Puerto Vallarta Entertainers Bring ‘Heart’ to Teatro Vallarta
The Electric Light Orchestra appeared once again on Coco Cabaret’s stage with little lead time to get the word out, but the audience there was thrilled! ELO was one of hundreds of new bands 50 years ago struggling to become known, and, while nearly every song played during this great tribute show was recognizable, everyone exclaimed, “I didn’t know that was ELO!” Every musician on stage was at the top of their game and played and sang with respect for one other, their craft, and Electric Light Orchestra. I will definitely go back if a third tribute becomes a reality. You should, too!
Sunday began with a small dance class at the International Friendship Club Clubhouse. We worked out enough kinks to prepare for the Mary Porter-produced and directed extravaganza – Stars With a Heart concert at Teatro Vallarta to benefit the Vallarta School for Girls. Bravos, go to Mary and her Production Assistant, Crist P. Thomas, for putting this seamless concert together from far, far away, and without a rehearsal!
It was hosted by wonderfully talented, funny, and loved by all in Vallarta, Kevin Anthony II, who remembered names and show times and venues of all the performers appearing onstage and some sitting in the audience!
Keith Tynes II opened and was followed by Cate Elizabeth Valcic and David Maiocco; all three have shows at Act2PV. Natalie Douglas and Mark Hartman reprised Mark’s beautiful arrangement of the 1957 folk song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. Brenda Gaviño soloed with a traditional Viva Mexico, and Yoalli and Jordon followed with a decidedly untraditional version of Under Pressure. See those two in the spectacular Hedwig and The Angry Inch at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.
Angeloo, Vallarta’s 11-year-old wunderkind, belted an aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute, then Kimberly LaRue’s Follies filled the enormous stage with dancers. Diego Guerrero, with Derek Carkner on piano, delivered a heartfelt Nina Simone ballad, and then Stolie sang an original song to the Canadian Rocky Mountains; Gloria Fiona, Skyfall. These two ex-pats volunteer at the Vallarta School for Girls, and all 41 students sang, and some danced their appreciation to their teachers and the audience who helped pay for their free schooling.
Sarah Joy and Brenda delivered a gorgeous aria with Kim Kuzma, Mary Porter, Kevin Anthony, Mister Lady Zen, and Enrique de Allende singing solos, then a mash-up of duets that culminated with everyone that could stay, sang for the joyous finale.
Co-founder of the Vallarta School for Girls, Francie Nguyen, tearfully took the stage to thank everyone for being there and to announce a 50,000 USD sponsorship that must be matched this week. If you can, please, please help Francie achieve this generous offering. A hundred thousand DOLLARS would ensure so many pieces of this educational puzzle remain fixed in place.
Thank you to the dozens of singers and dancers involved in this worthwhile cause, and to the girls at the school, keep studying hard. You are the future leaders of this great city and country.
Leading Ladies tonight at 7:30 at Nacho Daddy. See you there.