Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Singer Faride Talamas brings the beloved music of two of the world’s most iconic stars, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler, together in ‘Hello Barbra! Hello Bette!’ This unforgettable cabaret show – complete with a Live Band! – plays Wednesdays at 7:00 pm at Act2PV.
Puerto Vallarta entertainment writer Gary R. Beck, who attended a recent performance, tells us more about this not-to-be-missed show:
Two of the world’s most talented and famous lady singers are joined tonight in a showcase of a portion of their multitude of famous top songs. Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler jumped onto the airwaves in the 1960s and 1970s with their careers extending to the present day. That is a lifelong legend.
Faride stars in this show featuring some of the favorite songs of both divas, too many to perform in one sitting. The show was house-designed as their tribute under the stars. An overture flowed from the three-piece band with a medley of Barbra/Bette gems, then Faride appeared in a bright red shiny glamorous dress singing ‘Hello, Dolly!’ Her band, well-arranged with constantly strong rhythm, consists of Michael Fortuna on drums and back-up vocals, Dany López on bass, and Gilberto Peña mastering the keyboards and producing many instrumental sounds.
“It’s wonderful to sing in front of a live audience” she admitted, “after so many months isolated from people.” She delved into ‘Sunset Boulevard’ for the astounding ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye,’ serving a rich ballad and twirling her voice from one melody to another.
Barbra is possibly most famous for her role as Fanny Brice in ‘Funny Girl’ and she gave everyone ‘I’d Rather Be Blue.’ But, the piece d’ resistance is ‘My Man’ and Faride enveloped herself into the entire song, lyrics and melody.
Bette belted her ‘Otto Titsling,’ a hilarious cut from “Beaches” about a man who designed a brassiere with enough support for the largest breasts. Faride even pulled out a fashion of this invention, briefly displaying it over her front.
‘The Rose,’ from the stellar movie of the same name loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin, displayed Faride at her tops. This composition has placed it in the upper echelon of all-time tunes. Amanda McBroom’s timeless lyrics end: “Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snows Lies the seed that with the sun’s love In the spring becomes the rose.” There is hope for everyone, including a woman named Rose who was forever in second place: ‘Second Hand Rose.’ She even lived on Second Avenue. Faride strutted across the stage parading herself to all in the audience. She continued her theme of roses with ‘Everything’s Coming Up Roses.’
Upon hearing ‘People,’ all minds float to Ms. Streisand who made this song famous in the movie “Funny Girl” and has been covered by most likely a million singers worldwide. Faride revealed that the next song was very dear to her heart and coping with the emotions is difficult on stage: ‘Papa, Can You Hear Me,’ from “Yentl.” ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’ garnered images of Barbra directing at the front of a ferryboat. Faride sang this one with defiance of anyone standing in her way. Arms in the air, she defied anyone to stop her on life’s journey.
She slowed the mood with two sensational easy-on-the-ears tunes, ‘Glory of Love’ and ‘From a Distance,’ the latter drove deep and emotionally. ‘Send in the Clowns’ …don’t bother they’re here. This classic Bette Midler release from “Beaches” which catapulted into musical history is ‘Wind Beneath My Wings.’ The smooth delicate song was delivered superbly by Faride. She wrapped her vocals around the melody, soaring upward only to return to earth, all with sound clarity. She is blessed with one fine stellar voice.
Act2PV is quite proud of this songstress and she is perched in their top echelon of local Latin artists who will be seen, heard and enjoyed for many months to come.
‘Hello Barbra! Hello Bette!’
Starring: Faride Talamas
Director: Danny Mininni
Musical Director and Producer: Alfonso López
Wednesday at 7:00 pm at Act2PV
For more Puerto Vallarta show reviews, visit Gary’s More of Beck’s Best: Theater, Cabaret and More! page on Facebook.
A Note from Act2PV Founding Partner, Danny Mininni:
“As the world navigates its way through finding a new normal, please understand that Act2PV is very serious about protecting our clients, our staff, and our entertainers. In addition to strictly-enforced government protocols, including mandatory masks, reserved seating, reduced capacity, and social distancing requirements, Act2PV gives every client a temperature check, hand sanitizers and feet sanitizers upon arrival. We have also implemented extra safety measures in our Main Stage theater, including installing ozone purifiers, ozone disinfectors, air purifiers and HEPA filters. From start to finish, the entire experience of each show is carefully designed to limit the risk of spreading the virus.”
Tickets to all shows can be purchased online at Act2PV.com, or at the box office, which is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
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.