"Ariana Grande would be somebody wonderful," Estefan said. "I saw her when she was eight years old on a cruise ship and she had sung this song, and I literally went up to her and told her and her mom, 'I don't know if you plan on doing this, but this is what you need to be doing because you are an amazing singer.'"
Grande was previously seen on Broadway in the Jason Robert Brown musical 13. The 21-year-old performer just released her second album, "My Everything." She is also known for her television performances in "Sam and Cat" and "Victorious."
Directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), On Your Feet! will receive a New York City workshop Oct. 27-Nov. 21. Casting has not been revealed. Sergio Trujillo choreographs. Casting is by Justin Huff of Telsey + Company.
James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc and Bernie Yuman announced Aug. 18 that On Your Feet! will begin previews on Broadway Oct. 5, 2015, at the Marquis Theatre.
The production will officially open on Broadway Nov. 5 following a world-premiere engagement at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago, June 2-July 5, 2015. The musical, which will explore the life and music of Gloria Estefan and her husband, producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan, will have a book by two-time Drama Desk nominee Alexander Dinelaris.
The production has also launched an international casting search, Reach Gloria (#ReachGloria), which offers performers around the world a chance to audition for all roles in the musical by submitting audition videos online at OnYourFeetMusical.com.
“Finding the right performers to tell our story on the Broadway stage is the most important step in this project,” said Gloria Estefan in a statement. “Our own journey together started in Miami, a city that has been such an inspiration to us both, and it only felt right that the city be a cornerstone of our search for the next generation of bright talent.”
Emilio Estefan added, "On Your Feet! is a piece that speaks to people of every culture around the world. We’ve seen audiences from South America to Asia, and everywhere in between, be moved by our music and we want each and every one of them to have a chance to be a part of this story and show their talent to the world.”
The musical, according to press notes, is "the story of two people who—through an unwavering dedication to one another and their pursuit of the American dream—showcased their talent, their music and their heritage to the world in a remarkable rise to global superstardom." It will feature such hits as “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “1-2-3,” “Mi Tierra,” and “Conga,” in addition to new music penned by the Estefans.
