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More Exciting Than The Original Marilyn? In Some Ways, Yes
It doesn’t matter that Venezuelan-born beauty Paris Aguilar doesn’t look exactly like all-American bleach blonde Marilyn Monroe. The show she headlines at the shiny-as-a-brand-new-diamond Coco Cabaret is where the stunning Aguilar becomes Marilyn. It’s the way she moves — and the way her flawless blonde Marilyn wig refuses to.
At Coco Cabaret, Paris is Marilyn.
At about 10 minutes after 8 o’clock, “Diamonds – A Marilyn Celebration” commenced quietly with a series of Marilyn Monroe quotes projected onto a trio of large screens at the back of the still-freshly-painted stage of Coco Cabaret. The first quote to appear would become a reality by the end of the night: “The good stories start at the end…”
But more on that later.
The show “Diamonds” began with a bit of a whimper. The show’s start was a bit like a hushed nobody-say-a-word funeral as slow motion black and white classic film clips of Marilyn were displayed on a huge screen. A final slide included Marilyn’s full name, along with birth and death date — truly the vibe of a memorial service. But within seconds of this semi-depressing introduction finally fading to black, a celebration of life was suddenly in full swing. “They crawled out of the woodwork,” is how Elton John put it in his “Candle in the Wind” Marilyn tribute song — and yes, they sure did!
In fact, performers were soon crawling out of just about every possible corner of Coco Cabaret. A beautiful chorus of singers and dancers emerged from, well, everywhere! Stage right, stage left; behind you, in front of you; even from beside and next to you! Soon, Norma Jean was in the house — and I had a front row seat. (Finally I understood Elton’s struggle of being stuck back “in the twenty second row.”)
Performer (and now Marilyn impersonator) Paris Aguilar immediately commanded center stage with the reddest possible lips, even redder nails, and a perfectly platinum blonde signature Marilyn wig. Her white dress — one of the many dresses she very quickly changes in and out of throughout the evening — was a signature Marilyn gown.
“Diamonds” is complete with signature dances, original songs and mesmerizing video interludes that distract between countless costume changes. Coco Cabaret — a venue so new that the drink menus aren’t even sticky yet — makes use of its second level stage, an impressive multi-level surprise for such an intimate venue. And right when you think things might be slowing down midway through the show (and that you may have hopped aboard the wrong cruise ship) “Diamonds” jolts back to life, demanding your attention. You can’t help but cheer for “Joltin’ Joe” DiMaggio as he swaggers onto the stage in a sparkly version of the gayest Yankees uniform nobody asked for. But it works!
In fact, every costume works. The hair and the makeup on this show is particularly impressive. If I had one wish though, it would be that the beautiful Coco Cabaret venue could enhance or tweak their sound system. While the music mostly sounds good, the vocals are occasionally lost in the mix.
The show is produced by Luis Rodriguez Schulks and his company, Meraky IR Producciones. Rodriguez Schulks oversaw not only the production but also the show’s costumes and choreography.
Now, I won’t spoil it for you and reveal how the show ends, but I will tell you that the last two songs are the best. Prepare to depart “Diamonds” feeling like you’ve just spent a glamorous evening with an old best friend.
The best friend who joined me for this particular showing — my plus one — also accompanied me on my next post-show assignment: immediately hunt down the nearest fajita truck without delay.
Aftering a few greasy bites at a nearby Mexican food cart, my bestie suddenly yanked me into a nearby after hours nightclub. About halfway up the stairs into one of Puerto Vallarta’s newest after hours bars — I was ready to make a b-line home. (Did I mention it was a Monday night and I was on deadline?) But as we rounded the stairway and my eyes adjusted to the soft blue haze, it was then that I saw her. Stretched out like a queen on a corner booth throne, just beyond a shiny metal stripper pole: it was Marilyn Monroe. And she was summoning me over!
Paris said she recognized me from the audience. I told her she looked familiar too. Although I was fresh out of diamonds, I knew I had to offer this impressive talent something after she danced and sang her heart out for an hour down the street at Coco. As I escorted Paris Aguilar arm and arm from her corner throne to the main bar, I felt a bit giddy next to this larger-than-life Venezuelan beauty. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Paris was still in her full Marilyn attire, mind you.) In my best Joe DiMaggio voice, I finally got to ask something I’ve never before asked a woman at a bar, “What’ll it be?”
“Vodka cranberry,” she whispered. And there we were — me and Marilyn Monroe — at a smoky gay bar in Mexico.
I guess that old Marilyn quote that opens “Diamonds” is right:
The good stories do often start at the end.
Oh, girl… only in Puerto Vallarta.
Diamonds – A Marilyn Celebration, can be seen at Coco Cabaret on Monday nights.
(Most show times are at 8 p.m., but check the calendar to be sure.)
Coco Cabaret is located at Francisco I. Madero #289, Emiliano Zapata, Puerto Vallarta, JAL 48380
For more O&A articles by Joseph Fenity, click here or visit his website at josephfenity.com.
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