Linda Lavin is a pixie-sized bundle of energy, aglow with pleasure at being in New York and presenting her show at the Metropolitan Room. Although she never does much with her show's title, other than note that in her early wannabee years in New York, she was indeed a waitress, her autobiographical narrative from those years through successes in cabaret, theater and television, was charming, nostalgic, and often moving.

The reminiscences are frequently wry and ironic, sometimes laced with amusing self-deprecation. Referring to her then-novice status, Lavin notes, "I sang 'I'm Still Here,' when I'd been nowhere." It is a bit of a stretch, since the versatile performer had her Equity card even before she had a college degree. More to the point, perhaps, with years of singing and acting behind her and Tony and Drama Desk Awards to her credit, Songs and Confessions is a treat, delightfully crafted and intelligently performed. Songs - including a medley from her stint as Mama Rose in Gypsy - are sung with ebullience in a voice that ranges from velvety to smoky, handsomely accompanied by Billy Stritch, bassist Steve Doyle and drummer Steve Bakunas. And if there are those who doubt that stand-up comedy works in cabaret, direct them to Linda Lavin at the Metropolitan Room.

Linda Lavin and Songs and Confessions of a One-Time Waitress plays again at The Metropolitan Room May 6th and May 7th.

Peter Leavy
Cabaret Scenes
May 5, 2007
www.cabaretscenes.org