Act2PV Puerto Vallarta Follies Arriba

Kimberly’s newly revamped ‘Follies’ extravaganza is now an evening of sexy Mexican salsa dancing with hot Latin rhythms so energetic one cannot sit still. Is this not what Latin music is all about? Parisian goes Latin. The roof of Act2PV is now the new cabaret entertainment venue where the festive party is open-air, breezy, well-spaced and safe.

Dancers flowed out onto the stage and along the walkways. They were an image of the Follies: feathers of every color of the rainbow, tight slick colorful shorts and tops with jewelry to entice. Immediately, one could surmise that hours of rehearsals and coaching went into the production of this truly extravagant show that “Leaves Them All Behind.”

Kim described her creation: “Follies Arriba is a brand new Latin cabaret show with loads of dancing and sassy sexy salsa and rhythm.” Established singers and dancers from the stages of Act2PV provided the cast: vocalists Victor Do Espirito, Eli Estrada and Lenar Noriega, and the dancers of “Follies La Rouge,” which is going to run through May. “Follies Arriba” will run through June.

Victor, in black and white, seemed to be the M.C. of the show, displaying his rich clear vocals with one beautiful song after another. Eli had the top costumes, evident whenever she appeared to perform wearing a different gown, many floor length and skintight. Lenar sang and danced nonstop, pleasing the audience with his smiles and smooth talent.

The dancing was phenomenal and traversed many genres including stylish classical ballet, Mariachi, salsa, tango and Cuban Habanera. Partners changed, hand to hand, disappearing then reappearing with another dancer. Their movements were smooth and easy to watch, with no bounces or jitters. The show features songs known all over the world, such as “La Bamba”, “Tequila” and “Besame Mucho”. Other tunes were known only to the diehards of Latin music.

The show is burlesque at its best. There were acrobatic dancing segments and even the use of several “Hula Hoops”: “Round and round your love winds me up like a hula hoop.” Sung in Spanish but recognized for its melody was “I Will Survive”. “Mexico”…”Viva Mexico” shouted the pride of this country through its substantial distinctive music.

The Jacksons’ hit, “Blame It On the Boogie,” was sung in English and urged everyone not to blame it on the Sunshine, Moonlight, or Good Times, calling up the audience to sing along. From seventy-five years ago, “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps [Quizas, Quizas, Quizas]” added the Cha Cha to the dance themes and was sung in both Spanish and English.

Another dance style was emblazoned for the crowd with “Shake your body baby”: do the “Samba,” popularized by Gloria Estefan, and then a take on Gloria’s rhythmic tune “Get On Your Feet… Stand up and take some action.” Good thoughts in this time and age.

“My Follies Vallarta shows are expanding,” said Kimberly, and Danny Mininni, Act2PV founder and managing partner, agreed, saying, “Every show will be different with guest performers and a changing song list.” He called upon anyone who has a favorite Latin tune to tell him and they will consider its inclusion in one of the upcoming weekly shows.