Act2PV: Bigger Shows, Brighter Future, Lower Prices

David Sabella Brings Broadway Magic to Act2PV

BY JERRY JONES

Puerto Vallarta’s Act2PV has a new General Manager, who promises an unparalleled season of new shows, lower ticket prices and a vast expansion of events and programming.

David Sabella joined the management team in April 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the theater’s by: future, centered on rebuilding its reputation, fostering community engagement, and delivering exceptional entertainment experiences. Beyond his accomplishments on stage and in arts-administration, Sabella is revered as an author and masterteacher in music theater and contemporary voice techniques.

His presence adds another nuance to Act2PVs rich history, unfolding since Danny Mininni, the theater’s original co-founder, formed Act II Entertainment in 2012, and the theater produced its first show, The Rocky Horror Show, at The Palm.

The next year, Act II Entertainment moved to its current space at the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes. As the business changed over the years, it became Act2PV, and In 2018, Alfonso Lopez and Oscar Cisneros were named by Mininni as partners. Mininni passed away unexpectedly in April 2022, leaving Lopez and Cisneros as its sole owners.

Co-owner Alfonso Lopez praised Sabella’s outreach to the community, and his ability to build bridges with both donors and community leaders.

“We’ve been looking for someone like David for at least two years,” said Lopez. “And we really couldn’t believe it. We thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is it!’ And the more we talked, and the more he explained to us his experience and who he was, it was perfect. Exactly what we wanted was right in front of us. He appeared like magic, and at the right time too.”

Sabella has been working hard over the past several months, meeting with community leaders and donors, and at the same time planning for the new season, and overseeing many new physical changes.

The former bar/lounge has been transformed into its own entertainment destination. Reflecting an elegant art-deco era, reminiscent of the piano bar at the recently closed Incanto, Mary Ann’s Ovations Piano Bar (named after Sustaining Donor, Mary Ann Runaldue) now features nightly entertainment, in addition to the shows in both the Casa Karma Red Room Cabaret (sponsored by Sustaining Donor, Georgia Darehshori) and the Mainstage Theater.

And that’s not all. Sabella has big plans for enhancing the entire visitor experience, including adding an elevator, new sound equipment, an air conditioned ticketing booth at street level, new LED screens in each theater, new dressing-rooms for the artists, and Sharon’s Air Fry Kitchen, inspired by long-time donor Sharon Gerber Scherer, which will serve late night savory (yet healthy) comfort food.

It’s an ambitious plan, for which Sabella is recruiting help from the community, seeking subscribers, patrons, sustaining donors, and business partnerships for Act2PV. “We want to find partnerships that can benefit both the theater and the supporting business,” Sabella said.

One of those new business partnerships is Yamada Japanese Cuisine, which now serves Mary Anns’ Ovations Piano Bar, as an extended dining room. The dining experience is seamlessly provided by both Act2PV and Yamada wait staff. “come for dinner, stay for fun!”

CASANOVA TERRACE OUTDOOR BAR AND STAGGERED SHOWTIMES ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE

Adding to the appeal is the new Casanova Terrace Bar (sponsored by Sustaining Donors David Gains & Ed Ziegler) which beautifully overlooks Basilio Badillo with views of the southern mountains. The space includes a full bar, table seating and provides the perfect pre- or post-show hangout. And staggered showtimes (6 shows between 5pm and 9pm) mean there’s always something going on at Act2PV.

Star Power Takes Center Stage

In addition to the physical changes, Sabella has called upon a few long-time friends and colleagues to create the “Broadway Icons!” series, featuring the talents of Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland), TONY would winner Lillias White, and Mexican born Broadway star Bianca Marroquin, Motown recording artist Sam Harris, as well as Broadway stars Karen Mason, Brent Barrett, and Sally Mayes.

Additionally, Act2PV patrons will be treated to the “Cabaret Icons” series, featuring the award winning talents of Renee Armand, Natalie Douglas, Jeff Harnar, Marieann Meringolo and PV favorites The New Belters (Seth Sikes and Nicholas King) as well as other celebrities of US and international Cabaret. The “Legends of Drag & Alt-Cabret” series, features RuPaul favorite Alexis Mateo, Boulet Brothers Dragula star Fantasia Royale Gaga, the reigning Dame Edna tribute artist, Michael Walters, Steve Brinberg as ‘Simply Barbra,’ The Kinsey Sicks, The VaudeVillains, and adult film star Jonah Wheeler and husband John Coons in “Nocturnal Omissions.” And the new “Mexico’s Best” series, features homegrown and returning favorites like, Cir Concierto, (Mr.) Lady Zen, Gloria Fiona, Lorena Peril, Delilah Beaucoup, and Keith Tynes (original member of The Platters), among others.**

“It’s an exciting season for the “New Act2PV”, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.”

FULL SEASON LISTING AND SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.ACT2PV.COM

Encuentra nuestra versión en español en: outandaboutpv.com

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