Out and About in Puerto Vallarta
 Twila Crawford - PVNN
| | Santa Barbara Theater's Saturday show is bawdy, and a lot of fun, especially Alex Ryer's portrayal of Mae West. | | |
Denver performer Alex Ryer celebrates music in two very different shows through February 3rd at 8 pm on Thursday and Saturday nights at Santa Barbara Theater on the southside. This is her fifth return to Vallarta... obviously having many fans here.
In Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow on Thursdays, Alex´s beautiful voice is showcased in her own journey through the music that inspires her. As herself, this is an opportunity to understand what has touched her heart and guided her 30-year-career as an international entertainer.
Her singing is complemented by talented accompanist and musical director Emily Fellner. Music is featured of Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter and Edith Piaf´s La Vie en Rose, along with others.
Alex is in her Vallarta element with portraying musical characters, as previously with Edith Piaf and Peggy Lee. This time, the Saturday show is bawdy, and then some, and is a lot of fun, especially with Mae West's portrayal. The Bright, Buxom, Brazen Beauties of Early Broadway include Sophie Tucker and Fanny Brice, along with Mae West.
The women´s careers began in the 1920´s and 1930´s. They were physically large, not successful in their marriages, openly talked about loving sex with almost everyone, and, by the way... lived long lives.
Alex explains the history of each entertainer in words and songs. And what helpful secrets a stuffed flamingo she sometimes carries out into the audience contains! Songs most familiar to the audience are Fanny Brice´s because of the Broadway show, "Funny Girl," including Second-Hand Rose, My Man, and I´m the Greatest Star.
Yelapa author Robert Hardin has been nominated for an "Agatha" award for his latest mystery novel, Paradise Marred. The Agatha is awarded to the best classic mystery of the year, as voted by members of a mystery fan readers group, Malice Domestic. Hardin plans to attend its convention in April in Washington, DC, when the final vote will be taken, with the coveted prize awarded.
Paradise Marred is Hardin´s fifth novel in the David Armstrong courtroom thriller series. It is available at Amazon.com, at Barnes & Noble Bookstores, and here in Vallarta at A Page in the Sun on Olas Altas.
Debbi and Mike Eagan at Banana Cantina continue to support charities, along with their customers at their weekly Celebrity Charity Nights. Upcoming: January 16th, for R.I.S.E. children's programs with guest host Cassandra Shaw; January 23rd, for Alfredo V. Bonfil organization with guest host Papa Dolores, commonly known as Kieran, and January 30th for Autism02, with guest host Candace Shaw of Fishing with Carolina.
Popular music entertainer Kosmas Mamadopoulos has opened on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:30 pm at Coco Tropical Restaurant, Basilio Badillo 101. He sings in six different languages as well as playing guitar, piano and organ combined with a synthesizer. Popular songs are featured.
Celebrated author Karen Blomain of A Trick of Light and the play, An American Wife... with many other talents, has her collages displayed at Galeria Vallarta, Juarez 265.
A new series of tango classes begins January 14 at 8 pm, at the J&B Dancing Club, Francisco M. Ascensio 2043. For further information, call tango instructors Barbara and Al Garvey at 222-8895 or email them at alybarbara(at)yahoo.com.
Six Moments in Mexican History and Religious Traditions in Latin America will be taught by Daniel Grippo, who has a masters in religion and a Ph.D. in Latin American History, at the International Friendship Club (IFC), Libertad and Miramar, with tuition being a donation to the IFC, that supports charitable work in the Vallarta area. Daniel is a respected editor, writer and member of the Writers Group here. A registration form is available at the IFC.
The well-attended Becas fundraising breakfasts to help provide scholarships to Vallarta area students continue in the new year. La Palapa on the beach hosts on January 22nd at 9:30 am. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Call Buri Gray at 221-5285. In February, breakfast will be on the 26th at Le Bistro on the river.
Hollywood film stars Halle Berry and Connie Stevens dined in separate groups recently at Cafe Bohemio.
Many were the Vallarta gatherings between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Don't know about you, but we still need some rest from the fun of being with friends and acquaintances. One of the huge gatherings annually is Bobbie and Bill Snyder's holiday bash in their beautiful Nuevo Vallarta home to acknowledge their wide friendships around Banderas Bay.
There´s always chatter about some of the gossiping, BS-ing, lying, deceit and other "stuff" that goes on in this resort town. Every now and then, some supposed upstanding citizens are hauled away for scams, once in awhile for murder someplace from which they fled, and recently, keeping mouths moving, is the "mysteriously disappeared" website for swingers of a prominent resident. Yeah, the gathering later in the year, where a number of criminals, including murderers and rapists, previously have showed up, before being returned north.
Many of us who live here year 'round also know of wonderful residents and friends, dedicated to helping others and living thoughtful, ethical lives to the best of their abilities, while enjoying the climate and their happiness here. I certainly feel privileged in this new year to know so many of you who are in that "wonderful" diverse category.
To a great new year!
 An award-winning journalist, Twila Crawford lives in Puerto Vallarta, where, in addition to contributing articles to the Vallarta Tribune and other local and international publications, she writes Out and About in Puerto Vallarta, a weekly column that offers inside information about who, what, why, where and when it's happening around Banderas Bay.
Click HERE to read more of Twila's "Out and About" articles |
Vallarta Weddings
Vallarta Living | January 2008 
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