family to life
Joining the leads is an impressive roster of veteran performers who portray the people who shaped Gloria Estefan’s journey.
Veteran actress Ayen Laurel takes on the role of Gloria’s mother, Gloria Fajardo, while Pinky Marquez portrays her grandmother, Consuelo Garcia. John Joven-Uy appears as her father, Jose Fajardo, with Vien King playing Young Jose.
Jani Magadia portrays Gloria’s sister, Rebecca Fajardo, with Anyah de Guzman appearing in selected performances as Rebecca and taking on the role of Robin.
Together, the cast captures the close-knit family dynamics and emotional foundations that remain at the heart of the Estefans’ remarkable story.
Spectacular staging and irresistible energy
The production features choreography by Nunoy van den Burgh, scenography by Mio Infante, vocal supervision by Toma Cayabyab, lighting design by Gabo Tolentino, sound design by Aron Roca, and video and projection design by Justin Santiago.
Their work will transform the Proscenium Theater into a vibrant world inspired by the rhythms of Cuba and Miami, celebrating the culture and creativity that fueled the Estefans’ rise to international fame.
More than a jukebox musical
At its core, On Your Feet! is a story about resilience, identity, and the courage to keep moving forward.
The production celebrates the immigrant experience, artistic ambition, and the enduring bonds of family that enabled Gloria and Emilio Estefan to build a legacy that transcended borders and generations. It is a reminder that behind every hit song lies a story of sacrifice, determination, and love.
Filled with chart-topping music, powerhouse performances, and one of entertainment’s most inspiring partnerships, On Your Feet! promises to be one of Manila’s must-see theater events of the year.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is a 9 Works Theatrical production presented by Rockwell through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, New York. The musical runs on all weekends from July 10 to August 2, at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center, Makati City, with 8:00 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00 p.m. performances on Saturdays and Sundays.
Tickets are available through TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.
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