The indomitable Baby Jane Dexter continues to march to her own drummer as she resurrects her critically acclaimed "Body & Soul" for three encore performances at the Metropolitan Room in March and April.
"Body & Soul," which she premiered during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays -- a treasured annual tradition -- repeats on Saturday March 4; Saturday March 18, Friday April 7. All shows are at 7pm.
Dexter's longtime music director Ross Patterson joins her on piano on March 4 and 18; Ian Herman her other trusted servant, takes over on April 7
Dexter had what some might call a new lease on life, when, in 2015, she defied the odds, overcoming personal and health setbacks with "It's Personal!" a show that The NY Times declared "was greeted with tears and cheers." In what was widely viewed as something of a Christmas miracle at the time, the 2015 MAC Lifetime Achievement Award winner then reprised the show in March 2016. Dexter's "skill at delivering lyrics with forceful honesty has only sharpened," said Stephen Holden. "She has bounced back, bowed but unbroken." Writing in playstosee.com Paul Meltzer called it a "special experience."
To the delight of her fans she was ready with "Body & Soul" this past November, a brand new show.
"Body & Soul" features songs from such special songwriters as Eubie Blake, Johnny Green, Randy Newman, Frank Sinatra, the Gershwins, Johnny Mercer, Bessie Smith and two gems by Jimmy Van Heusen and Dorothy Fields. Without question this particular body of work has everlasting soul as Dexter combines her volcanic blues-flavored eruptions with her playful, even childlike wit and generosity.
The recipient of seven major MAC Awards, two Nightlife Awards, and two Bistro Awards, Dexter has performed at an endless array of major venues throughout the country, including Reno Sweeney, The Ballroom, Eighty Eight's, Blues Alley, The Kennedy Center and Weill Recital Hall. The Metropolitan Room, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last May, has been her NY base of operations from the beginning.
The reigning grande dame of New York cabaret, Baby Jane encores "Body & Soul" on Saturday March 4; Saturday March 18, Friday April 7. All shows are at 7pm. The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street (between 5th & 6th Avenues). There is a $25 music charge and a $25 food-and-drink minimum. For reservations call 212/206-0440 or to pre-pay online visit www.metropolitanroom.com.
