The voice is real ... the piano is real ... the rest is all an illusion.
Arnaldo! Drag Chanteuse
at The National Capital Cabaret Festival 2023
Crazy Aunt Helen's, WA DC
March 24, 2023
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Whenever I see an artist perform using a persona other than “themselves,” I always ask “why?” Arnaldo Drag Chanteuse took the stage in the inaugural National Capital Cabaret Festival at Crazy Aunt Helen’s in an auburn wig and a sparkly overdress and launched into “Diamonds Are Forever,” followed by a tender “The Nearness of You,” and then a bit of specialty material, “Arnaldo,” clarifying the performer’s name.
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However as further numbers were performed, including an Eartha Kitt-infused “C’Est Si Bon” and “I Wanna Be Evil,” a sultry take on “Peel Me a Grape,” and a successfully flirtatious “Something Cool,” I understood why this particular performer had chosen this persona.
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Cabaret Scenes Review by Michael Miyazaki
Photo by Brienna Brittany
Arnaldo! The Holiday Show
The Red Room, Puerto Vallarta, MX
"Vallarta’s own Bob Bruneau accompanied his friend and cabaret partner Arnaldo!, also from Seattle, in a stylish, sophisticated mini-concert <edit>. I happened to be sitting with Kim Kuzma tucked in a corner and able to quietly exchange comments. For Kim to be impressed - first with Bob’s impeccable piano playing – and second, with Arnaldo’s! perfect pitch is high praise indeed; I concur. Arnaldo!, drag chanteuse extraordinaire, will be back next season."
Marcia Blondin, Vallarta Tribune, December 2014
When Girls Just Want to Have Fun
The Rrazz Room, San Francisco
"...Arnaldo! serves a masterfully-prepared tasty banquet à la Eartha Kitt this time out, titled “C’est Si Bon!”, a musical tribute to - not a cloning of - the legendary Kitt (sumptuous accompaniment by Bob Bruneau). Focus, preparation, and talent free-up Arnaldo! to dish-out a hearty, heart-felt portion of purrrfect Kitt cabaret in this 45-minute, six-languaged set.... "
Mike Ward, San Francisco Bay Times, May 2010
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Photo by Christabelle Binag
Santa Baby with The Seattle Men's Chorus
Benaroya Hall, Seattle
"And oh yes, there is also a rendition of the pop classic that will always belong to Eartha Kitt, but is now in the capable hands of Seattle cabaret star deluxe, Arnaldo. So savory was his performance on opening night, the Tony winning Buckley admitted he was "a tough act to follow."
David Edward-Hughes, Talkin' Broadway Regional News & Reviews, December 2009
"And we finally got the song of this concert’s title – “Santa Baby” – in another remarkable encore, in which a troupe of extremely buff and half-naked men were the backup singers for the drag chanteuse now known as “Arnaldo!” (with his own exclamation point). Let’s just say it was all highly entertaining."
Melinda Bargreen, King FM
Photo courtesy of Flying House Productions
C'est Si Bon! A Tribute to Eartha Kitt
The Dorothy Bullit Cabaret at ACT, Seattle
"... the finest moments came with tunes less familiar. "Waray Waray" — in Tagalog, Arnaldo!'s first language — was a special treat, prompting a fond reminiscence of the sense of connection he felt with the language-hopping Kitt upon his first encounter with her work... "
Michael Upchurch, Seattle Times Arts Writer,November 2009
Julia's On Broadway, Seattle
"Seattle cabaret audiences have been entertained by "Drag Chanteuse" Arnaldo! for years. With an unbelievable voice, the songstress has played sold-out shows in small stages and large theaters. I saw Arnaldo! perform an Eartha Kitt tribute Wednesday night and two things happened - I am now a fan of both Kitt and Arnaldo! "
Shaun Knittel, Seattle Gay News (SGN) Staff Writer, June 2009
Photo courtesy of Timmy Pavino
Just An Old Fashioned Girl
The Duplex, New York
"Arnaldo is not just another drag act. Arnaldo is "Just An Old Fashioned Girl" and about as close to an old time night club chanteuse as we're likely to find on today's scene. Armed with an hour's worth of well-chosen songs, fun banter and laid back ease with an audience, this drag is no drag. He's the real deal in a world where prejudices and quick judgements are too often the norm."
AfterDark Review by John Hoglund, Cabaret Hotline Online, October 2007
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Graphics by Todd Hardman