By Melissa Griegel…
Photos by Melissa Griegel Photography
David Sabella, best-known for originating the role of Mary Sunshine in the 1996 revival of Kander and Ebb’s Chicago the Musical on Broadway, is a master storyteller and cabaret aficionado. Many of his past cabaret shows have focused on his life (“Time Heals”) or his career (“Razzle Dazzle”). The November 12th show at The Laurie Beechman Theatre instead put the spotlight on an artist that Sabella feels a strong connection to—Peter Allen.
Australian-born Peter Allen was a singer-songwriter who made his mark on the hits of the 1970s and 1980s, both with songs he sang himself, and with songs made popular by recording artists such as Melissa Manchester and Olivia Newton-John, including Newton-John’s first chart-topping hit “I Honestly Love You“. His chart-topping hit “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” sung by Christopher Cross earned Allen an Academy Award.
Allen made headlines for his short-lived marriage to Liza Minnelli. He then went on to have a long-term relationship with Gregory Connell. Like Sabella, Allen enjoyed a little “bling” in his life and performed in flashy costumes and added sparkle and energy to his performances. Sabella referred to Allen as “the Elton John of the cabaret set”. Looking stunning in a sequined black pantsuit, Sabella lovingly sang Allen’s songs, interspersed with stories about the artist or his own connection to the songs. Midway through the set, Sabella left the stage to the capable hands of Music Director Mark Hartman to do a solo of “Tenterfield Saddler” while he changed into an equally stunning white ensemble.
Sabella wears his heart on his sleeve and shares with his audience his personal stories of love and loss, always seamlessly tying it to an appropriate song. He talked about being a “Chelsea Boy”, an actor, singer, father, husband, divorcée, widower, teacher, and many other roles in his life. Having followed his career for many years, I feel like Sabella is at the top of his game right now. Looking svelte and happy, Sabella seems to have found balance in his life both personally and professionally and it shows in his the happiness that exudes as he sings. He sang a breathtaking version of “Don’t Cry Out Loud”, led the audience in song for “Everything Old is New Again”, and encouraged a congo line around the theater for “I Go to Rio”. Other big hits with the crowd at the Beechman were “I Honestly Love You” and, not surprisingly, “Arthur’s Theme (Best I Can Do)”. Sabella has an impressive vocal range and puts his soul and his emotions into each song he sings.
The evening was more than just tribute to Allen’s music. As Artistic Director of the Bell Vox Performing Arts Foundation, proceeds from the evening, including a silent auction and a 50/50, went to benefit the not-for-profit. The Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation (founded in 2024 by Puerto Vallarta resident David Sabella) is a US nonprofit organization (501c3) dedicated to bringing high quality musical productions and education in the vocal and performing arts to underserved communities throughout the US, Mexico, and Canada. Currently producing concerts and workshops with Broadway’s biggest stars in New York City and Chicago, IL, this season marks the Foundation’s official debut in Puerto Vallarta. The star-studded season includes performances by Broadway and cabaret icons Karen Mason, Stephanie Pope, and Sam Harris, Broadway and film composer and conductor, David Friedman, cabaret star Marieann Meringolo, and emerging star (and American Idol Alum) Ava Nicole Frances. All performances are at the Palm Cabaret Theater. You can purchase tickets at The Palm Cabaret. The foundation will also be holding educational workshops and masterclasses.
The band was led by Music Director Mark Hartman who wrote special arrangements for this show. In addition, Sabella was gifted additional arrangements by Lorna Luft, Allen’s sister-in-law and daughter of Judy Garland. The band was rounded out by Sherisse Rogers on bass, Mike Lunoe on drums, and Jeremy Clayton on woodwinds.
Sabella recently returned to Chicago on Broadway to reprise his role as Mary Sunshine and has continued to perform in both classical music, musical theater, and cabaret in addition spearheading the Bella Fox Foundation. As a distinguished “Singing Voice Specialist”, the ever-busy Sabella also works as a voice teacher and performance coach, and is the co-author, with Sue Matsuki, of So You Want to Sing Cabaret, the only textbook used in universities and conservatories to teach the art of small venue performance.
