Elviz Martinez Gives 'All of Me' in the Red Room Cabaret Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
March 26, 2016

Elviz has been onstage more than off lately. He has continued in the second year run of "Forever Plaid" and then launched into the new successful show "California Dreamin'". His warm personality and smile have endeared him but his strong rich voice has brought theater-goers back time and time again. Elviz is a handsome, impressive man who reaches those high notes and holds them at some length, seemingly with ease, then descends to low wondrous depths. His style and demeanor is attention-getting and brings back his followers for another live demonstration, often bringing friends along to experience this special entertainer so many people have come to love.

He rendered a beautiful, enchanting "Can't Take My Eyes off You". Making the performance even more special was the singing of the familiar chorus by the audience, bringing everyone into the show. Elviz' honest emotion shown through and made the song even lovelier, a show-stopper. The audience was very enthusiastic, overflowing with his fans accumulated over these short years, deservedly so.

Once again, the fine Bob Bruneau fashioned a striking piano background during the evening. The two have mastered their coordination and one glance shows how well they have rehearsed and perfected this song list of new renditions in "All of Me". Sam Davalos has been brought in for consistent drumming and percussion additions.

"16 Tons", 1956 smash by Tennessee Ernie Ford, was a bold, masculine tale of coal miners of yore. He then launched into a medley from the show in which he is a cast member "California Dreamin'", an examination of the origin and musical growth of The Mamas and The Papas. These songs he knew well, having participated for many weeks here at Act II to critical and popular acclaim. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", famous by Bono of U2, was deep and resounding with Elviz' pure clear vocals. He lifted his voice in lamenting a love not found. John Legend's "All of Me" was a wonder of soft and melodic notes with him soaring from the bottom of the register to the upper regions.        

A most definite highlight was Elviz presenting his own composition "Que Me Pasa? [What's Happening to Me?]". The onlookers seemed stunned by his rounded talent with learning it included songwriting. The song was vocalized and written so well it deserves consideration for future Elviz shows. Then he brought the rafters 'falling down' with "At Last", a fabulous song which he took and mastered with both strength and beauty.

He has been working on expanding his repertoire and tonight he offered terrific renditions of well-known tunes. His turn on ABBA's "The Winner Takes It All" sung in Spanish, started low and slow, then built to a frenzied cry of lost love.

It is pleasurable to watch Elviz and listen to his growth as a performer, an artist and a very fine vocalist. His fans will be waiting for another round of his ongoing growth.

There are still three performances left this season of "All of Me" and you can catch Elviz at the Act II Stages Red Room on March 26, April 2 and 9 at 7:30 pm.

Act II Entertainment Stages complex is located at Insurgentes 300 (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes), 2nd Floor, in Old Town Vallarta. Telephone is (322) 222-1512. Tickets can be purchased at the Act II Box Office open daily at 1:00 pm or online at Act II Entertainment.