Lissette Feliciano to Write & Direct Film Adaptation of Gloria & Emilio Estefan Broadway Musical “On Your Feet”

Posted on April 24, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Lissette Feliciano is ready to get you on your feet.

The 33-year-old Latina writer, director and actress will write and direct On Your Feet, a feature adaptation of the same-name Broadway musical that’s in early development at Sony Pictures, Deadline has learned.

A jukebox musical that tells the inspiring true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, two Cuban immigrants who launched themselves to international musical stardom from humble beginnings, On Your Feet will be produced by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, as well as John and Jordan Davis of Davis Entertainment, with John Fox executive producing.

Premiering in November 2015 at the Marquis Theatre on Broadway, where it ran for more than 750 performances, the show specifically hones in on Gloria’s Estefan’s trajectory from her early days in Miami to her breakthrough as the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine — a crossover artist, blending Latin and pop music — and ultimately, her triumphant return to the stage after a near-fatal accident. The musical delves into the challenges she faced as a young artist, including her struggles to balance her cultural identity, family expectations, and artistic ambitions, and at the same time explores her romantic relationship with Emilio.

With a book by Alexander Dinelaris, the show features such hit songs from the Estefans as “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” and “Get On Your Feet.”

Directed by Jerry Mitchell, it went on to earn a Tony Award nomination for Choreography, as well as seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations and three Drama League Award nominations, before going on to tour the U.S. and internationally.

Feliciano is best known for Women Is Losers, the 2021 indie drama that marked her feature directorial debut. Set in ’60s San Francisco, the film watches as a once-promising catholic school girl, Celina Guerrera (Lorenza Izzo), sets out to rise above the oppression of poverty and invest in a future for herself that sets new precedents for the time. Also starring Bryan Craig, Chrissie Fit and Simu Liu, the film premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW and was acquired by Max following its successful nationwide festival run.

An NYU Tisch alum and a Tribeca Film Institute AT&T Untold Stories grant recipient, the filmmaker is repped by Verve and Adelman Matz.

Gloria Estefan Nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan has the write stuff of legends…

The 62-year-old Cuban singer/songwriter and former Miami Sound Machine member has been nominated for the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Estefan, a three-time Grammy winner and three-time Latin Grammy, has penned numerousinternational chart-topping hits in English and Spanish, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You,” “Here We Are,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” “Con Los Años Que Me Quedan,” “Mi Tierra” and “No Me Dejes de Querer.”

Additionally, Estefan has penned songs for other artists, including “Let’s Get Loud,” performed by Jennifer Lopez, and “Whenever Wherever,” performed by Shakira. Additionally, she co-wrote “Reach,” one of two official songs of the 1996 Atlanta Games, with Diane Warren.

In all, 24 acts are in contention for the 2020 class. In addition to Estefan, performing nominees include Patti Smith, Journey, Vince Gill, the Isley Brothers, former Eurythmicsmembers Annie Lennoxand Dave Stewart, Mike Love, Bread’s David Gates and Steve Miller, The Neptunes, the creative, innovative production-songwriting duo of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, rap icons Outkast and rock pioneers R.E.M.Mariah Carey, who co-wrote 17 of her 18 No. 1 hits and earned her first Songwriters Hall nomination last year, is up for the prize again.

The Songwriters Hall gave The Associated Press the list of nominees Tuesday (Nov. 5), a day ahead of its official announcement.

Non-performing solo nominees are William “Mickey” Stevenson, Rick Nowels, Sonny Curtis, Jerry Fuller, Tony Macaulay, Bob McDill and Roger Nichols. Non-performing songwriting duos nominated include the late Tommy Boyceand Bobby Hart,Lynn Ahrensand Stephen Flaherty, L. Russell Brownand the late Irwin Levine, and Kye Flemingand Dennis Morgan.

Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years. Six songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at the Hall’s 51st annual Induction & Awards Gala in New York on June 11, 2020. Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and three performing songwriters until December 16.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan: First Hispanic Musicians to Receive the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria and Emilio Estefan have earned an extra special prize…

The 61-year-old Cuban singer and her 65-year-old Cuban producer husband will receive this year’s Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.

The Estefans usher in two firsts for the prize: This year marks the first time it has been awarded to a married couple and the first time it’s awarded to musicians/songwriters of Hispanic descent.

“Emilio and Gloria Estefan… are the creative force behind the popularity of music steeped in the Latino culture,” said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. “This dynamic couple’s professional and personal journey truly mirrors the American dream and we are so pleased to honor their musical legacy.”

Married since 1978, the Estefans catapulted to global fame in 1985 with Miami Sound Machine, creating a unique sound that blended Latin and pop rhythms that pulsed through hits including “Conga,” “Turn the Beat Around,” “Get on Your Feet” and “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You.”

The Estefans were each named BMI’s songwriter of the year and between them have garnered 26 Grammys. Their life story and music were showcased in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical On Your Feet!, which they executive produced. In addition to their musical talents, they are also successful entrepreneurs, philanthropists and humanitarians.

Gloria is having a banner year of acknowledgment by the vaunted cultural institutions of the nation’s capital. This past December, Gloria was inducted into the Kennedy Center Honors. She also was part of the ensemble who last year feted 2017’s Gershwin Prize tribute to Tony Bennett.

The Estefans will receive the prize at an all-star tribute concert in March in Washington, D.C., that will later be aired on PBS.

Estefan Nominated for 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan has the write stuff…

The 59-year-old Cuban singer and former Miami Sound Machine vocalist has been nominated for the 2017 Songwriters Hall of Fame.

The Songwriters Hall announced the list of nominees Thursday, a day ahead of its official announcement. Other nominees that could be inducted next year are Jay Z, George Michael, Madonna, Bryan Adams, Vince Gill, Babyface, Max Martin, Kool & the Gang and more.

Estefan, a seven-time Grammy winner, found breakthrough success with her group’s 1985 single “Conga,” which made her a worldwide name.

She’s written several of the Spanish and English songs she’s performed, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Anything for You,” “1-2-3” and “Oye Mi Canto.”

Estefan has also written/co-written hits for other artists, including Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever,” Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud” and Jon Secada’s “Angel.”

Eligible members can vote for three non-performing songwriters and two performing songwriters until December 16. Five songwriters, or songwriting groups, will be officially inducted at a gala in New York on June 15, 2017.

Other performing nominees include Cat Stevens, Sly Stone, Chicago, Jeff Lynne and David Gates.

Non-performing nominees are Kenny Nolan, Randy Goodrum, Tony Macaulay, William “Mickey” Stevenson, Allee Willis, Maury Yeston, Paul Overstreet and the songwriting duos Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, and Steve Barri and the late P.F. Sloan, who died last year.

Songwriters are eligible for induction after writing hit songs for at least 20 years.

Broadway Cast Recording of “On Your Feet!,” Feat. Villafañe, to be Released in April

Posted on March 31, 2016 by Tom Castaneda

Ana Villafañe will have you on your feet, even if you’re nowhere near the Great White Way…

The original Broadway cast recording of On Your Feet!, the musical based on Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s life and starring the Cuban/Salvadoran-American actress and singer will be released on April 29 via Masterworks Broadway.

The album, which features Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s classic tracks in a new light, was recorded live at the Broadway Marquis Theatre and produced by the Estefans.

The musical chronicles the Estefan’s journey to stardom and features a string of hits like “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” and “Reach.”

Following the family tradition, it also includes an original song, “If I Never Got To Tell You,” written by Gloria and her daughter Emily Estefan.

The live album also features the musical’s orchestra, which includes several members of The Miami Sound Machine.

On Your Feet!, which premiered last November, features Villafañe in the role of Gloria and Josh Segarra as Emilio Estefan.

Estefan Nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on October 17, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan’s name may soon appear in the annals of history…

The 57-year-old Cuban singer has been nominated for the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Estefan, one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, has penned several of her own memorable songs in English and Spanish, including “Anything for You,” “Coming Out of the Dark,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “No Llores.”

But the former lead singer of Miami Sound Machine has also written or co-written massive hit tracks recorded by other artists, including Shakira’s English-language crossover hit “Whenever, Wherever” and Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud.”

Other 2015 nominees include Tom Petty, Vince Gill, Cyndi Lauper, Elvis Costello, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Cat Stevens, Toby Keith, Steve Miller, Steve Winwood, Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson of Heart, and Harry Wayne “K.C.” Casey of KC & the Sunshine Band.

The selected songwriters will be inducted next June at a New York gala.

Estefan’s Broadway Musical On Your Feet to Open in November

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is ready to get you on your feet! this fall.

The 56-year-old Cuban singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur and her music producer husband Emilio Estefan’s previously announced Broadway musical On Your Feet! is slated to premiere on Thursday, November 5 at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.

Based on the life of the Latin music power couple, the show’s preview performances will kick off October 5, 2015.

On Your Feet! will tell the story of the Estefan’s rise to stardom, set to the long list of hits performed by Gloria Estefan both as a soloist and as part of Miami Sound Machine, including “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” and “Mi Tierra,” plus new music.

In a departure from other major Broadway productions, the show is launching an international casting search dubbed “Reach Gloria” (#ReachGloria on Twitter) that will allow performers around the world to submit audition videos online at the production’s website. The casting search is open to all roles, from the leads to the dancers.

In addition, open casting calls will take place at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami Sept. 21 and another at Pearl Studios in New York on Sept. 9.

Searching for acts in Miami, said Gloria Estefan in a statement, was key.

“Our own journey together started in Miami, a city that has been such an inspiration to us both, and it only felt right that the city be a cornerstone of our search for the next generation of bright talent,” she said.

On Your Feet! will be directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

It’s produced by James L. Nederlander and Estefan Enterprises in partnership with Bernie Yuman.

Estefan’s Musical Based on Her Life to Premiere in Chicago Next Summer

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Gloria Estefan is ready to get theater audiences on their feet…

The 56-year-old Cuban Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and her music producer husband Emilio hope to have the musical based on their life on Broadway next year.

Producers said Tuesday “On Your Feet!” will premiere in Chicago next summer before landing at a Nederlander theater in the fall of 2015.

Jerry Mitchell, who directed Kinky Boots, will helm the show, with Sergio Trujillo choreographing. The story will be written by Alexander Dinelaris.

The Estefans were both born in Cuba and together became musical luminaries in Spanish and English, winning Grammy Awards and fans across the U.S. with crossover hits like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga” and “Words Get in the Way,” in addition to helping the careers of other artists including Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jon Secada.

Estefan fought back from a serious spine injury in 1990 to become Latin music’s premier female artist, with more than 100 million career album sales.

She’s also in charge of a string of enterprises, and has a minor stake in the Miami Dolphins NFL team.

Gloria & Emilio Estefan Developing Broadway Show About Their Lives…

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

The Miami Sound Machine could be conga’ing all the way to New York City…

Gloria Estefan and her husband Emilio Estefan are looking to develop a Broadway stage musical inspired by their lives, and they’ve partnered with theater operator Nederlander Organization to make it happen, the couple announced Tuesday.

The 55-year-old “Queen of Latin Pop,” her 59-year-old music producer husband and Nederlander officials should be revealing the creative team behind the new production in the near future.

“We are very excited to share this story, which is based on hope, determination and the belief that with hard work and passion, our dreams can become our reality,” the Estefans said in a press statement. “Our music has been a true reflection of who we are, where we came from and the journey that has brought us to where we are today.”

The Nederlander Organization, the nation’s largest operator of theatres and other music venues, will partner with Bernie Yuman, producer of Siegfried & Roy‘s Las Vegas production, to bring the new project to life.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Gloria and Emilio to see their amazing story come to fruition on the Broadway stage,” said organization president Jimmy Nederlander. “The Estefans’ journey of success, led by raw talent and passion, is captivating as it drove them from relative obscurity to global sensations.”

The husband-and-wife team, both born in Cuba, struck it big with crossover hits like “Conga,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You” and “Cuts Both Ways.”

Estefan is one of the top 100 best selling music artists of all time, having sold an estimated 90 million records worldwide. She’s a three-time Grammy winner and four-time Latin Grammy winner, and is considered the most successful crossover artist in Latin music.

Meanwhile, Estefan’s husband was named Producer of the Year at the 2000 Latin Grammys for his work on Charlie Zaa’s Ciego de Amor, Carlos Vives’ El Amor de Mi Tierra and the song “Da la Vuelta” by Marc Anthony.

Their breakthrough success in the English-language marker helped pave the way for several Latin artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, John Secada and Shakira.

Hispanically Yours

Celebrating the Latino Influence

Tag Archives: Rhythm is Gonna Get You