Cait Doyle’s debut at The Duplex is called Hot Mess in Manhattan, and her opening number—entitled “The Mess”—would seem to reinforce this label. But as a wise woman once said, we must be clean enough to be healthy and messy enough to be happy, and for all the (supposed) messiness of Doyle’s life, her show is a fun and silly take on the many quirks and foibles of New York City life.

With plenty of charm, wit and style that evokes Mary Tyler Moore in the best possible ways, Doyle shines with comic gems like Michael John LaChiusa’s “Coffee” and Michael Mahler’s “Starbucks” (theme?...Nah). Several numbers were written specifically for the show, including the jazzy title song by Ryan Scott Oliver and a very cute “Leaky Ceiling” by Sharon Kenny.

But for all the quirkiness, Doyle and her show both avoid kewpie-doll cuteness. A touch of gravitas gives songs like Sara Bareilles' “City” and Julianne Wick Davis’ “Lifetime” the right amount of poignancy. Dan Delaney’s smooth cello work does much to add depth to the music and Vince Peterson’s music direction and Jonathan Whitton’s stage direction keep the balance between comedy and poignancy in check. If Doyle herself is a mess, her show is anything but.

Jena Tesse Fox
Cabaret Scenes
March 21, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org