For "The Real Thing" in both a cabaret show and just delivering a song, always count on the magnetic Baby Jane Dexter. With her robust alto, her songs come from the soul and aim for the heart, touching and life-affirming, sometimes humorous, often heartbreaking, always honest. Her songs mean something to her and to you.
The first two songs in "The Real Thing" set in place the focus of this show, first a contrast of idealistic dreams against the real deal of life with, "In the Real World." Dexter then goes on to nail down the point with, "You've Got to Hurt Before You Heal." She approaches her theme through different paths, combining less-known songs with standards like, "I'll Be Around," her face taut with pain. "I Won't Cry Anymore" is colored with determination. A Janis Ian hit, "Some People's Lives," touches the heart with its sensitivity, and "I Learned from the Best" roils with resentment.
All is not tears and sorrow in this show, far from it. A Clyde Otis classic, "Baby, You've Got What It Takes," rocks with Ross Patterson's rocking piano vamp. She reprises a favorite of hers, "There is Nothing Like a Dame." Especially this dame.
The Real Thing combines Dexter again with her longtime arranger and musical director, Ross Patterson, delivering imaginative arrangements. Elissa Patterson serves as consulting director. Baby Jane Dexter is the real thing and the epitome of her departure song, "Forever Young." She is incomparable, proving again that even with tough times and heartaches, she still comes out the other side with an optimism and humor. She has reached a point of acceptance in her life while recognizing the value of her experiences and thus giving the show its universality. Intelligent and complex, she freely shares her spirit and joy You don't get better than that.
