On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan

Music & Lyrics by Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan, Book by Alexander Dinelaris 

Based on the lives and music of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, On Your Feet! is a high-energy celebration of the songs that got the world dancing to the rhythm.  From humble beginnings in Cuba and exile in Miami, Emilio and Gloria’s passion for music helped them overcome overwhelming odds and personal tragedies. With an estimated 100 million albums sold worldwide, Gloria Estefan is among the most successful crossover artists ever and On Your Feet! showcases over 20 of her biggest hits including: “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Anything for You,” and “Get on Your Feet”. 

PRESENTING SPONSORS: Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa and Constance Pitcher

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Listen or watch Riverside Theatre's behind-the-scenes podcast 'Backstage Chat', featuring some of the actors, directors, and talented artisans who work on creating our shows for the Theatre’s stages.

A chat with our LEADING LADIES of ON YOUR FEET!:
LISTEN or WATCH

Iliana Marie Garcia* (Gloria) Iliana is thrilled to return to Riverside after appearing as the Mistress in Evita in 2019! Other theatre: Gloria On Your Feet (North Carolina Theatre), Nina In the Heights (Orlando Shakes), Sally You’re…Charlie Brown (Flat Rock Playhouse), Francisca West Side Story (5th Avenue). Iliana has appeared on TV in numerous Guest Star and Co-star roles including Law & Order SVU, FBI, Younger (alongside Sutton Foster), Blue Bloods, Equalizer and more. As a first generation Cuban-American, Iliana dedicates this performance to her family who escaped an oppressive dictatorship in order for her to have the chance to realize her dream. For more: ilianagarcia.net IG @ilianamgarcia 

Ángel Lozada* (Emilio) [He/Him/His] is a Queer Latin Artist who craves a deeper understanding of self and strives to make a difference in the world. He is the son of two proud Puerto Rican parents and received his BM in Musical Theatre from Florida State University. You might recognize him from a few years back where he played Che in Riverside Theatre’s production of Evita! He is Excited to be back and bring this story to life. Esto es para mi gente!Additional Credits Include: Television: “FBI Most Wanted,” “Jesus Christ Superstar Live” on NBC. Broadway: Bad Cinderella.  Off-Broadway: Oratorio for Living Things (Lucille Lortel Award Winner). Regional: Hair (Old Globe), UnMasked (Papermill Playhouse), West Side Story (Maltz Jupiter), Evita (Riverside Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Chicago Lyric), On Your Feet (Papermill Playhouse), and Evita (STC). IG: @imangellozada

Amanda Arjona (Rebecca, Ensemble) is thrilled to be a part of On Your Feet! Selected Credits include: Gardens of Anuncia (Lincoln Center Theatre), Eva Peron in Evita (Virgina Music Theatre), West Side Story as Maria in 3 regional productions, Resident Company member (Forestburgh Playhouse), and MainStage Performer (Disney Cruise Lines)! Thank you so much to the creative team of this fabulous production! Much love to Mom & Dad for being an amazing support system and to Bloc Talent Agency! Insta:@amanda_chijona

Marissa Barragán* (Elena, Ensemble) is a New York based performer from California who is thrilled to be part of this production of On Your Feet! She is a proud graduate of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where she majored in International Politics and Security with a minor in Latin American Studies. Credits include: American Repertory Theater, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Bucks County Playhouse, Flat Rock Playhouse, Transcendence Theatre Company, and several new works in development including: ¡Americano!, The Bring About, Pasión, and She. Many thanks to this team, Take3 Talent, and her loving family. Gratitude and glory to God. @marissabarragan

Barbara Bonilla* (Consuelo) is elated to be making her Riverside Theatre debut as Consuelo in, On Your Feet. Born and raised in NYC, this Cuban-American actress is now residing in South Florida. Theatre credits: Marilyn in Sweet Goats and Blueberry Senoritas at Actors' Playhouse, Valeria in El Huracan at GableStage, and Marla Faye in The Savannah Sipping Society at Empire Stage. Off-Broadway credits include: You've Got Hate Mail and Real Women Have Curves. Film credits: Reminiscence with Hugh Jackman and iMordecai with Judd Hirsch and Carol Kane. TV credits: "Unsolved Mysteries," "Law & Order: SVU," "The Sopranos" and "The Tonight Show." This performance is dedicated to Abuela Estela, a professional actress in Havana, Cuba (1935-1955). She was the family matriarch, whose bravery and self-sacrifice brought her family to the United States to follow their American Dream. Follow: @barbarabonillaactor Website: barbarabonilla.com

Sofia Brown (Young Gloria), a 6th grader at Bak Middle School of the Arts, is thrilled for her Riverside Theatre debut in On Your Feet! Her past credits include: Hortensia in Matilda, Middle Anna in Frozen JR., and Ariel in The Little Mermaid. When not performing, Sofia enjoys soccer and surfing. 

Michael James Byrne* (Phil, Ensemble) Riverside Theatre debut! Select Performance Credits: Original International Cast of Stephen Schwartz’s: Magic To Do (Pip), Rock of Ages (Drew), West Side Story (Tony), All Shook Up (Chad), The Wanderers (High Tenor), and Mary Poppins (Bert). Select Director Credits: The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me (MCS Theatre), Mamma Mia! (Asst. Director - 5 Star Theatricals), Outlaw Wedding (Writers Lab), and The Lovers (Short Film *Epoch Film Festival Selection). Thank you Marcia, Holly (Wojcik Casting), and Todd (ATB Talent).

Emily Esposito (Lori, Ensemble) is so happy to be back at this beautiful theater after performing here almost a decade ago in Hello Dolly! Other credits include: Bea in Something Rotten (Sharon Playhouse), Rosina in A Bronx Tale (Axelrod Theater), Miss Bell in Fame (Nat'l Tour), In The Heights (WPPAC), The Bodyguard The Musical (Gateway Playhouse), On Your Feet! (Regional Premiere). Huge thank you to Marcia and Allen for the opportunity, and to Maria and Andrew for always believing in her. All my love to Papa, Ba, Nana and B. 

Megan Elyse Fulmer* (Ensemble) is so excited to return to Riverside in her third production with this incredible theater! You may have seen her here this past holiday season playing Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys. Off Broadway: ¡Americano! (Ensemble). National tours: Shrek the Musical (swing), Straight Outta Oz starring Todrick Hall, and The Bodyguard the Musical (DC/featured ensemble). TV/ Film: “Law and Order: SVU” (Ariana Lopez), “Behind the Curtain” on Prime (self), “21st Century Courtship” (Mariana). Thank you to the creative team, and the staff at Riverside for the opportunity to perform in a show I’ve been DYING to do! Thank you Hudson Artist Agency, y lo más importante, mi familia. Para siempre y luego mas. www.meganelysefulmer.com @meg_fulms 

Adriel Orlando Garcia* (José Fajardo, Ensemble) is excited for his Riverside Theatre debut in OYF! He will be reprising the role of Jose Fajardo (Most recently performed: Second National Tour and four regional theatres including The Actors Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre and The Phoenix Theatre Company). He is a Miami native of Cuban descent. This show holds a special place in his heart. Other credits include The Florida Grand Opera, Princess Cruises Entertainment, and Royal Caribbean International to name a few. He is a voice teacher/vocal performance coach and teaches virtually while on the road. Find him on socials @adrielorlandogarcia “¡Que Siga!” 

Anna Aliau Guerra (Ensemble) Cabaret (Helga) – Virginia Theatre Festival, Curtain Up ¡VIVA! BROADWAY, I Put A Spell On You 2023, Broadway Bares, Transcendence’s Theater Company The Gala and Let’s Dance and choreographer of La Traición en la Amistad at Repertorio Español. TV: Telemundo “Upfront 2023,” Telemundo “Un Nuevo Día” and Univision. Music Videos: J. Balvin’s “Ahora” and “Tu Veneno”, “Fabolous” (Digital Concert), “La Perversa” (Pompa), “Shadow Blow.” Tour: El Alfa (El Alfa World Tour) and Dabangg Reloaded. Commercial Dance: Rolling Loud Miami 2023 (El Alfa), Bryant Myers (Mega Summer Concert), Farina (La X Love Live Concert), Snoop Dogg Concert, Alexis Y Fido, Steve Aoki, among others. 

Dillon Lehman (Marquito, Ensemble) Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Dillon seamlessly blends diverse styles on Broadway's grand stage. A dynamic choreographer, performer, and teacher, his mastery spans International Latin and Ballroom, as well as other rhythmic styles. As an alumnus of Professional Performing Arts School and Alvin Ailey, he continued his dance studies in Modern, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and more. Dillon has made his way to national and international platforms, from gracing the top 30 on "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 15 to representing USA Dance at the World Games in Poland. Dillon's passion showcases his exceptional partner dancing skills and acting, illuminating each performance to the fullest. His contributions extend to publications in US Dance Championships Magazine, American Dancer Magazine, and Dance Beat Magazine. 

Alex Llorca* (Juan Marcos, Ensemble) is a NYC-based performer originally from Barcelona, Spain. He is thrilled to be part of On Your Feet! at the Riverside Theatre. Alex recently made his Off-Broadway debut in BARBA: Brazilian Body Percussion Musical at Pregones/PRTT Theater. Other favorite shows he has performed in include Footloose (Norwegian Cruise Line), Yellow (Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, NYC) and Into The Night (Oceania Cruises), where he also served as Dance Captain. Endless love to my family and friends who always celebrate with me. www.alexllorca.com l @alex.llorca 

Jaden Tai Martinez* (Kiki, Ensemble) is blessed to be making their Riverside Theatre debut in On Your Feet! A Florida native from Delray Beach, and a recent graduate from the The Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Jaden’s most recent credits include: Wizard Of Oz, Ozian/Drag Tree (The Palace Theaters NH). Into The Woods, Steward/US Princes (REV Theatre Company). EVITA, Swing (REV Theatre Company); Swing!, Bugle Boy (The Boston Conservatory); West Side Story, Nibbles (Reagle Music Theatre); Once On This Island, u/s Daniel (SpeakEasy Stage Company); Head Over Heels, u/s Pythio/Ensemble (The Boston Conservatory). Big thank you to God, my Moms, and my fierce Agents <3 @jdntai

Vincent Ortega* (Old Man, Guitarrista, Big Paquito, Antonio, Ensemble) is excited to return to Riverside Theater since performing in The Full Monty. Broadway/Tours: Mamma Mia. Regional: On Your Feet, In The Heights (Piragua), Saturday Night Fever (DJ Monty), Peter and the Starcatcher (Black Stash), Shrek (Lord Farquaad), Film/TV: “West World,” Movie 43, Enchanted, VMA’s, AMA’s, Netflix, and Disney Channel and Recently Nickelodeon. He’s had the privilege of working with pop artists such as Ricky Martin, Janet Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, and recently Ice Cube and Camilla Cabello.  Follow Vince on all social media @VinceOrtega www.VinceOrtega.com 

Monika Peña* (Lucia, Ensemble) is grateful to be making her Riverside Theatre debut in beautiful Vero Beach! Recent credits: Mystic Pizza (McCoy Rigby Entertainment), Oliver! (Nancy, 5-Star Theatricals), Jesus Christ Superstar (Mary Magdalene, Moonlight Amphitheater), Grease (Sandy, Musical Theatre West & Patty Simcox, McCoy Rigby), and Rogers: The Musical (Peggy Carter/Starkettes, Disney’s Hyperion Theater). Other favorite credits: Lizzie (Lizzie Borden, Chance Theater), Violet (Violet, Chance), Man of La Mancha (Aldonza, Candlelight Pavilion), & Seussical (Mayzie, Candlelight). Always for my love, Aaron. www.MonikaPena.com @singingvettech 

Jules Presley (u/s Nayib, u/s Young Emilio) born in Burbank CA, is a triple-threat Mexican-American boy who starred in his 1st TV role at the age of 3. He discovered his passion for acting after leading an episode on his favorite web series which reached 12 million views in just a few days! His credits include Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Amazon Studios. He is scheduled to debut in the newly animated Nickelodeon hit series “Dora The Explorer 2024” and he is thrilled to be making his professional Theatre debut in The Hit Broadway Musical On Your Feet! 

Waldemar Quiñones-Villanueva* (Kenny, Ensemble) West Side Story on Broadway and International tour, Zorba (Encores City Center), Man of La Mancha (Barrington Stage), Billy Elliot (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), Priscilla Queen of The Desert (Fiddlehead Theater), Jerome Robbins Broadway (TUTS), Evita (The Rep), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (The Muny), Shadows (Joey Macknelly). Metropolitan Opera, Ballet Concierto, Ballet San Juan, Ballet Hispanico of New York, Ballet Teatro Nacional de Puerto Rico, Houston Opera, Opera de Puerto Rico. Billboard Music Awards, Grammy Awards, Ms. Universe, Super Bowl, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.” Performed with Marc Anthony, Olga Tañon, La India, Celia Cruz and for Pope John Paul II. Graduated Cum Laude from the University of Puerto Rico with a BS in Education. 

Jovany Ramirez* (Guitarrista, Chris/Warren, Ensemble) is overjoyed to make his Riverside debut! Favorite credits include: Zanna Don’t (Zanna) Orlando Fringe Festival, The Wiz (Scarecrow) Theater Downtown, In The Heights (Sonny) Mason Street Warehouse, Sacramento Music Circus, Rubicon Theater, Stages St. Louis, Rock of Ages (Joey Primo) Garden Theater, Walt Disney World Ent., Nickelodeon Television Network. Many Thanks to my family for the unwavering support. Follow @theonlyjovany 

Allan Reyes (Nayib, Young Emilio) Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Allan is an actor, singer, dancer extraordinaire. At just 13 years of age, he has worked professionally as a dancer for NBA’s Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Youth Ballet. With the start of his career beginning in dance, he has branched out into acting and singing which has landed him roles in DARA Studio of Acting’s production of Cinderella and What Are They Like, Nemo in Finding Nemo Jr. at the Matthews Playhouse, and now as Young Emilio/Nayib in On Your Feet! at Riverside Theatre!  

Emily van Vliet Perea* (Stage Manager, Augustina, Robin, Amelia, Ensemble) is beyond grateful and thrilled to make her Riverside Theatre debut. Past credits include: Beautiful, Elegies, Jersey Boys, Sweet Charity, Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Emily is a 2020 graduate of New York University Tisch School of the Arts. She would like to thank Allen Cornell and the Riverside Theatre family. She would also like to thank her family, Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Andrew Kato, and the Maltz Jupiter Theatre for their continued support, guidance, and opportunities to do what she loves. Emily is a proud member of the Actors Equity Association.

Miss YaYa Vargas (Gloria Fajardo) is fresh from touring with Neil Berg's national shows, 50 Years of Rock & Roll, and 114 Years of Broadway, now graces Riverside Theatre in On Your Feet! A native New Yorker, she's known for her roles in West Side Story (Maria) and Hair (Jeanie). With international acclaim, she's a Grammy nominee for her work with Dark Latin Groove and Sergio George. Miss YaYa's own music, a fusion of Salsa, Merengue, Gospel, Jazz, RnB, and Pop, embodies her unique Tropical Soul vibe. When not on tour, catch her at The PIT Loft for sketch comedy or mesmerizing audiences as RingMistress for The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus.