Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – As a volunteer copywriter for Act2PV, I have been very fortunate to be able to see each of Act2PV’s shows this year! I love the new outdoor theater, The Starlight Cabaret, and I felt very safe and comfortable.
I was also impressed with the extra effort that Act2PV has put into making The Main Stage a safe place, with new HEPA Filters, ozone filters and air filters. It is obvious that Danny Minnini, Alfonso Lopez and Oscar Adrian Cisneros were very busy over the summer, creating a new space and upgrading The Main Stage, too.
They also created some amazing new shows! I’m excited about this new season so I thought I’d give you my own review of each show. I hope you enjoy reading them.
The season opened with a sold-out show on Monday, November 13 with “A Night in Sorrento,” featuring a delicious 3-course Italian dinner prepared by Danny Mininni, himself!
It included a “sneak peek” at many of the new shows, as well as the opening night of “Reflections.” Featuring three remarkable singers, Faride Talamas, Brenda Gaviño and Daniela Treviño, this show was wonderful! The costumes were absolutely beautiful and authentic, the choreography was spot-on, and the 3-part harmonies were perfect. They sang songs ranging from Diana Ross and the Supremes to The Andrews Sisters to Sister Act (and everything in between). They now perform every Thursday evening, and it’s definitely a must-see show!
MONDAYS
Diana Sings Ross featuring Diana Villamonte! I have been a fan of hers since she first appeared at Act2PV as a contestant in Voice of Vallarta four years ago. I have seen all of her shows and am convinced that she can sing ANYTHING and make it her own!! The Diana Ross show is one of her best! This little dynamo is an amazing talent and Act2PV is fortunate to claim her as part of the “family!”
Puerto Vallarta’s beloved 6’7″ queen of drag, Mama Tits, is at the top of her game in The B*tch is Back! In addition to having a beautiful voice, Mama is also very funny! She and her cohort, Diego Guerrero, are a great team and share a great message of love and acceptance. She announced she will be presenting an all-new show in 2021. You can see her show on Monday and Saturday evenings.
TUESDAYS
The handsome Marc Lopez in Crooners! I had seen his show last year and loved it, but this one was even better! Singing the beloved songs of Frankie Valli, Jersey Boys, Michael Buble, and others, he and his beautiful back-up singers, Miana Melendez and Ximena Peña Esparza, had the audience singing along, clapping and cheering throughout the entire show.
I also saw International Pole Champion, Steven Retchless, in Limitless! WOW! What an amazing young man! He sings and dances and tells stories and even gives a breathtaking performance showing off his amazing pole-dancing skills! He held the entire audience in the palm of his hand for the entire show! I LOVED IT!
WEDNESDAYS
Faride Talamas is soooo good in Hello Barbra/Hello Bette! She not only looks like Barbra Streisand, but sounds like her, too! Faride’s band really complemented Faride’s beautiful, strong voice as she sang some of my favorite Streisand songs that brought me to tears a couple of times. Then, when she switched to Bette Midler, I could actually close my eyes and imagine that Bette was singing the songs. Faride is a huge talent, and I loved her show! I am still humming some of the songs she sang!
The Fleetwood Mac/Eagles show, featuring Us Two is always a highlight for me. Daniel and Noemi are incredible musicians and have been performing here at Act2PV for four seasons. They are so personable and their voices blend beautifully. And their amazing band is always at its best. At this show, the audience was singing along and people were even dancing! So much fun!
THURSDAYS
Faride Talamas, Brenda Gaviño & Daniela Treviño in Reflections! (See review above.)
I also saw the “Queen of Green,” Hedda Lettuce in Tossed Salad 2.0! What a hoot! Hedda is absolutely hilarious, and I love her quick, bawdy wit! She engages the audience throughout her show and actually remembers people’s names and occupations and refers to them throughout the show. Her shows on Thursday and Friday nights are fast-paced & fun!
FRIDAYS
Brenda Gavino is exceptional in her show, Linda Ronstadt: In My Voice! I was fortunate to be at her original Act2PV audition last year and was blown away by her talent. She can sing any kind of music, including pop, rock, opera, classical, etc. But this Linda Ronstadt show really captures her personality, her beautiful voice and her authenticity. This is definitely a “feel good” kind of show (and her live band is great, too)!
The Best of Broadway is one of the best productions I have seen at Act2PV! From start to finish, I was mesmerized and it brought back so many memories of the many Broadway musicals that I have seen during my life. I loved the dancing, the MANY changes of costumes, and the beautiful harmonies of the music that was performed flawlessly! Each performer sang a solo and the audience gave them standing ovations before the songs were even finished. I will definitely see this show again and again!
Hedda Lettuce in Tossed Salad 2.0! (See my review above, under Thursday.)
SATURDAYS
Legends is a wonderful tribute to the legendary folk/rock music of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks and Carole King that features a live band. Daniela and Victor are both a part of the Best of Broadway, and they have such great camaraderie together. Just like “The Boss” himself, Victor played the guitar and sang and Daniela lended her beautiful harmonies, and sang some very moving solos that took me back to that wonderful era. Definitely a must-see for folk/rock fans, and anyone else that enjoys GREAT music!
Mama Tits in The B*tch is Back! (See my review above, under Monday.)
SUNDAYS
MJ Live. WOW! This was one non-stop celebration of the music of Michael Jackson! José Martinez displayed a very convincing “Michael Jackson” impersonation, and he even looks like him, dances like him and sings like him! This show was jam-packed with colorful costumes, acrobatics and an amazing light show. I felt like I was watching it in Las Vegas! Very exciting!
The ABBA/Elton John show by UsTwo was great! This show was so upbeat and fun! I love this kind of music, and so did the audience. Everyone knew the words and was singing along, and Daniel and Noemi and their live band just kept on bringing out one great song after another. This show was so popular last year that it was brought back again!
Last Sunday, I went to the Opening Night of Follies LaRouge. I LOVED IT! I think there were 12 or 13 performers and they were amazing… great singers, beautiful, colorful costumes, professional dancers, vaudeville/comedy schtick, and even a few (ahem!) surprises! Hal Bonta lended his lovely voice to several dance numbers, and Marc Lopez did a great job as emcee and singer-extraordinaire! This show is produced by NYC choreographer, Kim LaRue, and many say it is comparable to a Broadway production!
So that’s my story and I’m sticking to it! I’m very happy for Act2PV! It is definitely a season to remember! If you want more information about these shows, go to act2pv.com. Tickets are available on the website or at the box office, open daily 2:00 pm-10:00 pm.
Because of the uncertainty of current Covid protocols, shows times are subject to change. Always check the website at act2pv.com for any last-minute changes to the show schedule.
Fabulous Friday, December 25
CLOSED! Merry Christmas!
Super Saturday, December 26
6:30 pm – Legends, music of Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Nicks & Carole King (SOLD OUT)
9:30 pm – MAMA TITS, starring in “The Bi*ch is Back!”
Sunday Funday, December 27
6:00 pm – MJ LIVE, a musical singing/dancing tribute to Michael Jackson
7:00 pm – ABBA/Elton John, featuring PV’s #1 musical duo, UsTwo and their LIVE BAND!
9:00 pm – Follies La Rouge Puerto Vallarta’s ONLY Broadway/Vaudeville Burlesque show
Marvelous Monday, December 28
7:00 pm – Diana Sings Ross, a musical tribute to Diana Ross, featuring Diana Villamonte
9:30 pm – MAMA TITS, starring in “The Bi*ch is Back!”
Terrific Tuesday, December 29
7:00 pm – Crooners, Marc Lopez sings Jersey Boys, Frankie Valli, Michael Buble & more.
8:00 pm – Limitless, singer/actor & International Champion Pole Dancer, Steven Retchless
9:30 pm – Hello Daddy OPENING NIGHT featuring the delightful, delicious, delectable, de-lovely, Delighted ToBeHere
Wonderful Wednesday, December 30
6:30 pm – Fleetwood Mac/Eagles, musical tribute featuring Us Two & their LIVE BAND
7:00 pm – Hello Barbra/Hello Bette, Songs of Barbra Streisand & Bette Midler (LIVE BAND)
Thankful Thursday, December 31
7:00 pm – Reflections tribute to The Supremes, Andrews & Pointer Sisters, Dreamgirls, etc
9:30 pm – Tossed Salad 6 time HX Magazine “Drag Queen of the Year,” Hedda Lettuce
Fabulous Friday, January 1
CLOSED! Happy New Year!
Delighted Tobehere in “Hello Daddy!”
Opening Night: Tuesday, December 29 at 9:30 pm
Continuing Shows: Tuesdays & Sundays at 9:30 pm
Act2PV is thrilled to welcome Delighted Tobehere back to Puerto Vallarta for her 5th season, and this year as a headliner! Delighted is actually the ONLY non-resident performer on the Act2PV slate this year. Danny Mininni had only one open spot in the schedule and wanted to choose the “best of the best.” Delighted definitely fits the bill!
This delightful, delicious, delectable, de-lovely Delighted Tobehere is fresh off her performance in the title role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Broadway World said she was, “Simply Outstanding!” She is celebrating 20 years of delighting drag audiences worldwide and on America’s Got Talent.
Now, Delighted is finally ready for her big break on the Great White (Broad) Way. She is pulling out all the stops to prove she has what it takes, and she will do WHATEVER it takes to get the role… any role… even if that means showing you some of her “special” skills. (wink, wink)
Tickets are available at act2pv.com, or at the box office which is open daily from 2-10 pm.
ABOUT ACT2PV
With multiple shows every night, Act2PV has been voted the #1 Entertainment Venue in the Banderas Bay area. If you are looking for high-quality theatrical productions, internationally renowned musical cabaret, or drag shows, Act2PV continues to bring you the BEST OF THE BEST entertainment for the 2020/2021 season. This beautiful, 5-star venue truly has something for everyone to enjoy.
Act2PV’s incredible entertainment, with its amazing sound and lighting systems, is on par with any theater in North America. Excellent live musical entertainment (with no cover) is also offered in the beautiful, fully-equipped Encore Bar, so come early and enjoy a drink before the show.
Tickets to all shows can be purchased online at Act2PV.com, or every day from 2-10 pm at the box office, which is located in the courtyard on the ground level of the Act2PV complex.
The Act2PV Entertainment complex is located on the corner of Insurgentes and Basilio Badillo on the South side of Puerto Vallarta. For more information, call (322) 222-1512, or follow Act II on Facebook. Click HERE to see what else is playing at Act2PV.