The Monitor from McAllen, Texas • 49

10F Friday, March 13, 1998 THE MONITOR, McAllen, Texas Ricky Martin's CD 'Vuelve' captures singer's diversity By MARIO TERRADELL The Dallas Morning News i Id- -i Vuelve, Ricky Martin's fourth solo album, will forever be remembered as the breakthrough that put his boyish face and chiseled body in the mainstream. 'It debuted at No. I on Billboard's Latin chart and already has crossed over to the chart. But this is ho overnight success: It's just the next phase in a carefully executed career plan. A former member of Puerto Rico's famed Menudo, Martin's three previous solo efforts particularly 1 995's A Medio Vivir and its flamenco-heavy international hit "Maria" set the stage for Vuelve's immediate acceptance.

Musically, his popularity is no surprise. Since "Maria," Martin has found a niche with danceable, high-energy pop songs. Vuelve opens with the propulsive, percussion-packed "Por Arriba, PorAbajo," a-rumba-influenced track crunchy and melodic enough to keep the feet and the ears happy. He sticks with that tribal, semi-exotic for-mula for a handful of.songs, the best of the bunch being the salsa-tinged "Lola, Lola," the samba-style "La Bdmba" and the horn-powered corker "Marcia Baila." But like most young, photogenic male Latin pop singers, it's those ballads that keep teen-age girls coming back for more. The title cut, a sultry love song with a sexy refrain, makes the best of his powder-keg Vocals.

Likewise for "Perdido Sin Ti," a bedroom staple with a dreamy hook and a simmering feel. Vuelve does, however, slip into excesses. A Spanish cover of Michael Bolton's recent Hercules movie theme, here titled "No Importa la Distancia," is an unwelcome Photo courtesy of Sony Latin RICKY MARTIN Special To The Monitor LIVE COMEDY dose of sugary pap. The album's final tune, the instrumental reprise of the ballad "Casi Un Bolero," is overkill in this already lengthy record. Ultimately, Vuelve is about the singer not the music.

To his credit, Martin is showing a refreshing flair for diversity. And he surrounds himself with top-notch songwriters such as Franco de Vita, Luis Gomez Escolar and former Menudo compatriot Robi Rosa. But he's the lure, and thus far he's hard to resist. Comedian George Carlin will perform Wednesday, March 18, at the South Padre Island Convention Center. All reserved seats are Tickets are on sale at the box office.

What's hot and what's not on Broadway this season So you're'planing a trip to New York city and want to see at least one play on Broadway. But which one? You have 30 on Broadway, plus the many off-Broadway plays to choose from. Based on what I've i MARIAN MONTA fantastic reviews. I'm hoping to catch it in England. You can see it in New York with Alan Alda.

High schoolers on up will enjoy it, but I don't think younger kids will find it interesting. It's about art and friendship. I loved Last Night at Ballyhoo perfect for high school and up, but not "grab-by" enough for grade schoolers. A Flea in Her Ear is a wonderful farce for junior high and senior citizens and everyone in between. Now, if it's not on this list, then a) I didn't like it, or b) can't recommend it or c) haven't heard enough about it to help you choose.

As we say at the University Theatre I hope you enjoy the Marian Monta heads the drama department at the University of Texas-Pan American. tively still for over an hour at a time). It's fascinating on many levels. Broadway doesn't have children's shows, as it is geared to adult audiences. So I've arranged the listings in order of age-appropriateness.

If you have children between ages 7-1 2, 1 suggest Beauty and the Beast, which is like the cartoon, or Lion King (307-4100 for both). For 4th graders and up, add The Sound of Music (239-6200), and Cats. Get Cats at the half price booth that day don't pay double at the box office.) Add Rent (307-4100), but don't take mom. It's La Boheme with AIDS. For those of us with perfect hearing, it's too loud.

But it is a hot ticket for the over-13 and under-60 set. The same is true of Stomp (477-2477), which is all about banging with pots and pans and trash-can lids. Bring in Da the AARP card to get the discounts. It's the only Broadway show I've seen three times. Even after ten years The Phantom of the Opera is still, going strong (239-6200).

Mom will love the music and the kids will love the chandelier. And don't forget Miss Saigon, which is Madame Butterfly with a helicopter (239-6200). A whole raft of PG shows are available. Chicago is even better now that we're all so familiar with mercenary lawyers and the people who beat the rap (239-6200). It's got style to spare.

Cabaret is back, but I haven't seen it. Should be good (719-1300). Jekyll and Hyde got great reviews (239-6200). So did Ragtime, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Titanic. Everyone is raving about -1776.

Call 307-4100 for all four of these highly-touted musicals. For non-musicals, Art has Noise, Bring in Da Funk is a Tony-winning history of African-Americans, told through tap-dancing, poetry and song. Mom may not like it as much as a show with a regular plot (239-6200). The entire group will enjoy Eugene O'Neill's famous Ah, Wilderness! which is just opening at Lincoln Center (239-6200). How about The Diary of Anne Frank, which many kids will have to read in high school? Let them see and enjoy (239-6200).

And Alec Baldwin is cutting up in Shakespeare's Macbeth with Angela Bassett as Lady M. It's downtown, but worth the cab ride. (239-6200). And it sure beats having to listen to it being read aloud by the front row in English III. Les Miserables will send the whole crowd to the bookstore to read Victor Hugo again.

If you go to the ticket window, pull out the student ID's and seen person- ally and heard about, below is a list of suggestions. Dial area code 212 and the number listed at the end of the description to get the box office. But be prepared to pay an extra $5 surcharge to order on your credit card. The hottest ticket on Broadway is The Lion King. Great for any age, from your mother-in-law to your first graders (if they can sit rela.