ACT ONE
 
A high-energy dance number performed by Gloria Estefan’s dancers transitions backstage, where Gloria, Emilio Estefan, and their son Nayib prepare for a 1990 concert (Rhythm Is Gonna Get You).
 
In a flashback, a young Gloria plays guitar and records a song for her father, José Fajardo, who is stationed in Vietnam (Cuando Salí de Cuba). She grew up in Miami’s Little Havana with her mother, Gloria Fajardo, and her grandmother, Consuelo García. As the dance number continues, time moves fluidly between the younger and older Gloria (Tradición).
 
As Gloria matures, Consuelo introduces her to Emilio Estefan, then a member of a group called the Miami Latin Boys. Emilio invites Gloria to sing one of her original songs at their upcoming rehearsal. Gloria, who is studying psychology and devoting most of her free time to caring for her father as he battles multiple sclerosis, is hesitant to perform. Urged by her grandmother, and despite her mother’s objections, she attends the rehearsal and brings her sister Rebecca, her mother, and Consuelo along. Gloria performs with Rebecca beside her for emotional support (Anything for You). Although shy and reluctant to step into the spotlight, she begins to find her voice with encouragement from Emilio (1-2-3). The two soon realize they are falling in love (I See Your Smile).
 
Gloria’s mother disapproves of her joining the Miami Latin Boys (soon renamed the Miami Sound Machine) and especially of her relationship with Emilio. When Gloria expresses frustration, Consuelo reveals that Gloria’s mother once dreamed of becoming a singer herself. Gloria Fajardo had been offered a contract with Twentieth Century Fox to be the Spanish voice of Shirley Temple, but her father forbade it. A flashback shows the young Gloria Fajardo performing in a club and learning mid-performance that she must flee Cuba, leaving her love, José Fajardo, behind (Mi Tierra).
 
Later, Gloria and Emilio pitch a new English-language song to Phil, a record-label executive, but he rejects it. On July 4, Gloria and Emilio go on a date, sharing their first kiss (Con Los Años Que Me Quedan). Gloria tries to discuss the single, but she is swept up in her feelings for Emilio (Here We Are). Still caring for her ailing father, she imagines his advice about Emilio (When Someone Comes into Your Life). Inspired, she writes a new English-language song based on their popular tour encores in Holland. Executive Chris refuses to present it to Phil, so they decide to “bring Phil to the song.” Gloria performs the number at a Bar Mitzvah, then at an Italian wedding, but Phil still refuses to attend. Finally, after she performs it at a Shriners convention in Las Vegas, Phil takes notice (Conga).
 
ACT TWO
 
Gloria and Emilio rise to the top of the charts and embark on a global tour (Get on Your Feet). Grateful for her grandmother’s unwavering support, Gloria even brings Consuelo onstage during a performance (Live for Loving You). However, the demanding schedule takes its toll, and her relationship with her mother deteriorates further due to disapproval, and possible jealousy, of Gloria’s success (You’ll Be Mine (Party Time)). Although exhausted and hoping for a break, Gloria agrees to Emilio’s urging to add one more concert in Syracuse. On their way to the event, their tour bus collides with a semi-truck during a snowstorm (Famous).
 
Gloria suffers a severe spinal injury and is flown to New York City for emergency surgery. Her mother rushes to the hospital after hearing the news, she and Emilio bond over their shared love for Gloria (If I Never Got to Tell You). Emilio fears she may not survive (Don’t Wanna Lose You). During surgery, Gloria imagines seeing her late father and her recently deceased grandmother, both urging her to fight for her life (Wrapped). After the surgery, Gloria reconciles with her mother. Though doctors warn she may never walk again, she commits herself fully to rehabilitation.
 
Thousands of fan letters and Emilio’s steadfast support fuel her determination to recover (Reach). Gloria triumphantly returns to the stage with her performance at the 1991 American Music Awards (Coming Out of the Dark).