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Get On Your Feet!

July 16, 2018 By Marta Darby 10 Comments

This post is sponsored by Al Punto Advertising. The opinions contained are all my own.

I recently wrote all about how excited I was to be attending the Opening Night for the Emilio and Gloria Estefan Broadway Musical, “On Your Feet!” I mean, of course I had expectations going in because who doesn’t love Gloria Estefan and her music? 

But the night far surpassed any expectation I had of just going and enjoying a nice show. 

My chaperon companion for the evening was my son, Jon. Full disclosure: Jon is not as completely well-versed as I am in “All Things Gloria” but on the drive up to LA – for us, that’s a 2 hour drive, but that’s not important right now – we played all of my favorites from Gloria starting from her Miami Sound Machine Days to present. 

By the time we got to “Turn the Beat Around” Jon was completely on board. THAT is the power of Gloria. 

Red Carpet madness at the Hollywood Pantages for On Your Feet!

Jon and I had the pleasure of being part of the media pack for the red carpet. Armed with only our cell phones (hello, 12 megapixel camera in my pocket!) and excited to be there, we had so much fun playing “spot that celebrity” on the red carpet. 

Lucky for us, we were stationed directly next to the Univision team which afforded the best photo ops ever.

This post will contain tons of photos, because, just like I talk with my hands, I also use photos to tell my stories. Because Cuban. 

It happened to be 95 degrees on Tuesday, July 10th at the Hollywood Pantages but we were completely distracted by all the lights and sounds and fun and “Hey, is that Michael Bolton?” 

Yes, that’s Michael Bolton.

Jon is much more poised than I am. I’m really the ultimate fan-girl in these situations. And I was delighted to run into some friends on that red carpet. 

The “other Gloria” – Gloria Calderon Kellet showrunner for One Day At A Time.

I’m the one who’s all yoo-hooing and connecting. Because (again) Cuban. 

Todd Grinnell (Schneider) from One Day At A Time.

“Babyface” Edmonds and family on the red carpet with Gloria.

It was so much fun to see so many famous and familiar faces. Some of the stars kind of ran through the gauntlet of cameras and didn’t give us much of a chance to fawn. My old friend, Chef Ramiro Arvizu who was escorting the beautiful Angelica Maria recognized me as “Abuela” from my turn on Buzzfeed’s Abuela vs. Chef. (I felt sooo accidentally cool.)

Angelica Maria and Chef Ramiro Arvizu.

The couple who played Gloria and Emilio on Opening Night were Christie Prades and Mauricio Martinez, who are both breathtakingly gorgeous and phenomenally talented.

Christie Prades and Mauricio Martinez on the red carpet. They play Gloria and Emilio Estefan.

The lovely Jeimy Osorio – she played Celia Cruz in the novela, “Celia” was just flawless. 

And of course, Gloria and Emilio totally owned that red carpet like the consummate professionals they are. 

They were so gracious to grant interviews and I was impressed by how present they seemed to be for every single outlet and each and every fan. They signed autographs and smiled for photos for every person who asked. I just loved that about them.

Of course, everyone wanted photos and selfies with the stars. But I guess that goes without saying. How adorable is radio personality Eddie “Piolin” Sotero and his family? 

It was also super chaotic (in the best possible way) as Gloria and Emilio moved up and down the carpet to greet and connect with every single person. Oh the Cubanity! 

Justina Machado of One Day At A Time.

Take a look at this clip that will help you feel the energy of the entire night.

You know, I love a great live show and we Darbys (being a nerdy drama family) have seen lots of wonderful performances. But I can tell you without a doubt that this is the most fantastic Broadway type show I’ve ever seen.

Maybe it’s because their story is our story. Gloria and Emilio Estefan showcased Cubans in a way that had not happened since the days of our beloved Desi Arnaz as I Love Lucy’s Ricky Ricardo. 

I can’t say enough good things about it. The music, was, of course, extraordinary and the story, being the true story of Emilio and Gloria was both fantastic and inspiring. Dedicated to one another and to achieving the American Dream, their music, their talent, and of course their Cuban heritage makes for a remarkable story of how they achieved global superstardom. 

It was nearly impossible to stay in my seat during the musical numbers and I confess there were also quite a few tears. Little Gloria singing on tape to her dad in Vietnam totally wrecked me. 

Christie Paredes and Mauricio Martinez embodied Gloria and Emilio Estefan perfectly. In fact, I have seen Gloria in concert before and Christie sounded like her, moved like her, and made you want to get up and dance in the same way Gloria did. It was pretty uncanny. 

You can see some of the highlights of Opening Night right here. Also, at about the 1:34 mark you may be able to spot this Cuban blogger fangirling like a boss. 

Gloria and Emilio took the stage at the end of the show to thank the cast and the LA crowd. Could the night get any better??

As a matter of fact… let me tell you about the after party. 

Held in a local Hollywood Club on famous Hollywood and Vine, we were treated to a VIP party like no other. We heard the music start with the unmistakable beat of a very famous timbalera. 

“Jon. That’s Sheila E.” 

Sheila E. entertaining us like no other at the after party.

Then I had to explain exactly and in great detail who was entertaining us at this fabulous Hollywood Party and about her connection to Prince. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. 

Maylen Calienes, Daniel Bellas, Betty Porto, myself, Rose Marin Trujillo. Cuban Heritage LA representing.

Surrounded by my good friends and fellow “Cubiches” from Cuban Heritage Day, we danced the night away. I couldn’t have been more satisfied, until…

“Hey, Marta. Have you met the Estefans yet?” 

A question which, honestly, I hadn’t ever expected to hear in my real life, much less by someone who was waiting to introduce us. 

Emilio and Gloria Estefan couldn’t have been more gracious. 

When I met Gloria – I KNOW. SHUT UP. – I explained that I wrote a blog called, “My Big Fat Cuban Family.” 

She said, “You?!” 

I have no idea whether she had heard of me before or that was just the first thing that popped into her head. Either way, I was completely delighted to be ending the night on such a high note. 

“Gloria, let’s do this.” 

To recap:

This was a night like no other and I am so grateful to The People Who Run The Universe who made the stars align so perfectly so that I got to see an amazing show and meet one of my Cuban idols. 

Also, if you are in LA, get yourselves over to the Hollywood Pantages and get your tickets to see On Your Feet! The show is there until July 29th. You really don’t want to miss it. You will sooo thank me later. 

[Here’s a link to a special ticket offer. You’re welcome. SPECIAL OFFER – $49 (REG. $79 AND $59) ]

This is the last photo I took that night. Gloria and me. And I couldn’t have been happier.

I’m still basking in the glow of that perfectly perfect night and I haven’t been able to stop dancing and singing,“O-E-O-E! O-E-O-O-AH!” 

The lyrics totally captured my night:

No clue, of what’s happening to you
And before this night is through
Ooh baby, the rhythm is gonna get’cha.

Ya tu sabes.

You might also like:

The Rhythm is Gonna Get You On the Red Carpet of the Zootopia Premiere We Did the Conga at the Hollywood Bowl. Thank you, Gloria. What I Love About Summer Concerts at the Hollywood Bowl

Filed Under: Cuban-American Life, Entertainment, Theatre Tagged With: Emilio Estefan, Gloria Estefan, Hollywood Pantages, ON YOUR FEET

Previous Post: « The Rhythm is Gonna Get You
Next Post: Cafecito is Life »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lourdes S. says

    July 17, 2018 at 8:26 am

    Congratulations, Marta and Jon! That’s exactly what our family did on our ride down to the play in NYC. We played all Gloria’s and the Miami Sound Machine’ s music so our daughter could feel the beat. It remined me of when my sister, Lee, bought birthday tickets to see Gloria in Madison Square Garden many years ago when they still toured – post 9/11. New Yorkers were more somber and Gloria felt it and mentioned it during the concert. But, she knew what to do to pull us out of the numbness. One of the highlights of the tour was Gloria putting on a glittery, blue-yellow sequined jacket. Turning her back to the audience and proudly displaying the image of “Cachita”, La Caridad del Cobre in all her glory. The crowd went crazy and the night really began.

    Your VIP access was so phenomenal. Thanks so much for sharing your day and this blog. Good times. xo

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      July 18, 2018 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Lourdes,

      I am still pinching myself because everything that night was so surreal!
      I love that story about Cachita! *searches online for a Cachita jacket* 😉

      xo,
      Marta

      Reply
  2. Mario Leon says

    July 17, 2018 at 2:55 pm

    Saw the show in Detroit and loved it!!! Oye, is it me or does Gloria look like a young Sarita Montiel in that photo with you? #EstasAcabando

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      July 18, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      I feel like I’m the last Cuban to see this show, Mario! LOL!
      Wow. You are so right. She’s pretty close to Sarita Montiel.
      #acabando is my middle name. 😉

      xo,
      Marta

      Reply
  3. Diane says

    July 18, 2018 at 7:15 am

    Just stumbled across your blog while looking for desserts…(my life story-everybody needs a vice, sweet is mine)
    I noticed you saw “On Your Feet” I did as well in Houston, TX…LOVE, LOVED it all. Went with a couple gals pals and had a great time. I am enjoying your website…keep up the good work Marta….you definatley have a new fan.

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      July 18, 2018 at 3:08 pm

      Hi Diane,

      Welcome to My Big Fat Cuban Family! I definitely have a lot of sweet things here! LOL!
      I loved this show so much. The soundtrack is definitely on repeat at my house.

      xo,
      Marta

      Reply
  4. Miriam Arango says

    July 18, 2018 at 7:43 am

    Marta I took my boys (grown men) to see On Your Feet in NYC….it was Christmastime and we ate Cuban food at Victor’s and saw the show.
    It was such a bonding experience for me and my American born sons who were raised in the “mini-Cuba” atmosphere that is our home. It was a magical day in a million ways….and the show told a story that for many of us is also our story.
    Miriam

    Reply
    • Marta Darby says

      July 18, 2018 at 3:10 pm

      Hi Miriam,

      I love that! I think that sharing our food (Victor’s!!) and our music is the best way to pass on our traditions to our kids.
      Que siga la tradicion!

      xo,
      Marta

      Reply
  5. Keb says

    August 15, 2018 at 7:46 am

    Quite a nite for you, eh? Particularly appreciated this: “This was a night like no other and I am so grateful to The People Who Run The Universe ” Catchy phrase! 💕. Loving you – keb

    Reply
  6. Maria Valdes-Lindsey says

    August 22, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    Can’t wait to see it next Wednesday evening in the OC!

    Reply

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