Rockabye, Sweet Baby Jane. Baby Jane Dexter's The Real World mixes ballads, blues and even gospel in a performance supported by a high-octane piano accompanist (Ross Patterson). This musical narrative is ripe with sorrow to the point of being uncomfortable at times, until one concludes that this is an autobiographical sketch - which makes it an even more bitter pill to swallow.

The transition from the fun and bluesy “She's Too Good for Me” to “Hurt” has a barbiturate effect. However, Baby Jane reminds us as we look into her beautiful eyes, that in the real world one doesn't orchestrate one's own emotional roller coaster. If there is any shred of manhood, you are driven to jump onto stage and rockabye Sweet Baby Jane, cradling her and assuring her that all in the world will be all right.

“Do Right Woman” is a lovely gospel tune, and my personal favorite was “I Learned from the Best,” as I'm partial to minor keys backed up by some splendid piano. “Some People's Lives” hints that Baby Jane had true love in her life, albeit the scales (pardon the pun) are not tipped in favor of romantic satisfaction.
Dessert comes at the end of the show as the audience is treated to a special intimacy as Baby Jane meanders among them with encouraging pleas for remaining “Forever Young.” If you can withstand the emotional onslaught then this show is a must see and this reviewer gives it two thumbs up. Thank you, Sweet Baby Jane.

Baby Jane is at the Metropolitan Room every Friday and Saturday through December 18.

Steve Widom
Cabaret Scenes
November 26, 2010
www.cabaretscenes.org