Is Sensational

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 ¨I always think with my heart,¨ Edith Piaf declares.

Musical actress Alex Ryer conveys that in song and telling briefly of the Little Sparrow´s life and loves in Pure Piaf, an Edith Piaf Tribute.

Piaf was a fragil figure dressed in black, standing only 4 feet 10 inches tall. Yet her voice was powerful and able to be strong and defiant or sad and nostalgic. She was a prominent popular music figure in France and around the world. Her recordings endure today.

Ryer often moved among the packed audience at The Palm, Olas Altas 508, opening night Wednesday, creating enthusiastic response. She tells of Piaf´s harsh childhood, her rise as an international star, her relations with men, and her downfall to alcohol and other addictions, all in a first person, intimate way. Piaf collapsed on stage and died in 1963 at age 47.

The acting ability and powerful voice of the Denver actress comes through in the songs. The audience loved the familiar songs such as La Vie en Rose, with rose petals being tossed their way, Milord, Under Paris Skies, Hymne de L´Amour (If You Love Me, Really Love Me), and No Je Ne Regrette Rien. The most dramatic and heartbreaking song is Autumn Leaves. Drinking way too much, Piaf through tears, is reaching for something lost, missing someone terribly.

A unique aspect of Pure Piaf are scenes with Piaf coming back following her death. There is humor, with no regrets. ¨I will let go of love with all of its heartache.¨ ¨With my memories, I will light the fire.¨

The award-winning actress Ryer is accompanied on piano and accordion by Emily Fellner, who is a recent graduate of the University of Northern Colorado where Ryer teaches musical theatre. Fellner will study with and audition for opera companies in Europe.

Director Melissa Lucero McCarl, a native of Denver, is author and director of ¨Painted Bread,¨ a play of the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The much honored director will join playwright Tony Kushner and other playwrights in the Curious Theatre´s War Anthology which addresses the American experience of war throughout history.

Producer Tencha Avila says a generous portion of the receipts of Pure Piaf will benefit local women´s enlightenment programs.

Alex Ryer points out, ¨Puerto Vallarta audiences are wonderful. It requires a lot of sympathy to connect with Edith Piaf, and they make the connection.¨ A standing ovation showed that connection was made. Now Ryer hopes to proceed with the show to off-Broadway…..and maybe on to Broadway.

Performances are December 9, 11 and 13 at Mark Rome´s wonderful venue of The Palm. Tickets are $200 pesos and may be reserved by calling 224-1053.