We are excited to introduce to you our new series of blog posts – Fun Facts Friday! Posted every other Friday, it will present you with interesting and funny facts about a show, actor, director, or whatever else comes to mind from the world of theatre.
Our very first Fun Facts Friday is a special one and kicks off with the smash hit, Broadway musical On Your Feet! – The Story of Gloria & Emilio Estefan. Enough small talk, on to the fun facts!
1. Creating a hit musical
On Your Feet! first premiered at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago. After that, the show moved to Broadway where it was performed 746 times. After its last Broadway performance in 2017, the original sets and props were shipped to the Netherlands where the show toured simultaneously with 25 cities across the USA. Currently, the show is in the West End for a limited season.
2. Marrying your first love
Gloria and Emilio are each other’s first loves. Gloria was 18 when she met Emilio. As inspiring and romantic as their love story is, it created a family dispute which lasted 15 years. Gloria’s mum was against her pursuing a singing career and dating Emilio. However, their love was too strong and with the encouragement of her grandmother, Gloria went on to marry Emilio at 21 and become an international music star!
3. Gloria is tiny
Gloria lost 2 inches of her height in a bus accident she was in in 1990.
4. Emilio tricked her
Her first kiss with Emilio happened on 4 July under a sky filled with fireworks. He tricked her into kissing him by telling her it was his birthday. It wasn’t really his birthday.
Photo credit - Johann Persson
5. Loving art as much as performing
Gloria and Emilio are art lovers and own a few Picasso and Diego Riveras pieces.
6. From Castro to Vietnam
Gloria’s father, Jose Fajado, was a fighter against Castro for which he was imprisoned for two years. After his release, he joined the US military and was sent to Vietnam. Soon after, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the age of 16, Gloria had to take care of her dying father who lost the ability to walk and talk.
Photo credit - Johann Persson
7. Her ideal dinner guests are.
Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Jesus Christ and Buddha are four people Gloria would like to invite to her dream dinner party.
8. Spy games
After graduating from the University of Miami with a Psychology degree, Gloria had an episode in her life where she worked as an interpreter at the Miami International Airport. One day, she was approached by the CIA who were interested in recruiting her and training her as a spy because of her ability to blend in and not raise any eyebrows.
9. Gloria was on the New York Times Bestseller List
As well as her musical career, Gloria has written two children’s books, as well as a cookbook with her husband Emilio. Her books have made it onto the New York Times Bestseller List.
10. Gloria has naked dreams!
Before going on stage, Gloria often has nightmares that she appears on stage naked.
Photo credit - Johann Persson
If you still have not seen this spectacular musical that will get you On Your Feet!, book your tickets with LOVEtheatre!