Playing and singing his own compositions, Steven Lutvak displayed once again his inventive music and sophisticated lyrics. His song list at The Laurie Beechman Theater moved from the comedic "Bagel Makers to the Czar" to the plaintive, touching "Museums." A highlight was the introduction of three songs from his forthcoming musical based on the film classic, "Kind Hearts and Coronets," plus two new songs, "I Love Books" and "Don't Let Me Get Ahead of My Heart." A novel touch was the use of a recorded background for "Beware the Anger of Soft-Spoken Men."

Lutvak is a captivating entertainer. He provides, in turn, songs that plumb the emotional depths of love and disappointment and those with a pervasive sense of humor that fills the evening with immediate smiles and laughter. He is good and he knows it. He is confident, self-assured and thoroughly professional. His on-stage diversions are well done. He combines an elusive quality of intimacy and wit. In every way, he produces triumph for himself and pleasure for a most appreciative audience.

Seymour Spilka
Cabaret Scenes
May 7, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org