David Sabella Shines at Act2PV with a Spectacular Tribute to Peter Allen

Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant entertainment scene closed its high season with a showstopping performance by David Sabella, who paid tribute to the legendary Peter Allen at Act2PV. With charm, wit, and powerhouse vocals, Sabella delivered an unforgettable night that was as much a celebration of Allen’s music as it was a reflection on his own journey as an artist.

From Turbulence to Triumph: The Stories Behind the Songs

Sabella, ever the consummate storyteller, captivated the audience with anecdotes that brought Allen’s songs to life. He recounted how Allen wrote one of his Oscar-winning hits while stranded mid-air, unable to land at JFK Airport—a moment of frustration turned into musical gold.

His performance took an intimate and deeply personal turn as he reflected on love and vulnerability. Sabella sang “I Honestly Love You” before sharing a heartfelt moment about the courage it takes to say “I love you” without knowing if the person will say it back—or worse, knowing they won’t. He followed with the soulful “I Could Marry the Rain,” each note pulling the audience deeper into the raw vulnerability and rich storytelling that defined Allen’s work.

A Personal Evolution in Song

As the evening unfolded, Sabella wove his own journey into the fabric of Allen’s music, seamlessly blending storytelling with self-reflection. “If you had told me a year ago…” he mused, just before launching into a poignant ballad on personal evolution. “That I would be performing, teaching, and directing a theater in Mexico? I would have laughed—hard. But hey, here I am.”

With unfiltered candor, he continued, “In my life, I have been a son, a brother, a lover, a husband, a father, a divorcé, a widower, a student and a teacher, an opera star, a Broadway star, and a drag queen in Mexico. Now, I’m an empresario—and I’m not done yet.”

It was a moment of striking vulnerability, breaking down the barriers between artist and audience, making the performance feel like an intimate confession. Then, as if there could be no better song to follow, he delivered “The Lives of Me.”

A Transformation on Stage

True to his theatrical roots, Sabella continued the evening with a stunning visual transformation. Shedding his all-black ensemble and shimmering shoes, he stepped into a dazzling new look—embodying the spirit of reinvention that both he and Peter Allen championed throughout their careers.

Meanwhile, Mark Hartman masterfully played and sang “Tenterfield Saddler” at the piano, adding yet another layer of depth to an already breathtaking performance.

When Sabella returned to the stage, he was nothing short of mesmerizing. Dressed in a sharp white suit embroidered with silver and diamonds, he positively glowed. Looking even more dashing than before, he flashed a knowing smile and playfully echoed David Maiocco’s famous line: “When I dress like this, it’s not to go unnoticed.”

And unnoticed, he was not. Hearts surely melted in the room—because if there’s one thing this man knows, it’s how to make an entrance.

A Standing Ovation for a Night to Remember

With humor, heart, and sheer vocal brilliance, David Sabella didn’t just close the season—he made it unforgettable. His tribute to Peter Allen was more than a concert; it was a dazzling display of artistry, reinvention, and the kind of raw emotional connection that only live performance can deliver.

The evening’s magic was amplified by a stellar live ensemble: Kath Sparo on cello, David Azofeita on accordion, Jared García González on bass guitar, Hamlet Cuellar on drums, and Jorge Arpero on saxophone—all under the masterful musical direction of pianist Mark Hartman. As the final notes of “I Go to Rio” filled the room, the energy soared. Georgia Darehshori—a passionate supporter of live music and the main sponsor of the Casa Karma Red Room —was front and center, soaking in every moment before later taking the stage for a spontaneous dance with Sabella.

The audience, already high on rhythm and joy, erupted into dance, their spirits lifted by the night’s electrifying finale.

And if last night was any indication, David Sabella is far from done.