David Sabella Brings Dazzling Tribute to Peter Allen to Act2PV
On Sunday, March 30, at 7:00 PM, the renowned performer David Sabella will take the stage at Act2PV Theater’s Casa Karma Red Room in Puerto Vallarta to present his much-anticipated show, David Sabella Sings Peter Allen… Unlike Any Other Man. This performance promises to be a dazzling and heartfelt tribute to one of the most flamboyant and influential performers in music history, Peter Allen.
The idea for Unlike Any Other Man came to Sabella from an unexpected but deeply personal source—Lorna Luft, the daughter of Judy Garland and sister of Liza Minnelli, who was once married to Peter Allen. Sabella recalls, “Originally, the idea was given to me by my friend Lorna Luft, who was Peter Allen’s sister-in-law during the years that he was married to her sister, Liza Minnelli. She suggested that I sing his music because she felt it suited my style and vocal range. I was intrigued and began researching his catalog. What I found was an extraordinary body of work that felt like it was written for me.”
Peter Allen, the Australian singer-songwriter, was a vibrant force in music, known for his high-energy performances, signature showmanship, and heartfelt ballads. He penned numerous hits, including “I Honestly Love You” (made famous by Olivia Newton-John) and the Oscar-winning “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” and left behind an enduring legacy. For Sabella, exploring Allen’s music was not just a creative endeavor but an opportunity to connect with an artist whose work resonated with his own musical journey.
David Sabella is no stranger to dazzling performances. With a career spanning 45 years in musical theater, opera, and concert work, he has solidified his reputation as an award-winning singer, actor, and internationally recognized voice teacher. Perhaps best known for originating the role of “Mary Sunshine” in the 1996 Broadway revival of Chicago, Sabella has performed alongside legendary figures such as Chita Rivera, Ann Reinking, and Patrick Swayze. His expertise as a countertenor—one of the pioneers of the “American tradition” of the voice type—has been recognized by none other than Luciano Pavarotti, who famously stopped his audition mid-performance to declare, “This is excellent! Not good, excellent!”
Beyond Broadway, Sabella has had an illustrious career in opera and voice-over work, lending his four-octave range to roles in Disney’s Teacher’s Pet and Fox Animation’s Peter Pan and the Pirates. His dedication to music education has also made him a sought-after vocal coach and pedagogue, contributing to groundbreaking research on contemporary vocal techniques.
For Sabella, stepping into Peter Allen’s world means more than just performing his songs—it’s about capturing the essence of an artist who defied conventions. “Peter Allen was larger than life, and his music reflects his energy, passion, and vulnerability. I want to honor that in this show,” Sabella explains. “Allen had this rare ability to move seamlessly between high-energy numbers and deeply emotional ballads, and I want to bring that same dynamic contrast to my performance.”
Unlike a typical tribute concert, Unlike Any Other Man is deeply personal. Sabella integrates stories from Allen’s life with his own experiences, drawing parallels between their artistic journeys. “I feel a strong connection to Allen’s story—his resilience, his joy, and his authenticity. He was ahead of his time in so many ways, particularly in how he navigated his identity in the public eye.”
Puerto Vallarta’s Act2PV Theater has become a haven for world-class entertainment, and the Casa Karma Red Room provides an intimate setting that perfectly suits Sabella’s cabaret-style performance. Having served as both the General Manager and Entertainment Director of Act2PV, Sabella is no stranger to the venue, making this homecoming performance all the more special.
“Act2PV has always been about bringing top-tier talent to Puerto Vallarta, and I am thrilled to be a part of that tradition,” he says. “The Red Room is a magical space—there’s an intimacy there that allows for a real connection with the audience. I think that’s exactly the kind of atmosphere Peter Allen thrived in, and I hope to recreate that feeling.”
Audiences can expect an evening filled with Allen’s most beloved hits, reimagined through Sabella’s masterful storytelling and vocal prowess. The show will feature iconic songs such as “I Go to Rio,” “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” and “Everything Old is New Again,” as well as lesser-known gems that showcase Allen’s diverse songwriting abilities.
“This show is a celebration,” Sabella affirms. “It’s about joy, love, and resilience. Whether you’re a longtime Peter Allen fan or discovering his music for the first time, I want you to walk away feeling uplifted. That’s what Peter Allen did best, and that’s what I hope to do.”
David Sabella’s Unlike Any Other Man is set to be a must-see event in Puerto Vallarta’s entertainment scene. With a one-night-only performance on March 30 at 7:00 PM, tickets are expected to sell quickly. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience a tribute to Peter Allen like no other, brought to life by one of Broadway’s most gifted performers.
Tickets can be purchased through Act2PV Theater’s website or at the box office. Secure your seat today and prepare for an unforgettable evening of music, passion, and show-stopping performances.
