Review: 9 Works Theatrical's On Your Feet! Is More Than a Nostalgia Trip
July 21, 2026
By: Veronique Nazareno
Photo credit: Rockwell
More Than the Music
Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine helped bring Latin music to the international mainstream. As the "Queen of Latin Pop," Gloria Estefan paved the way for many Latin artists who followed, including Jennifer Lopez and Shakira.
Following its staging of Yemaya, another story rooted in Cuban heritage and the pursuit of the American dream, and The Bodyguard, 9 Works Theatrical returns with On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Written by Alexander Dinelaris and directed by Robbie Guevarra, the jukebox musical biopic enjoyed successful runs on both Broadway and the West End before making its way to the Philippine stage.
Undeniably, the biggest star of this production is Gloria Estefan's music. But no matter how iconic the songs are, music alone cannot carry a musical. In On Your Feet!, Daniel Bartolome's musical direction, the performances of both the cast and the live band, and the emotional heart of the story come together to make this much more than a nostalgia trip.
Performances That Shine
Kayla Rivera (alternating with Molly Langley) shines as Gloria. She has the vocal power the role demands while bringing warmth and sincerity to the character. Her duet of "Anything For You" with Jani Magadia, who plays Gloria's sister Rebecca, is one of the production's sweetest moments. Both performers sing with a vulnerability that makes it easy to imagine Gloria's early years with the Miami Sound Machine. Kayla's vocals impress, but it's her sincerity that makes you believe in Gloria's journey.
One small technical issue during the performance we watched was Rivera's lapel microphone, which did not always capture the full strength of her voice. The difference became more noticeable whenever she switched to a handheld microphone, where her vocals came through with much greater clarity.
Jason Canela, a Cuban-American performer reprising the role of Emilio six years after first playing it, has all the charisma of a leading man. His heartfelt performance of "Don't Wanna Lose You" is among the evening's highlights. More importantly, he brings an authenticity to Emilio that makes the character feel more genuine.
Kayla Rivera as Gloria Estefan | Photo credit: 9 Works Theatrical
Scene Stealers and Standout Supporting Performances
Among the production's biggest scene stealers are Pinky Marquez as Gloria's grandmother, Gloria Fajardo, and Ayen Laurel as her mother, Consuelo Garcia.
Marquez brings warmth, humor, and infectious energy every time she steps on stage. Laurel, meanwhile, becomes the emotional center of the production. Her rendition of "Mi Tierra" is easily one of the show's most memorable moments.
John Joven Uy also impresses as Jose Fajardo, making the most of every opportunity to showcase his soaring vocals. Neo Rivera, as record executive Phil, provides plenty of laughs whenever he appears, while Vien King continues to prove himself as one of the promising theater actors to watch. His portrayal of the younger Jose Fajardo is another reminder of how much he has grown as a performer.
Jason Canela as Emilio Estean | Photo credit: 9 Works Theatrical
A Production That Keeps Moving
The ensemble delivers boundless energy throughout the show. Richardson Yadao is a particular standout, with crisp, precise movements that naturally draw the audience's attention whenever he takes the stage.
Nunoy van den Burgh's choreography makes excellent use of the ensemble, keeping the stage alive without making it feel overcrowded.
For a story that spans countries and decades, Mio Infante's set design effectively captures the different chapters of the Estefans' journey. The transitions between family moments, recording studios, and concert performances are seamless, allowing the story to keep moving at a steady pace.
Among the evening's most touching moments are "Coming Out of the Dark" and "Reach." Performed with sincerity and heart by the cast, both numbers leave a stronger emotional impact than expected.
Some scenes could benefit from a tighter pace, as a few moments linger a little longer than necessary. Still, these are minor concerns in an otherwise engaging production.
Final Verdict
On Your Feet! follows the familiar jukebox musical formula, celebrating the songs that made Gloria Estefan a global icon. But beyond the nostalgia is a story about family, resilience, sacrifice, and the determination to chase a dream despite the odds.
Supported by a committed cast, a vibrant ensemble, strong musical direction, and Gloria Estefan's timeless catalog, 9 Works Theatrical delivers a production that is entertaining, heartfelt, and surprisingly emotional.
On Your Feet! is now running at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell until July 26, 2026. Tickets are available through TicketWorld.
The author saw the performance at the Gala Night.