North Shore Music Theatre Kicks Off the Season with an Electrifying, 5-Star Production of ‘On Your Feet'

By Mark Wood

BEVERLY — Get ready to feel the rhythm, North Shore! Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre has officially kicked off its highly anticipated 2026 musical season, and they are bringing the absolute heat to the stage. This past Wednesday night, the theater-in-the-round hosted the opening night production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, and to put it simply, it was an absolute triumph.

If opening night is any indication of what's to come this season, theatergoers are in for an unforgettable summer. This show is an absolute must-see, earning a well-deserved five stars.

A Breathtaking Tribute to the Power of Perseverance and Music

On Your Feet! tells the inspiring, true rags-to-riches story of Gloria and Emilio Estefan, two trailblazing Cuban-American artists who defied the odds, broke down cultural barriers, and relied on an unwavering belief in each other to achieve international superstardom. From their humble beginnings in Miami's Little Havana to the global pop charts, the musical charts their rise, their family dynamics, and the devastating 1990 tour bus crash that tested their resilience.

What makes this particular production so breathtaking is the sheer level of talent packed onto the Beverly stage. Under the dynamic direction and choreography of Marcos Santana, the show moves with an infectious, high-energy pulse that had the opening night audience practically dancing in their seats. The superb choreography is incredibly sharp, complex, and executed with a relentless passion by the entire 23-member cast. Combined with the sensational, live Latin rhythms guided by music director Jose Delgado, the musical numbers hit with massive, stadium-grade impact.

But a show like this truly hinges on its lead actors, and NSMT has struck gold with its two stars. Recent Boston Conservatory graduate Isabel Leoni is a revelation as Gloria Estefan. Stepping into the shoes of a global icon is no easy task, but Leoni carries the role with an effortless grace, deep emotional vulnerability, and superb, powerhouse vocals that soar through chart-toppers like "Anything for You," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," and "Don't Wanna Lose You."

Matching her beat-for-beat is Marcello Audino as Emilio Estefan. Audino brings a fantastic blend of charm, determination, and fierce passion to the stage. The romantic and professional chemistry between Leoni and Audino forms the undeniable heart of the show. When they perform together, the energy in the theater is absolutely electric.

The supporting cast delivers equally stellar performances. Karmine Alers brings powerful vocal talent and complex emotional depth to the role of Gloria’s mother, Gloria Fajardo, while Sydia Cedeño-Genat provides wonderful warmth and comic relief as the supportive grandmother, Consuelo Garcia.

From the design perspective, the production maximizes NSMT's unique arena layout. The scenic and lighting design by Jack Mehler, paired with vibrant, era-authentic costume designs by Emilio Sosa, seamlessly transports the audience from intimate family living rooms to massive, dazzling stadium concerts.

Ultimately, On Your Feet! is a vibrant, heart-filled celebration of love, heritage, and the universal language of music. It is a beautiful reminder of the power of perseverance. I highly suggest everyone check out this spectacular show before it closes. It is a phenomenal, five-star launch to the 2026 season that you do not want to miss.

On Your Feet! plays at the North Shore Music Theatre, 54 Dunham Road, Beverly, through Sunday, June 14, 2026. For tickets and performance schedules, call the box office at 978-232-7200 or visit nsmt.org.