Rhode Island + North Carolina = Puerto Vallarta!
Robert Ryan was born in Rhode Island a while back, and Mary Porter in North Carolina, also some time ago. Their biggest connection to one another is singing professionally back in their day, but enjoying themselves more now, doing just that in the second half of their lives.
They met here in Puerto Vallarta, and Mary asked Robert to sing at her 4th Annual fundraiser for Vallarta School for Girls at Teatro Vallarta in January. Robert spent his real-job life as a fundraiser and, of course, immediately consented.
Mary Porter brought her debut show, “Hats off to Carolina,” from 54 Below in New York last November to The Palm Cabaret here in Vallarta last month. Robert Ryan, on the other hand, is exporting HIS Vallarta show, ”Here’s to the Ladies” to Don’t Tell Mama in New York this fall in September.
Porter celebrates the songs, songwriters, and singers that come from her home state of North Carolina. Ryan shares stories about his colorful aunts, grandmothers, and lady friends he has collected over his lifetime, and has a song and a portrait for each of them.
Both are loving storytellers, and while there is more music than chit-chat, every word is in its proper and dignified place. Mary did extensive research to uncover the surprising number of North Carolinians who have made a mark in U.S. music history, including Nina Simone, James Taylor, Roberta Flack, Randy Travis, and more.
Robert Ryan’s preview of ”Here’s to the Ladies” took place in the expansive Living Room at Casa Karma. One of the “Ladies” who has influenced Robert’s life is Casa Karma owner Georgia Darehshori, who was in attendance, smiling as Robert literally sang her praises for offering her Casa Karma space to entertainers off-season to continue earning money with their craft.
Early in his performance, Robert began to sing Sondheim’s ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ from the musical Company. A few bars in, the living room door opened, and in strolled two dear friends in drag, clad in bright orange cotton frocks, pearls, bejeweled handbags, and martini glasses raised high. They sedately took their seats without a word. It took some time for the audience to stop roaring with laughter before Robert and Musical Director Michael Ferreri could continue the song. A masterful touch; the incredulous look on Robert’s face was priceless – a throwback to his operatic days.
In ”Hats off to Carolina,” Mary Porter shared her deep emotional connection to a song made popular by Roberta Flack. She dedicated it to mothers everywhere, recalling the moment she held her daughter immediately after she was born, softly began, ”The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Two artists, on different stages, are taking chances because they finally understand they can, and both of them are blossoming like rare tropical flowers here in the warmth of Puerto Vallarta, From Here.
