Jo Anna: Beauty and the Beach

[Gary R. Beck]

Jo Anna

Beauty and the Beach

 

This lady celebrates her fifteenth year singing various iconic stars with humor, the longest time of any drag queen here. She has assisted many newbie artists with their demeanor, costumes, wigs, makeup and the design of their shows. Some of these performers remain a part of the Puerto Vallarta scene. Jo Anna aka Joe Perry started performing as a female impersonator in New York and won numerous awards in addition to enjoying six seasons in Provincetown and currently nine summers in Ogunquit, Maine.

After hundreds of shows performed solely, she teamed up seven years ago with Chi Chi Rones aka Peter Garcia for 'boxing matches' entitled "Dueling Drag Divas". The two ladies compete with interpretations of well-known female superstars with the audience choosing the round winner with their applause. But tonight she said she returned to a solo act for the first time in maybe 7,000 years. Her vast number of fans and followers were on hand for this one-night-only opportunity.

On the two wide video screens, prerecorded tapes were shown highlighting cameo appearances of several of her drag sisters Miss Butterfly, Sutton Lee Seymour and Chi Chi Rones. The stars have supported each other especially in these unpredictable times. She has endured a 'Covid diet' including weight-lifting and "Now her stomach is as flat as her singing." Out she popped on her way to the beach complete with a pool float wrapped around her waist featuring a colorful comic character. She took a speedy route via "Fly Me To the Moon".

Jo Anna's special show was described "Beyond Impressions, Parody and Burlesque." She delivered all these aspects to perfection. "I'm Still Alive"...I have survived fifteen years." While the luscious strings of Percy Faith Orchestra played "A Summer Place", she discussed her long difficult struggle being the "girl" in the family. She auditioned for a Patsy Cline contest, entered and in a field of ten women and her, she won! Possibly the winning song was "She's Got You" but tonight she dueted with a yellow rubber duckie who honked at appropriate times. Jo Anna deemed it necessary to offer her famous tribute to Cher with "Bang Bang": "My baby shot me down."

While Jo Anna could change into another hot shiny dress, Miss Butterfly portrayed one of her favorite singers, Edith Piaf, old and feeble but still has no regrets: "Non, Je ne regrette rien" Her show at Blue Chairs Butterfly Cabaret ends in a few days and she heads back to her schedule in Montreal, QUE.

Amy Winehouse stumbled on stage with a bottle in her hand and the chords of "Rehab" in the background, she called out to "Valerie". Adele was next on the list but her wig is not to be found on the table. So, she did what a performer must do, employ what you have. She nailed the notes, low and richly high, singing "Someone Like You".

At the risk of insulting any Midwesterners present, she became Vicki Wisconski, an original parody representing a tidy and drab lady who hails from Jo Anna's home state. They are all plain, boring and simple in their lives. But it was there she was told that she should not wear shorts since her legs were not masculine, in fact actually lady-like. Dresses, wigs and makeup soon followed and she discovered that she could make money being what she feels truly in her being, a girl, a lady strutting the stage.

"Celebration" of "Back to Basics" with our accustomed Jo Anna appeared wearing her signature wig. She nestled back on her stool and sang "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" with no more fitting lyrics. Some lines were changed to how she was born a man but preferred the life of a glamorous lady. All she wants to do is have some fun. She underlined the message of this evening's show: "Go for your dreams". She urged everyone to live exactly how they please. That brings true happiness into one's life.

Jo Anna wished to pay tribute to the Disco Queen, Donna Summer, and performed her best-known song "Last Dance" which became "Last chance for romance me, take me". Here is a real Showgirl.

Find more photos on my Facebook Shows page below.

The Palm Cabaret

Olas Altas 508  

Zona Romántica - Southside, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
21st Anniversary Season      
Tickets:  www.ThePalmCabaret.com

322-222-0200/322-182-9656

The box office is open from 10 am - 10 pm.

Gary R. Beck    Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

https://www.facebook.com/groups/PuertoVallartaShows 

Puerto Vallarta OldTown/SouthSide: https://www.facebook.com/groups/837053096708212

A note from The Palm Cabaret management:  SAFETY FIRST, ENTERTAINMENT ALWAYS We have installed a new retractable roof for air flow and five new air filtration systems to take out old air and bring in fresh cool air. Patrons are protected by Plexiglas shields in front and on the sides of their personal seating area which is at minimum three meters from the stage. We have limited our capacity to sixty guests per show. Masks must be worn to your seats and to the restrooms. Masks may be removed upon entering your private Plexiglas area.

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