Two-Cup / Two Review Column with Freddie Mercury and Madonna
This’ll be a two-cup column with two reviews, Freddie Mercury and Madonna at The Palm Cabaret and Bar; two birthdays, Jordon Carnegie and Bri Bott; and two Musical Directors, Salvatore Rodriguez with vocals by Sargento and David Duvall and his very own jazzy voice.
Freddie Mercury – The Legend, stars Roy Cruz in his fifth season debut (I believe) last Friday. Roy has added choreo, new songs and videos, and new costumes for all the players – himself and his three dancers – Mery, Brian, and Paco. The latter perform a pas de deux that is heartstoppingly beautiful. Roy’s energy and enthusiasm for portraying Queen’s lead vocalist has not dwindled over the years; he continues to push himself hard. Every single show is a tour de force, and Roy channel’s Mercury like it’s his last dance; it never gets old. Roy graciously meets with fans after the show, poses for photos, and treats everyone like old friends. If you think you have seen Freddie Mercury at The Palm, think again; this show is brand new, as is every show upcoming at The Palm.
As I was right around the corner from Garbo’s after Roy’s premiere, I walked over to listen to Salvatore Rodriguez on piano, accompanied by Sargento singing “old lady songs” and a little Jose Jose. I also wanted to see Rob Burton, who recently returned from 2.5 months of gallivanting all over Europe. Rob and his partner Jan Dorland were holding court while Sargento sang and bantered with Salvatore. If you love Broadway musicals, you must be at Garbo’s every Wednesday night, starting at 10 pm for Sargento’s Singalong. No worries – he will provide all the lyrics!
I can’t remember the last Surprise Party I participated in, but the one this past weekend will go down in the memory files and stay forever. Richard Carnegie wanted to do his husband Jordon’s 40th birthday up right. He schemed with actor Chris Manly at Chris’s new house and a couple of dozen friends with culinary skills like John and Pamala Sheppard, who made tons of Jordon’s favorite Greek cuisine. The margaritas flowed as we counted down the time, anticipating being dead quiet until the front door opened. We succeeded, and the gorgeous blush of surprise hit Jordon from his feet to the top of his mohawk. He was quickly engulfed by us en masse, covering him with hugs, kisses, and well wishes. Richard could finally relax after his weeks of covert planning finally came to a successful end. On top of the surprise was entertainment by the sassy Karma La Perra and an equally sassy stripper from La Catrina Cantina. It was a fantastic party! Thanks for the invitation, peanut butter cookies, roasted Greek lemon potatoes and brownies!
I crashed for a quick 50-minute nap then walked to the second birthday party of the evening on the rooftop of Avida to wish Bri Bott many happy returns.
Bri and I met at the Vallarta Garden Club Gala a couple of years ago and became fast friends. He is very much involved with the Garden Club and the Vallarta School for Girls. A few friends and neighbors gathered over a sumptuous spread of nibblies, great cocktails, and even better conversation. No live entertainment and no strippers, so we were able to concentrate on one another, a perfectly balanced day of birthday parties. Georgia Darehshori dropped in with her daughter Sara as I was on my way home after a long, deliciously enjoyable day. See if I can sleep after all the sugar I consumed!
David Duvall kicked off the season premiere of his Composers Series at a new venue – Arte Vallarta Theatre, just up the hill from the Andale’s and left on Pilitas. Oh, oh, and another birthday, David’s wife Penny! And more cake. Chocolate, and delicious.
In one of the most cosy, intimate settings of any venue in town, the Theater at Arte Vallarta was like being in Duvall’s living room except for the cantilevered seats. Janathan Rios was on lights and sound (you will remember him from Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic Bingo at Nacho Daddy and Incanto); David and his piano faced the audience the entire concert for a change of pace! Duvall’s first show was a refresher course on his last season – I think I missed only one and found the two hours fascinating and lovely to listen to.
The Composer Series will be every third Sunday at Arte Vallarta Theater; remember to check VallartaCalendar.com for more information and to buy tickets. There is a subscription available!
I walked home in the blazing sun, enjoying seeing all the families out, walking together, eating ice cream, and drinking lots of beer. A power nap, dinner, then another walk back to the Palm to meet Kathleen Palmer and see Madonna starring Venezuelan superstar Waleska Rondón. This powerful show has improved across the board – hard to do with a Chris Lopez production. The costumes are extravagant and highly detailed, all like Madonna’s designers made them. The sound and lights (I love the lasers!) were terrific, with Lopez and Colectivo Hueco collaborating on the design. The dancers, all gorgeous to look at, superbly synchronized throughout the rigorous choreography, fairly flew across the stage.
Waleska’s vocal coach, in the front row, just down from me and Kathleen, sang along, danced, clapped and cheered the hardest, was none other than Maru Prado Conti, aka Lady Gaga!
For Madonna fans, a splendid treat is in store, and if you aren’t a fan going in, you will be coming out, bravos all around.
One week today, my sister Patrice arrives for her annual winter escape; my life just got busy.