By Sam Desmond
The Argyle Theatre will kick off its fall season Sept. 17 with “On Your Feet,” the high-energy jukebox musical inspired by Gloria and Emilio Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.
For director Vincent Ortega, the production is more than another show. It’s one he’s lived with for years — and one that has taken on new meaning following his own recent recovery from reconstructive knee surgery.
“On Your Feet” traces the Estefans’ rise to international stardom, Gloria Estefan’s devastating injuries in a 1990 tour bus crash and her determined return to the stage just months later at the 1991 American Music Awards.
The musical features many of the duo’s biggest hits, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Get on Your Feet,” “Turn the Beat Around,” “Don’t Wanna Lose You” and “Conga.”
Ortega has directed five productions of “On Your Feet,” including previous runs at the Argyle and the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport. Before stepping behind the director’s table, he also performed in the show’s national tour following its Broadway run.
While directing the musical at Riverside Theatre in Florida, Ortega even had the opportunity to welcome Gloria and Emilio Estefan to the audience. The couple, who lived just minutes away, later met with the cast.
“It felt like getting together with family,” Ortega said, recalling the experience.
Argyle Creative Director Evan Pappas said Ortega’s extensive history with the musical made him the natural choice to direct the Babylon production.
“Vincent is a legend,” Pappas said.
The production also fits neatly into the Argyle’s upcoming season, which celebrates iconic music stars through shows centered on Gloria Estefan, Elvis, Cher and Jimmy Buffett.
“They’re all iconic legends and positive influences,” Pappas said.
This time around, however, Ortega said his own life experiences have deepened his connection to Gloria Estefan’s story.
After recently undergoing reconstructive surgery to repair a torn ACL, he found himself relating to Estefan’s determination to recover after the crash left her with a fractured spine and threatened to end her career.
“When my injury happened, I thought my year was going to be bedridden — you know, ‘poor me,’ crying every day,” Ortega said. “But it’s given me more opportunities to be creative.”
He said the production focuses not just on Estefan’s fame, but on the resilience that allowed her to return to the spotlight.
“Her story isn’t of fame and stardom,” Ortega said. “It’s a story of strength and courage.”
That determination is reflected in one of Ortega’s favorite scenes, which recreates Estefan’s rehabilitation after the accident.
“Someone says, ‘We’re done for the day,’ and Gloria responds with, ‘I want to do more reps. I’m going to get better. I’m going to get stronger,'” he said.
Pappas said the parallels between Ortega’s own recovery and Estefan’s journey have brought an added layer of authenticity to the production.
“Vince is one of the most resilient people I know, so this parallel is pretty amazing to me,” Pappas said.
While the musical delivers plenty of energetic dance numbers, Ortega said audiences will also find quieter moments that explore Gloria and Emilio’s relationship through songs such as “Anything for You.”
“They use her ballads to develop, in really smart ways, Gloria and Emilio’s relationship,” Ortega said.
He also hopes audiences leave the theater inspired by the perseverance that defines Estefan’s story.
“You don’t have to be a dancer,” Ortega said. “You just have to feel it, enjoy it and move. We want to get the audience up on their feet.”
The Argyle Theatre’s upcoming season
- “On Your Feet”: Sept. 17-Oct. 25
- “Mary Poppins”: Nov. 12-Jan. 3
- “All Shook Up”: Jan. 28-March 14
- “The Cher Show”: April 8-May 30
- “Escape to Margaritaville”: July 1-Sept. 25
Top: The Argyle Theatre, located at 34 W. Main St. in Babylon Village, opened in 2018 following the transformation of the downtown’s landmark movie theater into a year-round professional performing arts venue. (Credit: GLI/Mike White)
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