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Burlesque, a big gay musical parody now showing at Coco Cabaret, centers around Cher (Evita Loca) with a cast of characters as Cher battles her shady ex-husband’s plot to sell the theater.
We recently had a quick chat with the actors to get their perspective and insight as to what this show means to them.
CHER: Evita Loca
ALI: Ada Vox
NIKKI: Delta Miles
EDDIE: Nacho Granados
SEAN/MARCUS: Devin Richard
Evita Loca, AKA John Michael Dias.
Without revealing a ladies age, in your 20+ year career that spans from Broadway to The Palm Cabaret and an album or 2 under your belt, what was the moment you knew you wanted to play the part of “Cher”?
Evita: I think every gay man has a Cher impression… just one of the many iconic things about her. She’s a legend. Getting to do it for a whole night in this very silly show, is an honor. I just hope I do her justice.
Ada Vox, AKA Adam Sanders.
Having been proclaimed as American Idol’s first drag queen competitor to make it to the top 10, you have walked on one of the most televised stages in the world, what makes you return to Puerto Vallarta every year? And what do you enjoy most about playing the part of “Ali”?
Ada: Puerto Vallarta has a special magic. As a queer & latino person, something about the area makes me feel at home. I feel seen, loved, and appreciated; and I think that’s something that my heart and mind have yearned for.
The role of Ali really appealed to me because of how I relate to the role in my day to day life & in the pursuit of my career as a vocalist.
The “new girl” who makes a splash in the scene, but is feeling like she has to fight for her space to be taken seriously and given an opportunity she dreams of, even though she knows she has the goods, really feels like a lot of what I’ve had to do to stake my claim in the world. Not to mention, Christina Aguilera has been such a HUGE influence in my journey as a musician that I was beyond honored to have been asked to play this role.
The entire cast inspires me and drives me to discover the best version of myself. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
Delta Miles, AKA John James Pirroni.
Some say diversity is key, given your experience as a singer, actor, producer and director (to name a few), what is it about is it about this production that made you want to join it? And play the part of “Nikki”?
I chose drag as a career because I felt empowered by the ability to say “yes!” to myself. To try new things. To break past limits and explore my imagination. Tamale and JT create such a safe space to say “yes”, and I knew I wanted to be in that room in any capacity. The experience with them and this wonderful cast has been extremely collaborative and supportive. JT and I speak the same language in dance and have a love for storytelling through movement. He and Tamale allowed me the freedom to make as many choices as I wanted until I found Nikki and I think she’s just…insane…off in her own world, thinking she is starring in Chicago. On Broadway. In Mexico. And while I’m not a drunk in real life, in real life since I was a kid, I have always LOVED the dancing women of stage and screen. Vera Ellen. Cyd Charisse. Gwen Verdon. Liza Minnelli. Angie Schworer. Rachelle Rack. The list goes on. To move with intention. To have a movement vocabulary and an intention behind each gesticulation. This is my way of saying “Yes!” to that fantasy. In my own delusional and creative way, it is the best medicine for the soul, allowing yourself to honor your inner child.
Nacho Granados
Having performed on stages, in Broadway style shows, restaurants, pubs, places throughout Latin America and now a Puerto Vallarta staple in the music & entertainment community here, what is it about this show (adding yet another to your roster this season) that made you want to be a part of it?
Well, definitely the cast of incredible talented people, the sassy comedy of the script and the opportunity to work with top artists, (Ada Vox , Evita Loca, The Divas: Delta , Roxy , Ada) the writers and the producers. It’s a one of a kind experience and lots of learning for me.
Photos by Oscar Almedia
Devin Richard AKA Roxy Pops
I heard someone stay “Oh that Roxy Pops, her makeup is legendary”, for this role you dropped the dress and the make-up (for the most part) in exchange for trousers and a mustache, what made you want to slip in this role for the production of Burlesque, while also still playing “Roxy Pops” as part “Diva’s” show here in Puerto Vallarta?
That’s so nice! 2010 baby queen Roxy Pops who did her entire face with drug store foundation that was too dark, stolen lipstick and a dream would be very flattered.
I started my career as a musical theatre actor playing male roles but had a hard time making it past the ensemble. My voice was too bright for young male ingenue roles and I was too young for comedic character parts, so I always got stuck in the chorus because I could sing and was a halfway decent dancer. So, drag became a way for me to be the lead. It gave me creative control that I didn’t have while working in legitimate theatre.
After performing as Roxy Pops for over a decade, which has brought me around the world and helped me pay my bills, I started feeling like I was losing the person behind the persona. I wanted to branch out and show the human who is responsible for this glamour puss that everyone knows… and show people that there’s a brown eyed comedian under there, who can do more than just present as this beautiful blonde showgirl. Devin wanted a little bit of the spotlight for a change. And it’s been nice to flex this muscle that’s been dormant since Roxy basically took over my whole life.
Burlesque, surely to be named as one of Puerto Vallarta’s best new shows this season is taking the cabaret scene by storm. Having seen hundreds of shows, both on Broadway small theater, I can tell you, if you enjoy quick humor, drag queens, great music, you’ll love this show!
Check their next performance on Tuesday February 10th at 8pm at Coco’s Cabaret.
Having seen hundreds of shows, both on Broadway small theater, I can tell you, if you enjoy quick humor, drag queens, great music, you’ll love this show!
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
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