Kevin Dozier's Love-Wise at the Metropolitan Room proves that San Francisco's loss is New York's gain. Cabaret is a cozy fit for Dozier, who brings his second New York show, Love-Wise, to the Metropolitan Room. He is warm, communicative, and polished to a sheen. He sings like a dream and tells cute stories, focusing on the lyrics with musical savvy to back it up. This is a blue-chip, professionally delivered, engaging program by a charming singer. Over-stated? Not at all. Dozier fits all the adjectives.

He's a gay man whose love songs zing the strings of both women's and men's hearts. He has a secure baritone voice with a confident belt and opens with a high-spirited, "Yes," Kander and Ebb's affirmation to live and love life with wisdom. Lingering over sensuous melody lines, his oldie by Frank Loesser, "On a Slow Boat to China," is sumptuous with Kenny Dybitsz on the sexy sax. Going back even further, “Remember" paired with "Always” (Irving Berlin) is heartbreakingly tender.

Christopher Marlowe provides exciting arrangements, many tinged with jazz, harmonies that are creatively discordant and nimble finger work. Musical firecrackers bring new life to "People Will Say We're in Love" (Rodgers and Hammerstein) with all the band cats joining in. Rather than repeat the usual swingin' version of Cahn and Van Heusen's bachelor anthem, "Call Me Irresponsible," Dozier rendered a more thoughtful rendition. Purposely on the silly side is the melody of "On My Own" from Les Misérables sung to TV's The Brady Bunch lyrics.

Can anything be improved in this show? Maybe, but why nit-pic? Directed with the Scott Barnes touch, it is a totally enjoyable hour, amiable, witty, and poignant. Even the few first-night glitches were met with poise and humor. If there is such a thing as an all-around cabaret guy, he is it.

A superb band led by Christopher Marlowe on piano included theater pros like John Redsecker on drums, Dick Sarpola on bass, Peter Sanders on cello, and Kenny Dybitsz on reeds.

Kevin Dozier brings Love-Wise to the Metropolitan Room October 22, 29, and 30.

Elizabeth Ahlfors
Cabaret Scenes
October 22, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org