It has been an extraordinary week with my birthday celebrations running into overtime and formally becoming editor of this paper, which from here on in will be called Vallarta Mirror. I have been busy becoming older and adjusting yet another hat for my head. I am so happy! Very soon, this column will become a daily. “Good morning, From Here” will be the same but in real-time, not a week late. You will see.
Patrice and I climbed up the steps on Miramar to have Sunday brunch with Margareta and Paul Gomez at La Cappella. Paul is lovingly involved with the SPCA; I think dogs had much to do with his marrying my dear friend Margareta a couple of years ago. It was delightful to sit overlooking the city, eating great food with good friends, catching up and supporting such a fine organization.
Mango smoothies welcomed Georgia Darehshori back from New York City. She was excited about two fundraisers next week at her fabulous Villa Casa Karma. On the 20th, La Escuelita will celebrate the Mexican Revolution. On Thanksgiving Day, monies will be raised to send Patriz Vallarta (Voice of Vallarta, La Voz Catrina) off to NYC to study musical theatre for two weeks next year.
Patrice and I stopped at Nacho Daddy to play Trivia last Monday at 5 with owner Sean Moore’s team. We won (of course). A lively, bright crowd enjoyed icy cold beers and shots of tequila while answering some tough questions.
We ate twice last week at Il Pesce on Constitucion; it is heaven! I had my usual three types of mushrooms in truffle oil over freshly made fettuccini. We figured out that I have had that dish at least 30 times, and it has always been the same – perfect. Each bite has a different earthy flavor. Perfectly portioned, simply presented, and a marvel to savor.
Patrice and I crashed Sandra Cesca’s birthday party at Taco Revolution on Olas Altas on our way to Act2PV. Many mutual friends gathered to celebrate this lovely, talented friend over tacos and cocktails. Every year we promise to ‘do lunch’ to celebrate our bdays that are two days apart. Before we know it, it’s July, and we still haven’t gotten around to it! One year!
Steven Retchless premiered his latest show in Casa Karma’s Red Room at Act2PV. XTC: A Journey to Ecstasy is a stunning, spectacular futuristic production. Steven’s drag persona, Stevie Hart, is tall (REALLY tall), lean and fit and is usually on the ditzy side; not this time. Steven is a World Pole Dancing Champion, so the pole was featured front and center during the first half of XTC. The costumes were superb, particularly the one-piece leotard. At one point, Stevie’s feet nearly touch the ceiling of the cabaret; she is wrapped around the pole, upside down, singing as easily as if she were sitting having tea. Amazing strength; she didn’t break a sweat. The metaphysical storyline is exquisitely written, and her rearranged lyrics of songs were incredibly clever; my title this week is part of one parody. The robotic movements must have been practiced for weeks, and the smile rarely left her perfectly painted AI face. Running dialogue that never faltered, conversations and songs with her alter ego on video, extravagant gowns, witty repartee; this wildly entertaining spectacle can be summed up in one word – brilliant.
Parts of Circoncierto’s show at Casa Karma’s Red Room, still make me giddy with laughter. It’s one of those silly things that you know what’s coming, and even though it is ridiculous, it gets me every time. No spoiler alert here. You’ll have to go and see for yourself. This Costa Rican duo with the strange hair, miming skills, and death-defying acrobatics will steal your hearts. What a great show for all ages. It will mesmerize you, I promise.
Los Muertos Brewing fed us between shows in the middle of a thunderstorm in November. We are having such weird weather – super hot and humid, overcast days, unlike usual.
I was happily surprised by all the birthday wishes I received this year; thanks to all of you who took the time, I am grateful. Even more surprising was the number of people who read on Facebook that I am now the Editor of the PV Mirror – soon to be Vallarta Mirror. It is encouraging that so many people want the paper to continue, and I will do my best. The most significant change is it will go from a weekly to a daily online. Exciting!
Megan Murphy, known for her huge voice and lovable personality, is starring in the musical parody “Jaws at the White Lotus” at the Palm Cabaret. Almost unrecognizable in a dumpy mumu, her acting skills and comedic timing were delightful to watch. All of the actors/singers on stage had terrific voices and the ending all by itself is worth the price of admission. So very cleverly done. The cast all have other shows at The Palm, and the musical director is Brett Rowe. Excellent talent all around!
The uber-campy cult classic Rocky Horror Show is spreading its peculiar allure to audiences at Act2PV on the Main Stage. The large cast is well-choreographed, and the costumes are fit for Broadway. Hair and makeup get full marks, as do sound and light. So many friends on stage having fun and sharing their talents.
Coming Up:
November 18 & 19, Saturday & Sunday, 1 pm to 11 pm, Parque Hidalgo. Artisanal Beer Festival.
November 20, Monday, 5:30 pm, Casa Karma. Fundraiser for La Escuelita.
November 21, Tuesday, 5 pm, Casa Karma Red Room, The Availables present a live Tribute to the Beatles.
November 22, Wednesday, 1 pm, Qulture. Scrabble – bring your brain.
7:30 pm, Casa Karma Red Room, Ladies of Rock, starring Noemi!
November 23, Thursday, Happy Thanksgiving; 7 pm, Casa Karma Red Room, Baritone Rafael Velazquez presents his Opening Night “Figaro.”
November 24, Friday, 7:30 pm, The American School. Teatro Sin Borders presents the comedy “Lend me a Tenor.” See you there!
Many friends are returning this winter after years of being away. I can’t wait to hug Christopher Riordan, who is coming this month, and Brian Peterman in January. Both have been away for five years at least.
Make all of our visitors welcome and help them whenever possible. Kindness is always in fashion and gets repaid daily, From Here.
