Jason Winfield and Rayna Hickman: Bette & Bruce: Trapped in Vallarta

[Gary R. Beck]

Jason Winfield and Rayna Hickman

Bette & Bruce: Trapped in Vallarta

"A new musical comedy cabaret"

 

Hailing from Queens, NY, Jason and Rayna created this show very recently, so tonight what was presented was not a well-rehearsed and preplanned show. Their banter back and forth is a very new cluster of chatting lines and the songs were gathered in short fashion. But, what was seen appeared to be an oft-performed set piece of material is in actuality brand new.

It is wonderful to have a new show arrival as this season winds down, after dealing with Red Alert shutdowns and delays. One tends to ache for some music, laughter, dancing, comedy with real live people and the artists agree by reciprocating this pleasure in entertaining guests other than by live streams. "This Could Be The Start of Something" kicked off the evening displaying their expert vocals and Broadway experience. Jason and Rayna are a couple, a duo, but it is evident immediately that their loving closeness led to partners in 2009. Their self-written storyline is that they are Bette and Bruce, two travelers trapped in Puerto Vallarta. How and why, the play will reveal.

Now, they are in Mexico, so it was appropriate to sing "Saludos Amigos" welcoming the audience to their night of music and comedy. The tune is from a Walt Disney live action sequence his studios designed showing an exploration of South America. The crowd shouted with joy. Rayna slowed down the tempo, pulled up a stool and immersed into "Cry Me A River" absolutely beautifully. Some attendees stood in appreciation of her soulful talent. Jason took his turn and gave everyone a lightly jazzy "Hey There": "You with the stars in your eyes." His voice is deep but he can reach the upper notes. The swing continued with a wonderful "That Old Black Magic". 

Sitting on the edge of the stage, they dueted "Something Stupid" from the Sinatras. Their delivery was sweet and touching. These two persons have Talent! Both artists talked about their early work in Big Band Music in the New York area. They realized their genre was fading from popularity and Disco was taking over. So, they flew to the cruise ship musical scene and performed often daily, enjoying the arrangement since their audiences could not leave; they were captured by the flowing sea around everyone. The strings sounded and we were all aboard "The Love Boat". "Set a course for adventure, Your mind on a new romance." Dancing, singing and comedy lay way for romance between the two, becoming a pair. Their story is that they missed their cruise's departure so stayed in Puerto Vallarta for a while, left to exploring and finding a lovely peaceful small metropolis.

A stupendous highlight was the Oscar-winning "Shallow" with each singing their part with deep emotion. This song will live on forever. Bubbling guitars led to an exotic entry of "White Rabbit", Grace Slick's composition for The Jefferson Airplane. A rousing country-flavored "Islands in the Stream" was a masterpiece in their hands from the Brothers Gibb. This was one of those tunes you wish would never end.

Jason explained that they are no longer trapped in Vallarta but that Vallarta is trapped in them. The pair sincerely thanked everyone for attending their first show which was not a live stream. They are enjoying Puerto Vallarta. Otra! Otra! Yes, so they reprised "This Could Be The Start of Something".

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, JAL.

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

Puerto Vallarta OldTown/SouthSide

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.