PRESS

Experiencing a musical pre-Broadway is a rare treat, and thank goodness, Broadway In Chicago , allows us that opportunity. I recall sitting three rows behind Gloria and Emilio Estefan on opening night of their story, “On Your Feet” during tryouts, and the excitement their music brought to the full house. I think it was just released to the regional theaters and Drury Lane was given first right. Last night, we revisited this marvelous story and saw that under the direction of Director/choreographer Luis Salgado, and with this amazing cast, this version of “On Your Feet” is even stronger than the original!

Creatively and inventively directed by talented award winning director, choreographer and educator, Luis Salgado, this production feels deeply personal. Mr. Salgado began his journey here, in Chicago, having appeared in the original Chicago tryout and then in the Broadway productions of ON YOUR FEET. Luis has returned to the Windy City, this time to direct and choreograph a musical that, at its heart, is a love story. He’s staged and guided this biographical jukebox musical with a fusion of Latine and Caribbean rhythms and dance styles, creating a spicy feast of drama, music and dance

Carole King’s songs have provided the soundtrack to countless lives. What’s so canny about “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” is that it uses these same songs to tell the story of King’s own life. King’s is a story so rich, so intertwined with the very fabric of American popular culture, that if it weren’t true, someone would have to write it.

The creative team does top-shelf work, with costume designer Johanna Pan and wig designer Destinee Steele in particular helping to subtly and effectively convey the passage of time and changing culture through aesthetic choices that feel grounded and authentic. Ultimately, 13 years isn’t a terribly long time, but McGrath’s book and Salgado’s smart direction drive home just how important those years were to King and to the country as a whole. King started as someone who worked to support others, her writing providing hits to artists from The Shirelles (“Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” 1961) to The Drifters (“Up On The Roof,” 1962) to The Monkees (“Pleasant Valley Sunday,” 1967). 

Director and choreographer Luis Salgado is one of the most visionary artists — and I’m not using hyperbole here — that we have ever seen in St. Louis, among those who come here to put a show together. Last season, he was the driving force behind the award- winning “In the Heights” adaptation.

As Salgado demonstrated directing and choreographing “In the Heights,” he is focused on culture and community. His artistic sensibilities are evident in this show’s lighting, costumes, scenic design and sound. His work staging the ensemble is inspiring, and the energy he harnesses through the Suzuki method — the distinctive swirling motion and fluid movements resembling ballet and martial arts — is a thrill to watch.

Herrick Goldman has designed the lighting for Stages St. Louis’ revival of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, which opened on June 2, 2023 and runs through July 2, 2023. The lighting has been noted as “a stand out amongst design,”

Luis Salgado will be a 2023 Ambassador Puerto Rican Day Parade. Leading the procession as Grand Marshal will be television personality, actor, and author Giselle Blondet, who is recognized as one of the most iconic figures on Spanish-language television. Joining Blondet in the procession and representing the Puerto Rican communities in both Los Angeles and Chicago, will be actor Justina Machado as Queen.

Lynn & Carl speak to Broadway actor, director and choreographer Luis Salgado, who is directing Stages St. Louis’ production of Aida now through the 25th of June in Kirkwood. They then look at the new releases: the latest Transformers headache, Past Lives and Flamin’ Hot (on Hulu). – plus a huge theater roundup.

“Last year, Luis Salgado directed and choreographed IN THE HEIGHTS at STAGES St. Louis. It was among the most critically acclaimed productions of the year in St. Louis. His production was recognized with 11 St. Louis Critics Circle nominations and six wins including Outstanding Production, Outstanding Ensemble and Outstanding Choreography. This year, Salgado returns to STAGES St. Louis to direct and choreograph AIDA which opens on Wednesday, June 7th in the Ross Family Theatre at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. ” Broadway World St. Louis