ML - Michigan Avenue

2015 - Issue 3 - May/June

Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!

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photography by sean williams (Moby-Dick) "musichasbeenahealingforceforme.sowith thismusical,wehopetohaveyoudance,have youcry,inspireyouinsomeway." —gloria estefan their entrepreneurial drive has created a multi-platform business empire that includes restaurants, hotels, and a stake in the Miami Dolphins. So it's not surprising that with this latest venture, they've assembled an all-star team: director Jerry Mitchell (Kinkyboots), a two-time Tony winner; choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jerseyboys); and writer Alexander Dinelaris, who earned an Oscar as cowriter of birdman. Glitzy roster aside, the couple insists that this show is all about the music and the partnership that made it possible. "It's a love story," says Gloria: "Emilio's and mine, a love story to this country, a love story to music." Fans are familiar with much of that story (including the 1990 tour bus accident that broke Gloria's back), but the show sheds light on other obstacles the couple faced— not only the less-than- enthusiastic record execs and radio stations, but Gloria's mother, who didn't see a music career as a suitably smart road to success for her daughter. After all, her girl was set to study international law and diplomacy at the Sorbonne. "Emilio and I have a very happy story," laughs Gloria. "But I tell my mom, 'Mom, you are the conflict in this play, so get ready.'" Although the Estefans exemplify crossover success, Gloria's greatest satisfaction is 1993's mitierra, her first Spanish-language album. "'Conga' still gets played everywhere," she says, referring to the Miami Sound Machine's 1985 hit. "The Chipmunks just did it in their last movie, for gosh sake, and I was a big fan of The Chipmunks when I was a kid. But to have shared a little piece of our country—the music of the tiny island where I was born—is my biggest treasure." And if all goes well with this project, it may prove a close second. "For my entire life, music has been a healing force for me," shares Gloria. "It really got me through some of the toughest moments. So with this musical, what we hope to do is have you dance, have you cry, inspire you in some way." "I think this is the perfect time to tell our story," adds Emilio, "and a great time to talk about the American dream. Sometimes people tell you no. That's when you've got to prove to yourself that things can happen—that's when you have to get back on your feet."On Your Feet! runsJune2–July5atthe orientaltheatre,24w. randolphst.,800-775-2000; broadwayinchicago.com. MA Director Jerry Mitchell (center) helms the story of the Estefans' unique path to success. Big Fish Director David Catlin tackles Moby-Dick for Lookingglass Theatre. What is it about Moby-Dick? It seems more people have plowed through War and Peace than poked a toe into the deep, dark waters of Herman Melville's masterpiece. The next best thing (aside from John Huston's 1956 cinematic spin) could well be the upcoming rendition David Catlin is directing at Lookingglass Theatre. What is your fascination with the book? Did you study it in college? I was supposed to read it as part of a class, but put it off until the end of the quarter. I drank a lot of caf- feine and read it over a period of three days and nights. I loved it. Something about the exhaustion and the doom of a bad grade on the fnal opened me up to it in a way that I hadn't expected. How does this compare to other pieces you've done? I am drawn to stories that on some scale deal with loneliness. I am also drawn to stories that explore the relationship between rational and irrational thinking. For Ishmael, the battle between rational and irrational thought is played out in the confrontations of Ahab and Starbuck. Lookingglass is known for taking people to places onstage that would seem impossible. Anything you can say about the staging? Our task will be to create the vastness of the sea: the rolling billows and crashing waves, the dark and mysteri- ous depths—beautiful and dangerous. And there will be blood. June 10–August 9, 821 N. Michigan Ave., 312-337-0665; lookingglasstheatre.org 50  michiganavemag.com CULTURE hottest Ticket

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