By: Kristin Shawd
Get On Your Feet! If you’re anything like me, that’s exactly what you’ll be itching to do the moment the curtain rises at Cleveland Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace Theatre!
Yes, On Your Feet! The Emilio & Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical is that good! It’s playing now through December 23rd. (Know Before You Go Suggestions can be found at the end of this post.)
Seriously, grab your spouse, a friend, a family member, or even that new neighbor you’ve been meaning to welcome with a casserole or plate of cookies. I believe you’ll be glad you did.
As the show’s subtitle suggests, On Your Feet! Is the compelling story of Cuban immigrants, Gloria and Emilio, and their band The Miami Sound Machine wrapped inside a musical tribute. The audience is happily submersed in Cuban color, culture and sound while enjoying the unfolding drama–the life challenges and professional hurdles they faced as well as the personal triumphs and business successes that marked their journey to fame.
Don’t think you know many of their tunes? You might be surprised– I certainly was. My bet is you’ll recognize far more songs than you think. But even if don’t and you can’t sing along in your head, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by their infectious sound and beat.
You’re toe will take to tapping, your fingers to snapping, or your head to rhythmic bobbing…or perhaps all three. I broke into a brief interlude of singing and dancing in the ladies lounge, much to the entertainment, or perhaps embarrassment or even ridicule, of the others standing in line. They smiled; I’ll assume the best.
And to think we almost missed this delightful performance as my husband and I tossed around the idea of swapping out this show for another in the KeyBank Broadway Series. This is our third year as season ticket holders and the first time we’ve almost swapped performances.
It’s also the first time I’ve left Playhouse Square this excited about a performance. The story was tender and romantic without being sappy or contrived. The dancing was super high-energy and Cuban colorful but also crisp and clean – truly top notch.
The vocals were on par with the dancing, and equally strong across the entire cast. In fact, while the typical conversation on our drive home with friends usually includes the observation that one supporting actor or another didn’t have the same caliber of voice as the leads, this time no such critique was uttered.
The stage show was coupled in the concert scenes with a light show, which just added to the sparkle. Finally, the overall sound quality was solid from curtain up to curtain call. This is noteworthy as we were there on opening night when it’s not unheard of to have a hiccup or two.
Simply stated, it was just a FUN night! Thoroughly enjoyable! And yes, I would recommend it to anyone! If you liked Jersey Boys, you’ll love this too!
Get out…head to Cleveland…
Get On Your Feet!
And make it happen!
Things to Know Before You Go:
• Tickets still available. Use this link ev15.evenue.net (pulled from PlayhouseSquare.org)
• Want even more info about On Your Feet! Broadway Musical? Event details
• Show dates: Now thru December 23
• Showtimes:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays @ 7:30
Friday (December 22) @ 1:30 & 7:30
Saturdays @ 1:30 & 7:30
Sundays @ 1:00 & 6:30
• Ticket Availability loosens up in the December 18-23 date range
• Parking: You can pre-purchase parking for $15 + fees at Playhouse Square’s Parking Garage (you’ll enjoy an enclosed bridge into the theatre complex, great for ugly weather days). Or choose to park at one of the many privately owned lots nearby. Our favorite parking lot is directly across the street from the Conor Palace Theatre (cost $20). It’s a tight lot but easy exiting after the show.