On Your Feet Shares a Story of Love, Family, and Big Dreams
Filipino artists Kayla Rivera and Molly Langley alternate as Gloria Estefan, while American-Cuban actor Jason Canela takes on the role of Emilio Estefan in 9 Works Theatrical’s latest production
For many Filipino parents—and even grandparents—the music of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine provided the soundtrack to countless celebrations, road trips, and family gatherings. This July, audiences will get the chance to relive those memories as 9 Works Theatrical stages On Your Feet!, the inspiring story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
Set to open on July 10 at the Proscenium Theater, the musical goes beyond chart-topping hits like “Conga”, “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You“, and ” 1-2-3 “. At its heart, On Your Feet! is a story about family, perseverance, and believing in a dream even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Bringing Gloria Estefan to life are Filipino performers Kayla Rivera and Molly Langley, who alternate in the role. Meanwhile, American-Cuban actor Jason Canela—known for his work in Palm Royale and The Young and the Restless—plays Emilio Estefan, a role he previously portrayed in a Miami production.
The Woman Behind the Music
Before she became an international music icon, Gloria Estefan was Gloria Fajardo—a talented young songwriter with big dreams and a deep love for music.
For Kayla, one of the most inspiring things about Gloria is her strength and determination.
“She’s just so eloquent in being able to express her emotions through song,” Kayla shared. “Another thing is how strong she is because she overcame so much in her career from when she was young.”
That resilience became especially evident throughout the challenges Gloria and Emilio faced on their journey to success. The couple encountered countless rejections before becoming one of the most influential names in Latin music.
Their biggest test came in 1990 when Gloria, Emilio, and their son were involved in a devastating bus accident. Gloria suffered a broken back, and many doubted she would ever perform again.
“She broke her back. People thought she would never perform again, but she fought,” Kayla said. “Today, she’s still performing. She’s going stronger than ever.”
For Molly, learning more about Gloria’s personal story revealed a side of the superstar many people may not know.
“I learned that she actually never wanted to be famous. She never wanted to have the spotlight,” Molly shared. “It was actually her mom who wanted to be the singer, and Emilio was one of the people who really pushed her.”
Her grandmother, or abuela, also played a significant role in encouraging her.
“From what I saw in her interviews, she’s actually quite an introvert,” Molly added. “She doesn’t really show much of her feelings, but she pours all of her emotions into her songs.”
A Story That Resonates Across Generations
As a Cuban-American who has met the Estefans through previous productions of the show, Jason Canela believes their story continues to resonate because it speaks to the universal experience of pursuing a dream.
“These two people dared to dream dreams that they themselves thought were impossible,” Jason shared.
Like Kayla and Molly, he pointed to the many obstacles the couple faced throughout their journey.
“They did not take no for an answer,” he said. “They were told no time and time again. In their minds, every no was one step closer to the yes they needed. They really did not stop until they got it.”
Now performing the role in Manila, Jason says he is honored to help bring the Estefans’ story to Filipino audiences—especially knowing that Gloria and Emilio themselves are excited about the production.
“Gloria and Emilio are both really excited that we are telling this story here in Manila—a story about making dreams come true,” he shared. “And I couldn’t be more excited to be telling it alongside this wonderful cast.”
Photo from 9 Works Theatrical
Meet the Cast
Joining Kayla, Molly, and Jason are Ayen Laurel as Gloria Fajardo, Pinky Marquez as Consuelo Garcia, John Joven Uy as Jose Fajardo, Vien King as Young Jose Fajardo, Jani Magadia as Rebecca Fajardo, and Anyah de Guzman as Rebecca Fajardo in select performances and as Robin.
The production also features a talented ensemble that will bring the vibrant energy of Little Havana and the Miami Sound Machine to life through dazzling choreography and powerhouse vocals.
On Your Feet!: The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan opens on July 10 at the Proscenium Theater, offering audiences not just a celebration of music, but a heartfelt reminder that family, resilience, and determination can help turn even the biggest dreams into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Your Feet! is a musical that tells the inspiring true story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, tracing their journey from humble beginnings to becoming global music icons. The show explores themes of family, perseverance, love, and chasing dreams.
Filipino performers Kayla Rivera and Molly Langley alternate in the role of Gloria Estefan for the Manila staging by 9 Works Theatrical.
American-Cuban actor Jason Canela takes on the role of Emilio Estefan. He previously played the character in a Miami production of the musical.
The musical features many of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s biggest hits, including Conga, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, and 1-2-3.
Beyond music and dance, On Your Feet! explores family relationships, cultural identity, overcoming challenges, and the pursuit of dreams—making it relatable for audiences of all ages.
Gloria and Emilio Estefan achieved success despite repeated setbacks and industry rejection. Their story shows how determination, hard work, and family support can help turn seemingly impossible dreams into reality.
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