Under Frida’s Gaze: A Night of Performance and Purpose
The tiny theatre tucked into Arte Vallarta was overflowing with those who love live theater, and they were most certainly not disappointed by the unusualness of ”Anak ni Tapia: Leaving Mother,” which starred playwright Lani T. Montreal in a solo show that ran 75 minutes without an intermission. Kudos to Lani for writing and starring in the tale of her childhood in the Philippines, growing up in the shadow of her famous mom, writer/actress Mely Tagasa. Vallarta’s self-taught, wonderfully sensitive guitarist, Dash Robles, provided music at various times throughout the performance; a lovely, gentle touch. I hope this Mexican debut of Anak ni Tapia will not be the only presentation of this work; I would love to see it again.
It felt so odd to be inside Casa Yvonneka for one of the best parties of the year, without Yvonne there, flowers in her hair, chilling with her friends, especially Matthias Vogt and Lupe Wulff. The Tenth Annual Frida Fundraiser for Puerto Vallarta’s street dogs began in the lounge of Yvonne’s massive home overlooking Vallarta, for cocktails and socializing. I chatted with John and Barbara McKinney, Maria Jose Zorrilla, owner of the Belmar Hotel, Hardy Madhur, painter Miriam Aroeste, Real Estate Broker Ron Morgan, and the other 125 supporters of the always-fun event. Lots of dazzling Fridas that were nearly as gorgeous as the floral arrangements that dressed up every table in the house.
Steven Retchless came as Stevie Hart, sang, and became the playful, cajoling auctioneer for an abundance of donated prizes that, in total, were worth a staggering amount of money. See Steven’s expansive Britney experience every Monday at 7 pm at Coco Cabaret. Gloria Fiona sang a couple of Adele classics as she meandered through the maze of guests outdoors having dinner, and stopped by our table to give me a quick squeeze. Gloria has her amazing Tribute to Adele coming to The Palm Cabaret and Bar on December 28, at 5 pm. Enrique de Allende sang for us in his beautiful tenor. Don’t miss his annual birthday fundraiser at Coco Cabaret this coming Thursday at 5 pm, which includes his friends – nearly every singer in town – and some from away like Lady Zen, who lives in San Miguel de Allende, as does Enrique.
Beautiful, well-behaved dogs were around; one adorable chihuahua was dressed in pink and posed for photos. A trio of them was posted and poised at the front door of Casa Yvonneka, lest we forget for whom and what the evening was devoted.
It was my pleasure to personally thank Clifford Cideko, the CEO of the Florida-based Warten Foundation, and to give him a big hug for sponsoring the three-course dinner.
While Yvonne’s presence was keenly missed, her spirit shared the night with us, amid reassurances that the Yvonneka Foundation would remain intact and continue its essential dog rescue and adoption work. Rest in Peace, dear Yvonne. Everyone else, raise your glass in her honor once again, and say yes to Frida XI, From Here.
