"We are very excited to partner with the Nederlander Organization and [executive producer] Bernie Yuman to, after almost a decade of planning and developing, bring our music and life story to Broadway," said the Estefans in a statement. "We are very excited to share this story, which is based on hope, determination and the belief that with hard work and passion, our dreams can become our reality. Our music has been a true reflection of who we are, where we came from and the journey that has brought us to where we are today. Our cultural roots, our life-defining challenges and the rewards that come with believing in yourself and striving for that which you believe in wholeheartedly, will be the foundation for this theatrical production. Sharing our life story through music will give us a new opportunity to honor our roots and, hopefully, to be able to inspire generations to come."
The musical, according to producers, "will be set in a way that tells the Estefans' riveting life story detailing their journey all the way from Cuba to superstardom."
Additional elements and a creative team will be announced at a later date.
"I am thrilled to collaborate with Gloria and Emilio to see their amazing story come to fruition on the Broadway stage," added James L. Nederlander, president of the Nederlander Organization. "The Estefans' journey of success, led by raw talent and passion, is captivating as it drove them from relative obscurity to global sensations."
With seven Grammy Awards and over 100 million albums sold worldwide, Gloria Estefan is known as the "Queen of Latin Pop." Her chart-topping hit songs include "Conga," "The Rhythm is Going To Get You" and "1, 2, 3," among others. She recorded the Oscar-nominated song "Music Of My Heart," received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Ellis Island Congressional Medal of Honor, which is the highest award that can be given to a naturalized U.S. citizen. Estefan also won the Hispanic Heritage Award, an MTV Video Music Award, two ACE Awards and the National Music Foundation's Humanitarian of the Year Award. She was also honored with the American Music Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as being named BMI Songwriter of the Year. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has received multiple Billboard Awards for her many chart-topping hits. Emilio Estefan is a music, television and film producer who has been instrumental in shaping, developing and directing the careers of his wife, Gloria, as well as Shakira, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony and Jon Secada, among many others. At the Latin Grammy Awards of 2000, he received the award for Producer of the Year.
The Nederlander Organization will be producing in partnership with executive producer Bernie Yuman, who is producer and manager for the Las Vegas show Siegfried & Roy as well as a longtime friend and business associate of the Estefans.
