The Unofficial End of Summer
Happy Labor Day weekend everywhere but here on this continent; the unofficial end of summer. Kids are already back in school in Mexico, and fall is right around the corner. I spent Friday and Saturday doing “last things” of the summer at Act2PV, including sadly saying goodbye to David Maiocco, who returns to his life NOTB for the next eight weeks or so until he returns for season in November. The upside of that is David is performing with Michael L. Walters as Dame Edna, in NYC, so I sent a basketful of hugs from me to Michael, Doug, and Ralphie that I know David will deliver with my love.
Following my dual rants last week about the misuse of the term PV to describe Vallarta (just don’t!) and using words like “low, slow, off” instead of summer, thereby perpetuating the lack of abundance in Vallarta when the foreigners leave, I received a Letter to the Editor. Written with tongue firmly in cheek, this Canadian woman agreed with me but then pointed out my rave was followed immediately by an article about Act2PV! I wrote back to her and suggested mango smoothies, to which she said yes! We spent the most delightful, out-of-the-box hour chatting about our ex-homeland and our love for this adopted city. Thanks for joining me, Lynda!
Friday Night in Mary Ann’s Ovations Piano Bar starred Montse in her first solo show, with David Maiocco on piano. Montse has been working hard on her voice, song choices, delivery, color, stories, all the aspects that can hold an audience’s attention for a full 60 minutes. I would have been quite happy for another hour. My heart was in my throat for most of the show, listening to her ace a few of the songs she studied specifically in David Sabella’s Voice Workshop (also wrapped this weekend).
She is 28 and no stranger to the stage, but on this night, it was just her, her fear, and her pianist who responded instantly when she faltered. It was seamless to us, the audience; she was adorable, funny, reachable, and fearless in her deliveries about the loves in her life. Her mother was in the audience, so…
A heartfelt, tearful congratulatory hug after her standing ovation from Act2’s General Manager (and teacher, mentor) David Sabella. The enormity of what she had just accomplished, hit her when he said, “Welcome, Montse, to the world of being a solo performer.” And, with his hug, invited this young woman into that rarified space. Beautiful.
The next day, Montse had to sit on the very stage where she had launched her solo career and listen to her friends and fellow students at the Voice Master Class tell her what they thought of her performance and why. Sabella called on me, and I demurred to this column. But to quote dear Kimberly G, “Last night, a star fell from heaven and landed right here.” I concur!
The Voice Workshop, which began July 06 and ran 9 weeks – a total of 27 hours of intense vocal practice was last Saturday and culminated in pizza from Los Muertos Brewing Company! It was intriguing to watch the changes happening before my eyes to these performers, some of whom I will be reviewing onstage this coming season. David Sabella is a master teacher whose love of his craft is acknowledged best by imparting his vast knowledge and experience to his students. I was honored and grateful to have audited 8 out of 9 classes.
The last Bingo for at least the next six weeks at Act2 was made sweeter by finally winning one game – a gift certificate to Canto – Modern Cantonese Bistro, woo-hoo, and Sharon Gerber Scherer’s baked goodies.
I am looking forward to some downtime. Regroup somewhat and get ready for what will be an unprecedented entertainment bonanza of a season! Keep your eyes here and on VallartaCalendar.com every day to see what’s coming up and where and be sure to let us know if you have an event in the works. And performers! Get your bio in for inclusion in the new, expanding, fabulous directory called Artist Spotlight. Like the VallartaCalendar, it will be the go-to place for all information about musicians, dancers, singers, actors, acrobats, magicians, and more. Convenient for when the talent scouts come to town… just sayin’!