Casa Valentina looks to continue the string of successful shows in the Main Stage at ACT II STAGES. This new play, directed by Allen McMullen, opened to A SOLD OUT house, rave reviews and standing ovations.
Back in 1962, most men went to the Catskill Mountains to escape the summer heat, but others took the two-hour drive to escape something else entirely: being men. Nestled in the land of dirty dancing and borscht belt comedy sat an inconspicuous bungalow colony that catered to a very special clientele: heterosexual men whose favorite pastime was dressing and acting as women. It was paradise for these men — white-collar professionals with families — to spend their weekends discreetly and safely inhabiting their chosen female alter egos. But when faced with the opportunity to become an official organization, these ‘self-made women’ had to decide whether public recognition would help them gain a place in open society or spell their own personal disaster.
Infused with Director Harvey Fierstein’s trademark wit, the entire cast is a delight! This moving, insightful and delightfully entertaining new work had four Tony nominations in 2014, and offers a glimpse into the lives of a group of unforgettable characters as they search for acceptance and happiness in their very own Garden of Eden. Directed by Allen McMullen. Starring Tom Bernes, Nathan Frye, Danny Mininni, Bert Ramirez, Dwayne Carrier, Thomas Carroll, Cherry DeLorenzo, Maria Rose, and Dr. Ken Shanoff.
It was a completely sold out performance! The audience waited with baited breath as the lights dimmed. The word had spread… Rumor had it that Danny Mininni, owner of Act II Stages, would be decked out in DRAG for this show, his first acting appearance at Act II!
Well, let me tell you! He didn’t disappoint! In fact, he embraced the role of Bessie so convincingly that the audience fell in love with him/her(?) With five different costume changes, Danny/Bessie was dressed to thrill! AND, by golly… that Danny can ACT, too! He exhibited perfect comedic timing throughout the show and held the audience in the palm of his hand!
But Danny wasn’t the only star tonight. Dwayne Carrier, Nathan Frye, Cherry DeLorenzo, Bert Ramirez, Tom Bernes, Ken Shanoff, Tom Carroll, and Maria Rose worked together beautifully to bring this very touching, but humorous story to life. The audience was mesmerized throughout the entire show!
Here is what Puerto Vallarta is saying about Casa Valentina
I thoroughly enjoyed this program and highly recommend it! Congratulations, also, to Director Allen McMullen! I think you’ve got a perfect winner to end up a great year! – Marsha Ward
Danny always says, “make a lot of noise”…. There were moments of such crushing profundity last night , that just rendered the audience silent, welling eyes don’t make noise. That was the only acceptable response and the best response and the highest praise for those moments. Noise and a lot of it was made spontaneously at other moments. The perfect balance, a roller coaster of emotion…. kudos, everyone involved in bringing this truth to light. Thanks for giving us your all. – Georgia Darehshori
AMAZING – Julie Guerrero
I loved it!
️ – Earl Squires
IT was a great show!!!! – Mike Hickman
Danny Mininni the show was great! It was such a wonderful ensemble cast. Thank you for putting your heart and soul into tonight’s performance…FABULOUS suits you! – Gail Isaacs
Better than Broadway production. Get thee to this amazing offering even if you do nothing else!! – Rob Burton
Great opening night for Danny Mininni and the entire cast of Casa Valentina. Way to go! I hereby give each one of you an Academy Award ! – Bobbie Schmidt Audell
You all were great! I loved seeing you on stage. One of my favorite moments since moving to PV – Carlo Gagliano
Oh my!!!! Last night we went to see opening night of “Casa Valentina” at Act II theater. All that I knew of this play was that Danny Mininni was going absolutely bonkers and buying women’s clothes all over the internet! Well, what an incredible opening. Even before the show started, the audience went nuts when we were treated to a behind the scenes “live” introduction from Danny. This show is the perfect Puerto Vallarta play. The actors and “actresses” and actresses…(sic) really put on an incredible show. This is the show that tops off the winter season for Act II, you really do have to go see this Comedy/Drama/Insightful play!!!! FUN, FUN, FUN. – Howard Ross
Casa Valentina looks to continue the string of successful shows in the Main Stage. The opening of this new play, directed by Allen McMullen, was sold out! What a joy. Bravo! – Ed Gill
I think you can say you truly brought down the house! You all did! Cast and crew! Whoo-hoo!!! Jan Gregg
What a great opening. I had not known the story until now. Gut-spiting-funny lines, as anyone who has seen Harvey Fierstein’s work would expect. However, dark and serious lines unfold as the plot evolves, and the fears and emotions of each character are developed. Great performances by all, and great staging. Danny Mininni and Nathan Frye (channeling Christine Baranski) did an outstanding job. Kudos to Allen McMullen, who has worked with Fierstein on Broadway, for great direction. You need to see this if you are still in Vallarta. Tuesdays, Thursday’s and Saturday’s through May 6 on the Main Stage at ACT II. – Jim Davis
Act II Entertainment Stages complex is located at Insurgentes 300 (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes) 2nd floor Zona Romántica Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco Tel 322.222.1512 tickets can be purchased at www.act2pv.com box office opens daily at 10:00 a.m., and there is a second box office across the street from Garbos on Pulpito street in the Romantic Zone.
