Coco Peru Presents 'A Gentle Reminder' at The Palm Cabaret Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
February 14, 2016

Recognizable by her redheaded flip hairdo, Miss Coco Peru is the iconic drag persona of American actor and comedian Clinton Leupp. He wrote, produced, directed and starred in his first show, "Miss Coco Peru in My Goddamn Cabaret" over 20 years ago and various one-woman shows across the continents. This is Coco's third season at The Palm Cabaret and the sold-out opening night crowd cheered as loud as they could, at the top of their lungs, even before she uttered a solitary word. These people knew they were in store for a night of a series of clever and funny stories.

We arrived to a gathering crowd. One could sense the excitement in the air. From New York, this singer, comedienne and relator of life's stories, Coco revealed that this year marks her fiftieth in life and has performed as a "drag queen for half of it." This landmark became the bed of the underlining theme tonight, little did we know at the start.

For Once in My Life" was an appropriate song to start the show. New appreciation of the lyrics came form Coco's song choice, which she sang in a full firm voice. "My, a full house for my opening. But this is Puerto Vallarta - it could be seven tomorrow!" Another quip was so relevant, too: "You know what happened? I'm going to tell you because that is what I do!" Yes, she is a storyteller, a describer of a simple event which becomes hysterically funny when she twists it. Many guests were roaring, screaming and applauding all through her performance. She said she is a "Drag Queen Yoda" from whom young people in curious states seek information and advice.

An unexpected thrill was Coco turning "Whatever Lola Wants" into "Whatever Coco Wants, Coco Gets." We agreed, she definitely did! She pointed out the Red Flags of dating. Her comments brought continuous laughter from the crowd.

We learned immediately to what this show title referred. "A Gentle Reminder" was overheard announced by a stewardess when a woman ignored the fasten seat beat sign and was in the plane's aisle. Of course she was sweet as trained, but Coco described what was really on her mind and what words she would use. So, through her conversations she pointed out a proper escape from a predicament. But then she translated it into what Coco would have said and the two were quite dissimilar, the latter being a bit vulgar at times.

This is the anthem of Coco Peru: Be kind to one another, respect and realize what you do comes back to you [karma]. Full Circle is the way life works, so be aware of what you say and do. Sound advice, striking us to the bone. The evening's presentations were slices of her life, looking back and learning from her mistakes and becoming a better person, which everyone can strive to do.

She appeared in films "Trick", "To Wong Foo - Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar" and tv shows "Will and Grace" and "Arrested Development". Since 2005, Coco has hosted "Conversations with Coco" where she interviews LGBT members and gay-friendly stars, icons no less, all for LGBT children's health charities.

Possibly from reaching her milestone 50th birthday, Coco was reflective on how he grew to what she is today and gave enormous credit to the leaders and strugglers in the 1960's who demanded gay rights, being no longer willing to settle for second-rate citizenship. She encouraged the attendees to research the gay men and women who strove before them, thus paving the path which is now well-trod. Stonewall and police apathy were discussed from the stage and the effect was both enlightening and solemnly welcome, especially to the older segment of the audience. Young people, she said, would benefit from learning about all the progress made by so many people around the world. Her dialogue added a serious flavor to the evening but was not disheartening in the least.

What a spectacular night of fun and lessons: come to laugh, come to think. It is not often you can say that as you depart a theater. But this was exactly what we experienced with Coco. She is a must see.

Coco Peru will be presenting performances of "A Gentle Reminder" at The Palm Cabaret through February 27 with performances at 7:00 and 09:30 pm.

Tickets may be purchased at the Palm Cabaret Box Office, Olas Altas 508 in Old Town Vallarta (opens daily at 11:00 am), telephone is (322) 222-0200, or you may purchase tickets online at Vallarta Tickets.