Performing Arts Series
The 2025-26 Performance Season in Puerto Vallarta, MX
The Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation is proud to present a premier lineup of world-class talent for the current season. This year, the stage of The Palm Cabaret Theater, in Puerto Vallarta, serves as a bridge for artistic excellence, bringing legendary voices and Broadway stars to this vibrant, artistic, and culturally diverse community, for both unforgettable performances and transformative educational experiences.
Featured Broadway & Concert Artists
Karen Mason: Broadway Baby!
December 29 & January 4
Karen Mason: A Broadway icon known for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Sunset Boulevard, Karen brings her signature blend of humor and vocal mastery to the stage.
After her SOLD-OUT SHOWS last year, Broadway legend Karen Mason brings a celebration of her favorite music to her favorite Mexican home, Puerto Vallarta! Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music, stories, laughter, and joy, and always a surprise or two! Featuring fan favorites like ALL THAT JAZZ, NEW YORK/NEW YORK; SOMETHING’S COMING, YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND, KAREN’S BACK IN TOWN, FOR GOOD, and many more! You will be shouting OTRA, for sure! (Directed by Barry Kleinbort, with Music Direction by Christopher Denny)
Stephanie Pope: All About Love
January 14 & 18
Stephanie Pope: This Broadway veteran and Fosse protegee (Chicago, Pippin) offers an unparalleled look into the world of musical theater dance and performance.
Broadway star Stephanie Pope (Pippin, CHICAGO, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fosse, Smoky Joe’s Cafe, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Kiss of the Spiderwoman, Jelly’s last Jam, and Sweet Charity) brings Broadway magic and more to PV with her show All About Love! Featuring songs from some of Broadway’s hottest shows, including Hadestown and Kiss of The Spider Woman, to popular songs by Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and Diana Ross, plus tunes from her critically acclaimed solo CD, Now’s The Time To Fall In Love, and stories from her career, working with legendary stars like Chita Rivera, Whitney Houston and Bob Fosse.
Puerto Vallarta Sings David Friedman
March 15
David Friedman: The renowned composer and conductor provides invaluable insights into the art of the song, drawing from his extensive work with Disney and on Broadway.
A REVIEW OF FRIEDMAN’S SONG SUNG BY YOUR FAVORITE PV PERFORMERS
David Friedman is best-known as the composer/lyricist of songs of hope and inspiration that have become especially important in these challenging times. Come and be inspired and moved by local Puerto Vallarta performers singing his songs, with David at the piano personally sharing the stories behind the songs.
Sam Harris: Beyond the Rainbow
March 26 & 29
Multi-platinum recording artist, Sam Harris, is listed in Rolling Stone Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Vocalists of all Time.” He is a Broadway icon, having received Tony, Outer Critic’s Circle and Drama Desk nominations for his work in Cy Coleman’s The Life, a Drama League Award and Drama Desk nomination for his role in Tommy Tune’s Grease, and in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, as well as Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Hair, Pippin, The Jazz Singer, and The First Wives Club.
His new show, “Beyond the Rainbow,” a nod to his legendary rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which put him on the map at age twenty-two, dazzling 25 million viewers a week for the entire premiere season of Star Search, the ground breaking show that preceded “American Idol” and The Voice”. The show launched his astounding career which spans Broadway, television, records, and concert performances. “Beyond the Rainbow” features Harris’ singular, definitive interpretations of Broadway, pop and standards by everyone from U2 to Sondheim, Lady Gaga to Kander & Ebb, and many more, along with his hilarious, self-effacing, and topical wit.
The Cabaret Series
Ava Nicole Frances: The Dream That I See
January 23
Ava Nicole Frances: The American Idol finalist and rising star brings a fresh, powerhouse energy to the cabaret stage, representing the next generation of international talent.
American Idol finalist, and two-time Broadway World Award winner, Ava Nicole Frances is making her Puerto Vallarta debut as part of the Bella Vox Performing Arts Series at The Palm Cabaret Theater on January 23, 7PM. Her critically acclaimed show, “The Dream That I See” is inspired by an array of diverse artists including, Renee Rapp, Beyonce, Linda Ronstadt, Ben Platt, and Wicked composer, Stephen Schwartz. Ava’s voice effortlessly moves from Pop, and Broadway to Jazz and American Songbook as her soaring vocals take flight. In this new show specifically tailored for Puerto Vallarta, Ava Nicole Frances is an emerging star not to be missed!
Marieann Meringolo: Shades of Love
February 11 & 15
Marieann Meringolo: An award-winning songstress whose critically acclaimed performances celebrate the classic American Songbook with modern elegance.
Join multi award-winning vocalist Marieann Meringolo (Feb 11 & 15) for “Shades of Love,” a special LGBTQ Valentine show, with classic songs by Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Christina Perri, and more, reimagined as only Meringolo can! Love is Love in PV and beyond!
The Bella Vox Foundation is proud to partner with The Palm Cabaret Theater, one of Puerto Vallarta’s most professional theaters, celebrating 26 years of excellence in entertainment.
Previous Events
Chicago Residency Highlights
Expanding its reach to Chicago in November 2025, the Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation presented an inaugural residency blending world-class performance with professional mentorship. This expansion was realized through a generous contribution from Carla Gordon, President of the Chicago Cabaret Professionals.
Carla Gordon
5-Day Intensive Workshop: A select group of aspiring performers participated in a rigorous five-day workshop focused on vocal technique, song interpretation, and stage presence, led by BVPA Foundation President David Sabella and Music Supervisor Mark Hartman.
“Unlike Any Other Man”: The residency featured a special performance of David Sabella’s critically acclaimed tribute to Peter Allen. This production showcased the high standard of artistry that the foundation brings to every stage.
Student Showcase: The residency culminated in a dynamic student performance, giving workshop participants the opportunity to perform live and apply the skills they honed during their intensive training.
New York City Inaugural Benefit
In November 2025, the Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation marked its official New York City debut with a high-profile benefit performance at the legendary Laurie Beechman Theatre. This inaugural event served as a vital fundraiser to support the foundation’s mission of bringing world-class performing arts education to underserved communities.
The centerpiece of the evening was a performance of “Unlike Any Other Man,” featuring BVPA Founding President David Sabella in his critically acclaimed homage to legendary singer-songwriter Peter Allen. Hailed by BroadwayWorld as a “marvelous blend of storytelling and performance,” the show showcased the elite level of artistry that defines the foundation’s professional standards. Under the baton of Broadway Music Director and BVPA Music Supervisor Mark Hartman, the production was further elevated by special arrangements and several original manuscript arrangements gifted to Sabella by Allen’s sister-in-law, Lorna Luft, adding a layer of deep authenticity to the tribute.
The energy of the night reached its peak during the signature closing number, “I Go to Rio.” In a moment that perfectly captured the spontaneous joy of live theater, an impromptu conga line snaked through the audience, turning the venue into a vibrant celebration of Allen’s legacy. The success of this benefit underscores the foundation’s multi-city presence, creating a robust financial and artistic platform that directly supports our professional mentorship and cross-cultural exchange programs in Puerto Vallarta.
A Legacy of Excellence
Building on the success of his first year in Puerto Vallarta, as General Manager of the Historic Act2PV Theater, Broadway veteran and BVPA Founding President, David Sabella, continues his commitment to bringing world-class talent to Puerto Vallarta—not only as entertainers, but as some of the performing arts industry’s best teachers and mentors for the younger generation of performers in Puerto Vallarta.