By Jillian Risberg 

She walked on that stage and stepped in some big shoes as Little Gloria in Paper Mill Playhouse’s production of On Your Feet! And it was everything Olivia Andrade-Marin could have asked for. 

“It’s really exciting to be playing the young version of Linedy Genao’s character (Gloria Estefan),” says the 10-year-old. “I love being in the cast and the cast members are really great.” 

Andrade-Marin had to learn about Estefan to take on the role and much stood out to the young actor about the superstar’s amazing career, including devastating injuries she sustained in that bus crash. 

“When Gloria was young she was poor but would always sing in front of her neighbors,” the actor says. “When she got older she started her career as lead singer of Miami Latin Boys, later renamed Miami Sound Machine. That’s when she got even more famous.”

That Estefan persevered resonates with Andrade-Marin. 

“I’m inspired that she’s a Latina and there’s a few Latina’s in the world that are really famous right now,” says the singer. “I’m also Latina and proud that I am.” 

Andrade-Marin’s mother Maria says everyone in the production is Latino, which is great for interpretation and to debut during Hispanic Heritage Month. 

And it gives the young Olivia the chance to practice Spanish with her cast-mates.

Her family (mom, dad Javier and brother Mateo) are super proud that she is doing On Your Feet. 

“Because it’s an iconic Latina woman that did the same as we’re doing. Our family is Ecuadorian and Olivia is a first-generation American,” Maria says. “Gloria was an immigrant and became this major star.”

The young actor hopes her next role will be on the Great White Way.  

“Because I really want to be on Broadway; it’s my dream,” says Andrade-Marin, adding that her favorite show is Beetlejuice.

She prepares for a role by memorizing her lines all the time.  For a song, she practices it over and over and over. 

For an audition, she runs through the whole audition. If she’s not satisfied — then she tries again and again until it’s perfect. 

“I try to get energetic, happy more than nervous, channel (any) nervousness and center myself,” says the 10-year-old. 

At Mountview Road School in Cedar Knolls, the actor says her music teacher is nice to her and happy she’s getting in shows, encouraging her to do more; as well as with her singing in the school chorus.  

After high school she wants to attend Juilliard, because it’s a world leader in performing arts education. 

“From the age of three, I would always sing in front of people and say, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be performing a song,’” says Andrade-Marin. “That’s when I knew I was probably going to be an actor or singer.”

One can create different emotions in scenes, according to the 10-year-old.  If you’re really sad, she says, ‘I try thinking of something really sad and cry or frown sadly.’ 

When it comes to anger — ‘think of when your brother is annoying you; try to channel that into your angriness.’ You get to step into a different persona.  

“That’s what I love about acting,” she says.  

According to Maria, Olivia’s voice is her gift because nobody else in their house or family sings. 

“She’s the first. And she’s an extrovert and we are all introverts,” Andrade-Marin’s mother says.

On Your Feet’s Little Gloria trains in dancing, acting and singing at Annie’s Playhouse in Far Hills. Sometimes; she performs in shows they have there.  

And it prepared her well. After many auditions, she couldn’t be happier to land her first role.

She’s well-versed in how cutthroat the business is. 

“I always up my game and never give up,” the actor says, adding that she loves having the power to sing. 

Maria echoes that sentiment, adding that her daughter has the personality to move forward after auditions, which she says is a good trait to have in this industry.  

“She doesn’t dwell on the rejection, has a positive attitude towards the challenges and enjoys the profession. “That’s why we’re supporting it.” 

Doors are opening and the 10-year-old is thrilled. Thrilled to be Gloria Estefan.

“We are going on this journey with Olivia and are beyond proud,” Maria says the family cannot wait to see her shine.  “She shines when she’s just talking and acting like a normal kid. So, yes, it’s wonderful.” 

When the show wraps in November, the actor/singer hopes to land a tour, show, movie, voiceover… whatever opportunity comes her way. 

And she says the most important traits to possess that will take you where you want to go…

“All your heart and your dreams, even if they go in another path,” says Andrade-Marin. “Try until you get it right.”