The Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation
The Palm Theater
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
The Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation (US 501c3) kicks off its inaugural season with stars from Broadway and Cabaret offering a wide variety of performances at the Palm Cabaret Theater, as well as educational workshops and masterclasses to local performers and audiences alike.
The star-studded season includes performances by Broadway Icons Karen Mason, Stephnie Pope, and Sam Harris, Broadway and film composer & 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. For tickets please visit https://www.thepalmcabaret.com
MORE ABOUT BELLA VOX PERFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION
The Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation (founded in 2024 by Puerto Vallarta resident David Sabella) is a U.S. nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing high quality musical productions and education in the vocal & performing arts to underserved communities throughout the U.S., 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.
Last year, as General Manager of Act2PV, Sabella brought a cavalcade of Broadway and Cabaret stars to that venue, to great acclaim. This year, through the Bella Vox Foundation, Sabella is spreading the wealth in Puerto Vallarta, at the Palm Cabaret Theater. Additionally, the foundation will be presenting a workshop and 2 concerts in Chicago, IL, and a Gala Performance of Sabella’s tribute to Peter Allen Unlike Any Other Man in New York City, in November.
The Bella Vox season in Puerto Vallarta kicks off with Broadway legend and Artist Ambassador for Bella Vox, Karen Mason, on December 29, 2025 & Jan 4, 2026, and continues with Broadway star Stephanie Pope, January 14 & 18; cabaret phenom, Marieann Meringolo, February 11 & 15, and Broadway and recording star Sam Harris on March 26 & 29. Additionally on the roster is emerging star, and American Idol Alum, Ava Nicole Frances, January 23; and Broadway, TV, and Film Composer and Conductor David Friedman on March 15. Sabella will also present his Peter Allen tribute at the Palm, dates TBD.
Additional Artist Ambassadors and Board Members for Bella Vox are PV residents Brent Barrett, Cindy du Chateau-Ramirez, and Ernie Reyes; also Mexican born Broadway and TV star Bianca Marroquin, and renowned music-fusion artist, Mister Lady Zen, as well as New York Theater executives Bob Hoffman and Jana Robbins. Sabella Serves as the President/CEO, and Artistic Director with partner and nonprofit professional, Sally Ruecking (CFRE), as the foundation’s Chief Operating and Development Officer.
The Bella Vox Foundation is also committed to the training and support of emerging vocal artists, providing opportunities to younger, and/or unknown Mexican talent to perform in a cross cultural exchange between the US and Mexico, thereby creating an artistic bridge and opening up greater performance opportunities for all Mexican and US vocal artists, between the two countries.
In addition to the performances planned, the foundation will offer several masterclasses and workshops to local PV talent, on a “pay what you can” basis. No performer will be turned away. These classes include a vocal & performance master class with Karen Mason and Christopher Denny; a Musical Theater style dance class with Broadway Dancer (and Head of Professional Development for the Verdon Fosse Legacy) Stephanie Pope, and a week-long workshop with composer/conductor, and metaphysical author, David Friedman. And, Mr. Sabella himself will offer group and private instruction in Vocal Technique & Performance, as well as Acting and Scene Study throughout the season.
As a US nonprofit organization, the Bella Vox Foundation relies on the generous contributions of it’s donors. If you would like to contribute to the organization, in support of it’s mission and vision, and/or to sponsor an emerging Mexican singer, please visit the Bella Vox Performing Arts website at www.bellavoxarts.org
JOIN US THIS SEASON AT THE PALM CABARET THEATER !!!
KAREN MASON
Karen Mason: Boadway Baby!
Dec. 29 & Jan. 4 at 7PM ($950 MXN)
Music Director: CHRISTOPHER DENNY
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)
More About Karen Mason
Grammy-nominated Recording, Concert, Cabaret Artist Karen Mason has enjoyed a multifaceted career on Stage, Film and Television. TV: Mrs. Marsh on Ryan Murphy’s Halston on Netflix. THEATER “Madame Giry” in the North American Premier of Love Never Dies (Lloyd Webber’s sequel to The Phantom of the Opera). On Broadway, starred as The Queen of Hearts in Wonderland, and originated the role of Tanya in Mamma Mia!(2002 Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress). Also, Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s Sunset Boulevard, on Broadway and in Los Angeles; Velma von Tussel, (Broadway company of Hairspray); “Monotony” singer, Mazeppa (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway). On tour and regional, she starred in Chasing Rainbows (The Paper Mill Playhouse), A Christmas Story as Miss Shields, White Christmas, (St. Louis Muni Opera), Gypsy (Sundance Theatre and Muni); and Company (Huntington Theatre). Off-Broadway, she won the Outer Critics Circle Award for her performance in And the World Goes ‘Round. She is a 14-time MAC Award winner, was the recipient of the 2019 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award., and has received three Bistro Awards. Her nine albums include And All That Jazz (the songs of Kander & Ebb); the single, “It’s About Time,” written by Paul Rolnick and Shelly Markham; Let the Music Play; Right Here/Right Now; The Sweetest of Nights; When the Sun Comes Out; Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!; Better Days (featuring the 1998 Emmy Award-winning song “Hold Me”); and Not So Simply Broadway. Also, Wonderland (original cast), Jeffrey, Wonderful Town, the cast album of And the World Goes Round. For even more information please visit www.karenmason.com
PRESS QUOTES:
● “Fierce emotion! Intense and intimate!” – The New York Times
● “…a powerful voice… rich resonance you associate with Judy Garland or Barbra Streisand.” – Indianapolis Star
● “At the top of her game and better than ever!” – Backstage Magazine
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STEPHANIE POPE
All About Love
Jan. 14 & 18 at 7 pm ($950 MXN)
Music Director: MARK HARTMAN
Broadway star Stephanie Pope (Pippin, Chicago, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Fosse, Smoky Joe’s Cafe, A Funny Thing Happened…Forum, Kiss of the Spider Woman, 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 and 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 such as Chita Rivera, Whitney Houston, and Bob Fosse.
More About Stephanie Pope
Stephanie Pope is a Harlem, New York native and an award-winning performer who has appeared in television, film, cruise ships, cabaret rooms and most notably, eleven Broadway shows, including Chicago (Velma Kelly), Fosse (Leading Player), and Jelly’s Last Jam (The Hunnies). She was chosen to work with the legendary director/choreographer, Bob Fosse, along with his wife and muse, Gwen Verdon, on her first two Broadway shows, and holds the distinct and treasured title of “Fosse Dancer.” She is one of a handful of performers sanctioned to teach Fosse Master Classes on behalf of The Fosse Estate and currently serves as Director of Professional Development for The Verdon Fosse Legacy LLC©. In addition, Stephanie has shared the stage with such luminaries as Chita Rivera, Ben Vereen, Donna McKechnie, Debbie Allen, MariLu Henner, Gregory Hines, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and Nathan Lane, to name a few. Visit her at: www.stephaniepope.com
PRESS QUOTES:
● “…a triumphant, soul-baring evening…” – Times Square Chronicles
● “…dazzles with effervescence… one of the most reliable go-to musical performers…” – Theater Pizzazz
● “…possesses really great pipes… can go from mellow emotion to playful, lilting jazz and moves with the grace of a panther on the prowl.”- Backstage
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AVA NICOLE FRANCES
Ava Nicole Frances: The Dream That I See
Jan. 23 at 7 pm ($750 MXN)
Music Director: MARK HARTMAN
As part of the BELLA VOX EMERGING STARS SERIES
Sponsored by Frank Silletti and Sonny Vukic (Daddios Productions LLC)
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 at 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 songwriter Stephen Schwartz. Ava’s voice effortlessly moves from pop and Broadway to jazz and the 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!
More on Ava Nicole Frances
Ava Nicole Frances—actor, singer, songwriter—was born in Arizona of Native American and Mexican heritage, raised in San Francisco by her two dads, and recently moved to New York City to follow her dreams. Ava began performing at ten years old, and has already wowed audiences in the U.S. and Europe. She is a two-time Broadway World Cabaret Award winner, and a Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC) Award nominee for her original song “Little Did I Know.” She is also the recipient of the Michael Feinstein Songbook Academy Spotlight Award and a top-five finalist on Broadway World’s Next on Broadway competition. Ava is a proud alum of the TV reality show, American Idol (season 22) gaining a spot in the top 56 out of over 70,000 contestants. She attended NYU Tisch School of the arts, majoring in Musical Theater with a double minor in Creative Writing and Psychology. In 2025 Ava released two albums. Her debut original album, I Can’t Play with Flowers and a concert album, The Dream That I See, Live at The Green Room 42.
PRESS QUOTES
● “Nothing less than breathtaking…” – BroadwayWorld .com
● “A 10 out of 10” – Cabaret Scenes
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MARIEANN MERINGOLO
Shades of Love
Feb. 11 at 7 pm and Feb. 15 at 5 pm ($950 MXN)
Music Director: MARK HARTMAN
Housing Sponsored by Kim LaRue Dance Studio/Kim LaRue Follies
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!
More about Marieann Meringolo
Sultry, soulful, and spellbinding — Marieann Meringolo is a voice you feel as much as you hear. A powerhouse vocalist with velvet tones and magnetic stage presence, she turns every song into an intimate confession, drawing audiences deep into the heart of every lyric. A celebrated interpreter of the Great American Songbook and contemporary classics alike, Marieann blends timeless sophistication with modern allure. Her performances shimmer with power, sensuality, and emotional honesty — a signature style that has earned her standing ovations and rave reviews on stages from New York City to beyond.
In Shades of Love, Marieann explores love in all its colors — passionate, playful, tender, and true. With her lush vocals, wit, and warmth, she invites audiences to celebrate Valentine’s week with music that stirs the heart and ignites the senses. Embark on a journey through the ups and downs of life and love as she breathes new life into classic songs by renowned artists like Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Christina Perri and more! Elegant. Emotional. Unforgettable. Marieann Meringolo delivers Shades of Love — a Valentine experience that’s pure magic.
PRESS QUOTES:
● “Marieann Meringolo, a singer who bears some physical and vocal resemblance to Barbra Streisand, delivers soulful songs about love lost and strength found. Her performances are grand and captivating.” – The New York Times
● “The vocal Love-child of KD Land and Barbra Streisand” – BroadwayWorld .com
● “Grand and Captivating… delivers soulful songs about love lost and strength found.” – The New York Times
● “Excellence in every way.” – NiteLifeExchange
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DAVID FRIEDMAN
Puerto Vallarta Sings David Friedman
A Review of Friedman’s Song Sung By Your Favorite PV Performers
March 15 at 5PM ($700 MXN)
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.
More About David Friedman
David Friedman—songwriter, Disney & Broadway composer/conductor, and author—is a multi-platinum songwriter, internationally known for writing songs that touch our hearts and speak to our souls. He was also conductor/vocal arranger for Disney films Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin, Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as well as conducting six shows on Broadway, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Grease, and musical supervising the original Broadway production of Beauty & The Beast. David produced all of the late/great Nancy LaMott’s 10 CDs and two of her DVDs, and has written some of her most iconic songs, including, “Listen to My Heart,” “We Can Be Kind,” “Help Is on the Way,” “Just in Time for Christmas,” “I’ll Be Here with You,” “We Live on Borrowed Time,” and “Your Love” (which was also a quadruple platinum hit for Diana Ross). In addition, David wrote the comedy classic, “My Simple Christmas Wish (Rich, Famous and Powerful),” as well as hundreds of other songs for cabaret, theater, film, and TV.
He won the 2018 Drama Desk, Outer Critics’ Circle and Off Broadway Alliance Awards for his hit musical Desperate Measures, and has written songs for Disney’s Aladdin and the King of Thieves, The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Bambi 2, and Trick, as well as writing the songs and scores for three children’s television series and over 100 songs for the Today Show’s “Everyone Has a Story” segment. David is the author of seven books, including The Thought Exchange®, a transformational guidebook for overcoming restrictive mental patterns, and teaches this method to singers, actors, students and corporations, both privately and in seminars.
PRESS QUOTES
● “An evening of pure pleasure.” – Long Island Herald
● “A beautiful evening of optimism, and who doesn’t need that?” – Next Magazine
● “David Friedman is a shaman. The OPRAH of song!” – WMCA Radio
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SAM HARRIS
Beyond the Rainbow
March 26 & 29 at 7pm ($950 MXN)
Music Director: MARK HARTMAN
Housing Sponsored by Rick Moore
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 “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.
More About Sam Harris
Sam Harris is a multi-platinum recording artist. Rolling Stone Magazine listed him 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 one-man shows include the smash-hits Hard Copy, Different Hats, SAM., and the autobiographical HAM: A Musical Memoir, based on his best-selling book HAM: Slices of a Life, which triumphantly played New York and Los Angeles, winning several prestigious Ovation Awards. The show was filmed for television, received multiple film festival prizes, and can be seen on all prominent streaming channels. Behind the scenes, Sam supervised and directed segments of Michael Jackson’s 30th Year Anniversary at Madison Square Garden, wrote music for the award-winning film Little Man, and co-wrote Liza’s At The Palace, which won the Tony Award. His new novel,“The Substance of All Things, is in development for a major motion picture. To learn more about Sam, please visit SamHarris.com
PRESS QUOTES:
● “Sam Harris is a phenomenon!” – The New York Times
● “Volcanic! Magnificent! One showstopper after another.” – Los Angeles Times
● “Sam Harris is one of the greatest performers ever on television, EVER!” – Jimmy Fallon
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BELLA VOX PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION SERIES
Karen Mason and Christopher Denny will also offer a Broadway Asterclass to ALL local performers. (10 students will be selected to perform. Auditors may watch.) This educational program is offered by the Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation (US 501c3) on a “pay what you can” donation basis to ALL local performers. No performer will be turned away, but only ten students will be selected to participate. Audience/Auditors pay $400 MXN at the door. (Date and Time TBD) For more information and to
REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS as a participant or auditor/audience visit www.bellavoxarts.org
David Friedman will present a six-day workshop March 9-14, Metaphysics & Music. A MUST for all performers in PV! This Educational Program offered by the Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation features acclaimed songwriter, Broadway, TV, and film composer, conductor, and self-help author, David Friedman, in a week of intense musical and performance coaching, in both a group and private setting. Free your voice and free yourself from negative thoughts in this EXTRAORDINARY workshop, half music-coaching, half life-coaching as Friedman, author of “he Thought Exchange, works with each singer to unleash their full potential. Workshop participants will perform at the end of the week, March 15 @ 5PM, at the Palm Cabaret Theater. Feel the sensations and FLY!!
Schedule
DAY 1 (March 9, 10am – 1pm) – Introductions, all participants sing 2 songs of their choice. After hearing each singer, Mr. Friedman will assign one of his own songs that he feels suits the singer’s talents, which they will learn during the week and sing in the concert at the end of the week. Full class together, auditors welcome.
DAY 2 (March 10, 10am – 1pm) – Thought Exchange work – looking at how our thoughts create our lives and how to use them to create the success and fulfillment we desire. Full class together, auditors welcome.
DAY 3 (March 11, 10am – 3pm) – Individual Private Coaching with each singer on their “David Friedman” song. (30 mins) Participants are welcome, but not required, to watch all coachings. No Auditors/Audience
DAY 4 (March 12, 10am – 1pm) – Music Performance coaching, Full class together, auditors welcome.
DAY 5 (March 13, 10am – 1pm) – Putting it together. We will put the upcoming show on its feet. Auditors Welcome.
DAY 6 (March 14) TBD as needed rest or work. No Auditors/Audience
Day 7 (March 15) Put the show onstage, Tech rehearsal, SHOW at 5PM
This educational workshop is offered by the Bella Vox Performing Arts Foundation (US 501c3) on a “pay what you can” donation basis to ALL local performers. No performer will be turned away, but only Ten students will be selected to participate. Auditors may also attend the workshop for a daily rate of $200 MX per day, paid at the door (4 Auditing days). Ticket price for the show $700 MXN. For more information and to REGISTER for this workshop, as a participant or auditor/audience visit – > www.bellavoxarts.org
David Sabella will offer weekly group classes in both vocal technique & performance, and acting & scene study, January – March. (Day and location TBD.) For more information, please visit www.BellaVoxArts.org
