The rhythm is about to get louder at the Proscenium Theater as American actor Jason Canela joins the Manila production of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan, as the music visionary Emilio Estefan. The highly anticipated musical opens July 10 at Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center Makati.
Raised in Miami and on to the biggest entertainment hubs in New York and Los Angeles, Canela brings a unique connection to the story. Best known for his work across television, film, and theater, he has appeared in major productions including Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, ABC’s The Rookie, FOX’s Pitch, and CBS’s The Young and the Restless, where he made history as the first Latin actor cast in a contract role during the show’s 45-year run.
He is also widely recognized across Spanish-language television for his performances in Telemundo’s ¿Dónde Está Elisa? and Univision’s Cosita Linda.
But among his many roles, Emilio Estefan remains one of his most personal.
Canela has portrayed Emilio in the acclaimed Miami regional premiere of On Your Feet!, the first Cuban actor to play onstage the legendary producer and music executive. Returning to the role six years later, Canela brings a complete evolution to the character. Now a father, he essays Emilio’s protective, visionary drive with profound emotional maturity and life experience, perfectly capturing a man who refused to let anyone else dictate his outcome.
Jason Canela as Emilio Estefan
“This story isn’t something I had to search far for—it’s in my DNA. It is my story, too,” says Canela. “To honor Gloria and Emilio and tell the story of the most iconic Cubans to step off the island means the world to me. It’s because of their grit and vision that doors were opened to bring our sound and culture to the global mass market.”
On Your Feet! is the remarkable journey of Gloria and Emilio Estefan—from their early days in Miami to the decades as global music icons who transformed Latin music forever. Its soundtrack has the beloved hits—Conga, Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, 1-2-3, and Get on Your Feet—in a musical that celebrates ambition, perseverance, family, and the power of dream.
For Canela, the music remains one of the show’s greatest strengths.
While he loves the infectious energy of Rhythm Is Gonna Get You, he notes that audiences will also discover a different side to the Estefans in such songs as Don’t Wanna Lose You and I Just Wanna See Your Smile—moments that reveal the heart behind the global success.
Jason Canela
Joining him are Molly Langley and Kayla Rivera, who alternate in the role of Gloria Estefan. Both, who have earned acclaim in musical theater, will bring exceptional vocal talent, charisma, and emotional depth to the iconic role. Opposite Canela, they help bring the Estefans’ extraordinary journey to life, creating a dynamic partnership onstage that captures the passion behind their music and the enduring strength of their love story.
As he prepares to share Emilio Estefan’s story with Filipino audiences, Canela is excited to experience the Philippines for the first time. Since his recent arrival, he has already received the warmth of Filipino hospitality. He said that the people, culture, and food have quickly made Manila feel like home.
Presented by Rockwell and 9 Works Theatrical, On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan opens July 10 at the Proscenium Theater at Rockwell Center. Tickets are available via TicketWorld and at the Power Plant Mall Cinema.
For more information, updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow the Proscenium Theater on Facebook and Instagram. To keep up with Jason Canela’s Manila adventure and behind-the-scenes moments from the production, follow him at @jasoncanela.
On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan is presented through special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
