By Marcia Blondin***I caught Brian Justin Crum‘s show a year ago at the newly opened Coco Cabaret and was happy to see him once again this season. There was a noticeable change this year, however—he’s in love with a Canadian he met on a Vallarta beach a year ago, and he is so very happy. The dynamics onstage have a new, different color, with Crum almost giddy with happiness, which seems odd at first
glance, juxtaposed against the rivers of tattoos and piercings. But lovely.
He was on Broadway at 17 in a production of Wicked, and for half of his 38 years, he has been in ensemble casts with big touring companies. Over the years, he has shared a vocal coach with Adam Lambert and worked with guitarist-songwriter Sir Brian May of Queen fame.
Ten years ago, he auditioned for America’s Got Talent, blowing away the audience and the judges with a cover of “Somebody to Love,” a Freddie Mercury classic that he nailed, earning a standing ovation—no mean feat. He finished in 4th place. Which begs the question: what the hell is the matter with the judges?
Here in Vallarta, besides Mr. Crum, we have soprano Effie Passero, who now lives here, and tenor Branden James, who spends a chunk of winter performing with his husband every year, both runners-up. And, this season, for the first time in Mexico, The Palm Cabaret had Ava Nicole Frances on its stages. All non-winners, again, judges, hello?
All these failed alumni are blessings in Vallarta’s incredibly talented and long list of entertainers, and we are so grateful to have them. Another curious aspect of Brian Justin Crum is his ability to own a very big, empty stage. There are no musicians and no dancers; just him. He is a natural storyteller, and between songs he regales the audience with a tale or two. He is fiercely gay, now that he can be. Growing up as an overweight, bullied gay boy has left its mark, and he is fit, gorgeous and unapologetically queer.
I was so grateful for a pitch-black theater when he sang ”Creep”—in what has almost become his signature song, unleashing his sensitivity and power in every phrase. His rare countertenor voice is crisp, clear and controlled… unlike the tears that rolled down my face.
At the end of the show, everyone in the sold-out cabaret lined up to meet, hug, and chat with this brilliant and charismatic singer. His graciousness after a long, uninterrupted solo concert was wonderful and endearing to see. Many thanks, BJC.
Photos by Marcia Blondin
