'An Evening at the Birdcage' Performances at The Palm PV Cabaret Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
March 9, 2015

Joan Rivers Female Impersonator in an Evening at The Bird Cage (Joe Posa)
 

Back to The Palm Cabaret arrive two celebrity impersonators Joe Posa and Scott Townsend (aka Thirsty Burlington). Their new show, nearly sold-out, a fabulous ride of comedy and music, is "An Evening at the Birdcage". Supplementing their impersonations was Cher singing live, the rest lip-synched. It is surprising since the two stars are able to look like the celebrities, act like them, sing and talk, too. Quite an accomplishment, all with incredible likenesses and gorgeous costumes.

Their accurate portrayals of legends most likely will astound the viewer. Joan Rivers, the late comedic icon, begins the Birdcage evening journey after a hilarious video. Her remarks are extremely typical of the great lady, whose monologue is precisely what one would expect with brash critical and biting lines. It was uproariously funny, line after line. She serenaded with "Sway". Ladies and one man who have left us on Earth were in a "Heavenly Edition" collection. Michael Jackson in black and silver glided over the space, singing a hits medley. Amy Winehouse was unable to sit upright, falling backwards from excess 'fun'.

Barbra Streisand presented a fine rendition of a hits medley, mainly from "Funny Girl", while talking to Mr. Flo Ziegfeld perched in the upper row overlooking auditions, who was not pleased with her but she eggs him on. Joe's voice is remarkable clear, strong and characteristic of the legend.

An early standout was the classic duet of Barbra Streisand and Judy Garland who was tangled in the microphone cord, singing "Happy Days are Here Again".

Judy went on to sing her hits medley. She was quite confused and Thirsty revealed her idiosyncrasies. Again, the look and vocal were on-target.

Even Liza Minnelli, in a terrific red glittery dress, joined for a mother/daughter songfest. The audience was not certain which woman was more "off" but the sound of joy and love was contagious.

The ubiquitous Cher brought the house down with three stages of her career, including a funny spot with Sonny, her late husband who arranged the duo's success. Both voices are perfect, climaxing with Cher sporting a skimpy black lace one-piece showing everything one cared to see. From the movements of her hair to the characteristic distinctive contralto growl for which she is known, the image was startlingly perfect.

The night was fittingly completed with Janis Ian's "Stars": "I was never one for singing what I really feel. Except tonight, I'm bringing everything I know that's real. Stars, they come and go, they come fast they come slow. They go like the last light of the sun, all in a blaze. And all you see is glory."

The stars were in their utmost glory tonight.

Posa and Burlington were a huge hit here last year, as well as earlier this season, at The Palm. One can see why they have established a large loyal following, not only here in Puerto Vallarta, but worldwide.

The duo will be performing this terrific and creative show at The Palm Cabaret through March 21, 9:30 pm. The Palm is non-smoking inside but an outside patio is provided for smokers.
 
Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day at Vallarta Tickets and at The Palm’s Box Office, open at 11:00 am daily. A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at The Palm PV.


The Palm Cabaret is located in Old Town Vallarta at Olas Altas 508. Telephone is (322) 222-0200.