Marieann Meringolo Brings a Lot of Living—and Heart—to Puerto Vallarta

Under the beautiful Puerto Vallarta night, a star from New York shone brilliantly on stage. Making her highly anticipated PV debut, Long Island native Marieann Meringolo delivered a dazzling performance with her show A Lot of Living to Do, captivating audiences with her crisp vocals, dynamic presence, and a deep well of emotion that made every lyric resonate.

From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, draped in a see-through blazer adorned with floral accents and a matching flower necklace, Meringolo embodied both grace and playfulness. A consummate storyteller, she wove a tapestry of song and reflection, guiding the audience through milestones of love, wisdom, and the beauty—and challenges—of aging. With her signature “crispy” voice and an undeniable stage presence, she reminded us all why cabaret remains an art form like no other.

A Journey Through Music and Meaning

Meringolo’s setlist was an eclectic and deeply personal mix, spanning beloved standards and poignant anthems. She paid tribute to Dionne Warwick with an achingly beautiful rendition of I Say a Little Prayer (“the moment I wake up… before I put on my makeup…”), a song that instantly transported the audience to another era.

One of the evening’s most touching moments came as she reflected on the evolution of songs over time. “As a kid, I liked this song,” she mused. “As an adult, I truly understand it. It’s either sadness or euphoria.” With this insight, she delivered a song like peeling an onion—layer by layer, revealing new depths of emotion.

The show also featured a well-crafted medley that subtly omitted Alfie, opting instead for a poignant rendition of What’s It All About?, showcasing Meringolo’s ability to reinterpret classics in ways that feel both fresh and profoundly moving.

A Musical Collaboration, a Masterful Performance

While her longtime musical director Doyle arranged the evening’s music, it was Mark Hartman who took the stage, bringing those arrangements to life with a performance that was both graceful and masterful. His playing was rich, expressive, and perfectly attuned to Meringolo’s every note, proving once again why he is one of the finest accompanists in the business.

Love, Milestones, and a Furry Family Member

As much as the evening celebrated nostalgia, it was also filled with personal moments. Her girlfriend, Nancy, was in the audience, a presence that seemed to bring even more warmth to Meringolo’s already heartfelt delivery. And while she doesn’t have children, she does have a beloved furry child—her dog, whom she openly admitted to missing terribly while being away from home.

With warmth and wit, Meringolo touched on life’s inevitable journey. From milestones to gravity (both the physical and existential kind), she tackled aging with humor and heart. She referenced a lyric from Susan Werner that got a knowing laugh from the audience: What did you do to your face?—a nod to the pressures of time and the industry.

Her set also included nods to beloved icon Alan & Marilyn Bergman, artists whose timeless work continues to inspire. “It’s hard to pick a favorite,” she admitted, speaking to the lasting impact of truly great art.

A Show Rooted in Hope

As much as the evening celebrated nostalgia, it was also a testament to hope. “I love living life through hope,” Meringolo shared, before launching into an emotionally rich pairing of I’m Always Chasing Rainbows and Somewhere Over the Rainbow—a seamless transition that left the audience breathless.

She closed the show with heartfelt gratitude, delivering a final message that lingered long after the last note faded: “Stay strong to our truths—that will make a difference. We can be kind. Life is short, and we need to make the best of it.”

And with that, Marieann Meringolo left the stage, leaving us all thinking that, in fact, there is a lot of living to do.