
Chris Lopez Strikes Gold as Sam Smith
Less than two years ago, Mark Robert Rome, Entertainment Director at The Palm Cabaret and Bar, suggested I see Chris Lopez’s Sam Smith Tribute. I said, “Who is Sam Smith?” He replied, “Exactly what I said to Chris when he suggested he wanted to do a tribute.”
To that point, I knew Chris Lopez primarily as a producer at The Palm of tribute shows like Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Rihanna, as well as a self-taught videographer and backup singer for Maru’s Lady Gaga. Nothing could have prepared me (or anybody else in that audience) for his first Sam Smith Tribute show – it was so beautiful. The hubbub that surrounded that Opening Night rippled for days around town.
A year later, when he announced his second tribute to Sam Smith, I was surprised but delighted to be able to see it again. Not at all. It was a brand-new show, better than the first, which I was convinced would be impossible.
Chris Lopez has struck solid gold with his third homage to Sam Smith. Everything about this extravagant production at Coco Cabaret was over the top – the budget just for footwear must have been astronomical. Sequins, silver lamé, faux red fur bolero jackets for all six dancers (that was only one costume change), and an enormous black fur dress for Chris that I wanted to pat. That wasn’t even his most oversized dress! The red one shimmered like shantung silk and, I swear, took up a quarter of the stage floor space.
The backup singers, Nacho Granados, Eva Jimenez (Pink), and Armando Chakám, all good friends, and each starring in shows this season, were outstanding. Their harmonies soared, enriching the overall production performance and elevating each song to new heights.
The Starboy Dancers moved non-stop with complicated choreography and were smiling or aloof as the script dictated. Their energy was electric, adding an extra layer of frenetic movement that made it impossible to look away.
And there was Chris Lopez in the middle of it, singing his best, showing off his incredible vocal range á la Sam Smith and the stunning costumes. Brilliantly done, Chris. It was captivating from start to finish, with nary a flaw. Sound, lights, video, audio, everything came together like a dream sequence.
I left Coco Cabaret exhilarated and astonished, marveling at how Chris has continuously pushed the boundaries of his own performances and that of his other tribute shows in Puerto Vallarta. It’s clear that he pours his heart and soul into each production, making every show he touches an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
This third tribute to Sam Smith was not just a performance; it was a celebration of music and artistry, of dance and voices and collaborations that captivated every single one of us.
To each person that took part in this show and surrounded and supported Chris with your talent, take an extra bow, and be showered with congratulations. And for Chris Lopez – there will never be enough applause for this outstanding performance.