Lorinda Lisitza's year-end cabaret engagement at the Metropolitan Room captured the hearts and regard of New York critics as well as the showgoers jamming the room. Offering stunning renditions of songs by composing team Joe Iconis and Robert Maddock, she forced one to contemplate whether they found a priceless gem in Lisitza or she discovered a treasure trove of songs, fashioned by musical gods expressly for her wide-ranging voice and expressive delivery. Whichever way, Triumphant Baby was a perfect title for the show.

The opening set the jaunty spirit for the night, and was right on the mark for an ambitious performer who hails from Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan. Lisitza was was an enchantress with "Get Out of Here, Move On and Don't Look Back." From there, the show never flagged, a handful of tunes from the perspective of losers -- including "Camden County Penitentiary" and "One Step Closer to Crazy" -- notwithstanding. Iconis and Maddock (and Lisitza) manage to stay endearing and often funny as they become minstrels of the misbegotten. Even with "Yolanda at the Bottom of the Stairs" (yes, she was pushed), then a frantic and frustrated woman who recognizes "That's What You Get for Falling in Love with Tom Hanks", plus their freaky but uproarious character in "Matilda McDort: A Hairstyle on Trial."

Iconis and Maddock's tunes are strongly rhythmic, brilliantly lyricized and highly original. They've set their sights on Broadway and musical theater. I won't be stunned, given enough years, to hear their names mentioned in the same breath as Lerner and Lowe, Rodgers and Hart or Kander and Ebb. If the pair is smart, they'll take Lisitza along on the ride.

Yes, this is a rave. But it's no plaintive cry from left field. As a result of this show, the New York cabaret critics have named Lorinda Lisitza recipient of the coveted 2007 New York Nightlife Award for Cabaret Musical Comedy. Everyone who saw Triumphant Baby will concur that it couldn't have been a better choice. .

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
January 10, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org