THEATRICAL musical biographies can be a hit-and-miss affair.
But that cannot be said about On your Feet: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan.
This highly-entertaining Broadway and West End show now on a UK tour which re-tells a real life love story with style, warmth and gusto.
It has a huge heart and proves that not only do rock and roll dreams come true but Latino-fused dance aspirations can also leave a legacy on a global scale.
Emilio and Gloria Estefan left Cuba to form the Miami Sound Machine.
A passion for music drove them on.
They set the charts alight, won Grammys and enjoyed record-breaking world tours.
Record companies bowed to their demands and US Presidents shook their hands.
This glossy, well-paced and thoughtful two-and-a-half hour production tells the tale with verve humour and the right amount of sentimentality.
Directed by Jerry Mitchell and the effervescent choreography of Sergio Trujillo it is a joyous celebration of self-belief and determination.
I once interviewed Gloria Estefan and was struck by her vision - a characteristic hete captured by Philippa Stefano playing the songstress.
George Ioannides plays her inspirational partner who would not take no for an answer when it came to their career.
A superb on stage band captures the magic of such hits as Rythm is Gonna Get You Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, Conga and Dr Beat.
The ballads Anything For You and Don't Wanna Lose You are beautifully conveyed - one to a back-drop of shooting stars.
Emilio and Gloria had their fair share of highs and lows and the musical never sways away from those episodes.
A rousing version of Coming out of the Dark recalks UK Gloria's return to the stage at the American Music Awards after a near-fatal tour bus accident.
There is a fabulous finale featuring Everlasting Love - which sums up the Emilio and Gloria motovation in life.
Four stars
Miami Nice - The Power and the Gloria!
The show is the Empire until Saturday.
Tickets from 0844 871 3017.
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