Jackie and Nico
When the small black ”Rage Box” was handed to me, along with a pen and a block of large yellow post-it notes, I looked at the question: ‘What enrages you?’ I thought for a minute, then another. I was assured that my answer would be confidential. I thought a second more, then wrote truthfully, ”Not a thing.”
The Rage Box made the rounds among all the patrons at The Palm Cabaret in anticipation of Jack Allen Bartholet’s show, blending Cabaret and Rage, hence the title “CabaRAGE.”
This cleverly written show brought a lot to the table, so to speak, anger about inequality and injustice against the gay community as a whole, when acceptance and tolerance should be the norm. We understand that in Vallarta, and I have to admit the show made me uncomfortable, only because I am not a gay man, but the crowd – I didn’t know anybody there, so I can safely say – the tourists, in the audience, LOVED the show. Some of Jack’s song choices were hilarious – Noel Coward – so brilliant with ”Why do the Wrong People Travel”? Great video montage behind Jack and his Music Director, Trevor Pierce, at the piano and on backup vocals. Also brightening the stage was my fave percussionist, Mairead O’Grady.
Jack’s voice and energy are both clear and light. We spoke outside after the show for a few minutes, surrounded by so many New Yorkers: Mark Hartman, Brent Barrett, and his husband Bernie, and pianist Brett Rowe. Jack assured me he was not full of rage; he just wanted the freedom to take a quiet walk. Anywhere, anytime.
Nicolas King’s new show, “Short Kings,” followed his friend, Jack’s, also at The Palm Cabaret. About midway through, Nico invited Jack to join him onstage for a duet, ”For Good” from Wicked. It was obvious they had been friends for years. Mark Hartman gifted the packed house with his tremendous talent on the piano.
As always, Nicolas shared lovely stories about his dear friend Liza Minnelli, with whom he spent 12 years on the road. He is flying home to NYC for her big 80th birthday party on Saturday night.
Nico regaled us with tunes by Billy Joel, Sammy Davis Jr., Frankie Valli, Lorenz Hart, and more—none of ’em over five-feet, five inches tall. My favorite was ”What Makes a Man” a poignant song written by French lyricist Charles Aznavour.
Last Tuesday, Awaysis was the recipient of well over 200 people for Out & About magazine’s weekly Gay Mixer. Be sure not to miss the next one at Bar Frida on Francisco Madero, on Tuesday, Saint Patrick’s Day at 6 pm.
At Qulture today, starting at 5 pm, is the Celebration of Life for Chaz Manacsa, retired electrical engineer, wonderful artist, and a dear friend to many in Vallarta.
Tonight is Jamie Brickhouse at Art VallARTa Theatre at 7 pm. Oh my, what a storyteller: his life lessons are delivered with honesty, joy, and a wry sense of off-the-wall Southern humor. This show, ”I Favor My Daddy,” is new to Vallarta and will be useful and funny AF, From Here.
