Marcia Blondin***Robert Ryan was born in Rhode Island a while back, and Mary Porter in North Carolina, also some time ago. Their biggest connection to one another was singing professionally back in their day, but now enjoying themselves in the second half of their lives. They met here in Puerto Vallarta, and Mary asked Robert to sing at her 4th Annual fundraiser for Vallarta School for Girls at Teatro Vallarta in January. 
Robert spent his real-job life as a fundraiser and, of course, immediately consented.
Porter brought her debut show, Hats off to Carolina, from last November at 54 Below in New York to The Palm Cabaret here in Vallarta last month. Ryan, on the other hand, is exporting HIS Vallarta show, Here’s to the Ladies to Don’t Tell Mama in New York this coming September 2026. Porter celebrates the songs, songwriters, and singers that come from her home state. She did extensive research to uncover the surprising number of North Carolinians who have made a mark in U.S. music history, including Nina Simone, James Taylor, Roberta Flack, Randy Travis and more. Ryan shares stories about his colorful aunts, grandmothers, and the lady friends he has collected over his lifetime: he has a song and a portrait for each ofthem. Both are loving storytellers, and while there is more music than chit-chat, every word is in its proper and dignified place.
Ryan’s preview of Here’s to the Ladies took place in the expansive Living Room at Casa Karma. One of the “Ladies” who has infl
uenced his life is Casa Karma owner Georgia Darehshori, who was in attendance, smiling as Ryan literally sang her praises for offering her Casa Karma space to entertainers off-season to continue earning money with their craft. Early in his performance, Ryan began to sing Stephhen Sondheim’s “The Ladies Who Lunch” (Company). A few bars in, the living room door opened, and in strolled two dear friends in drag, clad in bright orange cotton frocks, pearls, bejeweled handbags, and martini glasses raised high. They sedately took their seats without a word. It took some time for the audience to stop roaring with laughter before Ryan and music director Michael Ferreri could continue the song. A masterful touch; the incredulous look on Ryan’s face was priceless—a throwback to his operatic days.
In Hats off to Carolina, Porter shared her deep emotional connection to a song made popular by Roberta Flack. She dedicated it to mothers everywhere, recalling the moment she held her daughter immediately after she was born, softly beginning ”The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Two artists, on different stages, are taking chances because they finally understand they can, and both of them are blossoming like rare tropical flowers here in the warmth of Puerto Vallarta.
