'Tales from an Aging Twink' with Jai Rodriguez Gary R. Beck - Beck's Best
December 29, 2016

Jai staged his first crowd-pleasing performance here last season and now returns to the Bahía de Banderas. He has his devoted following which has grown from word-of-mouth, internet, television and newspaper articles. We return for another dose of the former "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" television star. He is a talent for all times. Combining his casual sexiness with his vocal talents, this is a show not to be missed. The audience reception was marvelous. He is widely adored.

His theme this time around is honesty. He will tell you how it is and all you ever wished to know about his life beginning as an eighteen year old actor and singer on Broadway, television and movies. He has pizazz and this attribute is conveyed through his music. His voice is strong and he possesses a wide range with lengthy holding of notes both high and low. Tonight, a video of clips from his television show which gained him much notoriety and fame, "Queer Eye" but more importantly placed he and his four buddies in a worldwide limelight portraying true gay men as an entire cast. He said this was a groundbreaking experience which has encouraged young gays to both thank him and ask questions, seeking advice.

He spent five years in "Rent" and made his name, one year in Canada and four in New York. Tonight, he opened with from "Glee": "Glad You Came", demonstrating he is a Broadway Showman. He related that tonight was "Essentially a workshop." He defined a 'twink' as "A man aged between 18 and 21, blond and a club boy." The name may have arisen from 'Twinkie', a cream-filled snack cake, with not too much inside it. Jai is an aging one, self-professed.

Jai was born and raised on Long Island, New York and was always a bit different from the other boys. He dated a girl who seemed to understand although she did try to put the 'makes' on him, to no avail due to his religious upbringing by mom. He said he used it as an excuse and not until later did he realize what love was in a deep kiss with a fellow actor. "When You're Good to Papi", a takeoff from "Chicago" was uproarious and well-sung, demonstrating his love for blues and men. "Miss Saigon" was represented and then he jumped into "Rent" with "Seasons of Love" ["Five hundred twenty-five thousand Six hundred minutes. How do you measure, a year in the life?"] Beautiful and knowingly revealing.

His take on the oldie "Cry Me a River" was jazzy and bluesy, a memorable interpretation accented by his very fine voice. It was comparable to Ella Fitzgerald's classic. Then he launched into "Faithfully", made famous by Journey. He stretched his chords and hit all the notes demanded. He took the tune and created his own version.

He gave us the lovely song "Million Reasons" by Lady Gaga and bid adieu after a too-short show enjoyed by the boisterous crowd. More! More! Otra! Chants will wait for his next show and certainly many attendees will be back.

You can catch Jai Rodriguez in "Tales from an Aging Twink" at the Red Room of Act II Entertainment at 9:30 pm on December 30 & 31, and at 7:30 pm on January 3, 5, 7, 10 & 12.

Act II Entertainment STAGES complex is located at Insurgentes 300 (at the corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes) 2nd Floor, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Telephone is 322.222.1512. Show info and tickets available online at Act II PV. Box Office opened daily at 11:00 am on show days with a 2nd Box Office location across the street from Garbos on Pulpito street in the Romantic zone. Email act2entertainmentproductions@gmail.com for questions or more info.

Danny Mininni wished for me to mention that The Encore Bar in Act II Entertainment features singers before and after the shows. These artists represent some of the fine local talent Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Joby Hernández, Kami Desilets, Maria Rose and Gabe Arciniega present lovely music nightly at levels suitable for conversations. Come early for some live entertainment, gratis.

For more reviews of performances in Puerto Vallarta, visit More of Beck's Best: Theater, Cabaret and More!