Alain Perreault with Musical Director Jean-Guy Comeau in My Broadway, Anyway Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
January 8, 2016

We are fortunate to have Alain Perreault living in Puerto Vallarta. He has accumulated accolades for acting in and directing plays and musicals. Locally, he tackled the difficult-to-stage "Equus" last season and with his direction and some fine actors, the play was a huge thought-provoking and successful hit. He brings to The Palm's stage reminiscences of many stars of Broadway, New York City, whom he met in various ways, some quite embarrassing.

"Theater is collaboration" Alain said, as he mixed narrative of stories remembered from his life around Broadway with songs capturing the musical, starting with his first show in 1982. He jumpstarted the afternoon with "Hey Big Spender" from Bob Fosse's "Sweet Charity". He ripped and tore through the song, causing the audience to pulsate in their seats. His show is a personal introduction to Broadway, stories heard by his friends often, now sharing his early experiences with us.

The projection of original publicity covers for each show on the backdrop enabled the audience to follow easily along his trip. The photos flipped as he launched into a string of musical memories from "Cats", "Pal Joey" "A Little Night Music" and "Cabaret". The night was filled with witty comments and solid vocals.

Andrea Mottura of Bohemia Viva! provided fabulous harmony and even an "Evita shriek". Jean-Guy Comeau was once again brilliant on the piano and Mario Garcia supplied the drums. All are terrific musicians, adding to this fine special event. Andrea sang a fantastic duet with Alain, from "Barnum": "The Colors of My Life". Her husband Luis Lujan joined with his singing and guitar playing. He brightens any stage, any time.

"Stars" from Les Misérables was phenomenal by Alain, with sailing emotions grabbing onto your heart. Then "Wicked Little Town" from "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" demonstrated Alain knows which songs are best suited for his voice and demeanor. It was astounding, a real keeper. Two classics always loved were sung wonderfully by Alain: "Maybe This Time" and "Send in the Clowns".

A show-stopper was the airing of a rare homemade video showing Liza Minnelli on stage singing her mother's "Over The Rainbow", which she seldom did.

"Broadway is a world of its own". A visit with Alain will prove this statement as he offers his inside stories. You may feel you were by his side as he experienced his true love: The Broadway Musical.

A Montreal native, Alain Perreault moved to Puerto Vallarta permanently in 2008. Also a playwright, his first play Les Joie du Diable (The Devil’s Pleasures) was produced in Montreal in 2005, under the direction of award winning director Robert Maurac. He now operates the production company Perro Bravo here in Puerto Vallarta with his partner Cesar Daniel Bravo Ramirez. Past credits include The Foreigner (Charlie), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Chip Brewster), The Rocky Horror Show (Dr. Frank-n-Furter), Suddenly Sondheim (Singer), The Voice of Vallarta (Head Judge), Mass Appeal (Mark Dolson), Princeasas Desesperadas (Producer & set designer), and Equus (Director & Producer).

My Broadway, Anyway will be presented on February 29 and March 28, 4:00 pm, at the Palm Cabaret and Bar.

Tickets may be purchased at the Palm Cabaret Box Office, Olas Altas 508 in Old Town Vallarta (opens daily at 10:00 am), telephone is (322) 222-0200, or you may purchase tickets online at Vallarta Tickets.