The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce that the West Palm Beach engagement of the hit Broadway musical On Your Feet! – based on the life story of seven-time Grammy winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time Grammy winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan will be playing from Jan 8-13.
Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records and sold out stadiums around the world. Emilio and Gloria Estefan together have won 26 Grammy Awards – but their music is only half the story. From the heart of Havana to the streets of Miami came a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had ever seen. On Your Feet! is the new Broadway musical that follows the Estefans’ journey to superstardom, set to their chart-topping, smash hits, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” and “Reach,” in addition to an original song written by Gloria and her daughter Emily Estefan.
On Your Feet! is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and choreographed by Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis), with an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman, The Bodyguard Musical).
On Your Feet! began performances on Broadway on Monday, October 5, 2015, and played 780 performances. It is now touring the country. It was a pleasure to sit down and talk with ensemble member, Gabriel Reyes, for this exclusive Hotspots Interview.
When did the performing bug take a hold of you?
At the age of 19. I was just getting out of high school and going to college. I was originally going to major in criminal justice, but then I saw some shows and changed my mind.
What was your first professional/paid gig?
My first professional gig was a drag show. A friend of a friend told me they needed a male dance in drag and I took it. I got paid $500.
When did you know it would be your career?
I knew it when I saw some of my friends become successful. They were so happy doing what they love, and that’s when I decided I need to make it my career because I loved it also.
How did you get cast in On Your Feet?
I saw the show eight times on Broadway and then I auditioned seven times. A year went by and I didn’t hear anything. One night I was watching RuPaul’s Drag Race and eating Doritos with my b/f and I got an email to see if I was interested in joining, and the rest is history.
How did you meet?
We met about 1 ½ years ago in Provincetown where we did a show together. He is also a dancer/performer. We originally were just friends, but almost immediately started dating.
Besides this role, what has been your favorite role?
Nothing beats the show that I am in right now. I truly love it.
What’s your dream role?
I’m really new to the whole musical theater genre, so I am going to guess it would be amazing to be in Kinky Boots or Aladdin.
What should our readers expect from the touring company of On Your Feet?
You should expect a whole lot of fun, and super high energy, as this musical makes you get up “On Your Feet.” It makes you want to laugh, smile, cry, and feel united. The message is we are all the same, we are all doing it together and we are here to spread love and be ourselves.
For more information on Gabriel, follow him at Instagram.com/gabriel_andrew1.
Kravis On Broadway is sponsored by First Republic Bank. On Your Feet! comes to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Tuesday, January 8 at 8 pm; Wednesday, January 9 at 2 pm and 8 pm; Thursday, January 10 at 8 pm; Friday, January 11 at 8 pm; Saturday, January 12 at 2 pm and 8 pm; and Sunday, January 13 at 2 pm. Tickets are on sale now starting at $39 and may be purchased online at the official Kravis Center website kravis.org, by calling the Box Office at 561.832.7469 or in person at 701 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Beach. For Group Sales, please call 561.651.4438 or 561.651.4304.
For more information on On Your Feet go to: OnYourFeetMusical.com.
