Before this writer begins delving into the sheer brilliance that is "Manilow '73-'83," executed by the incredible Lennie Watts at the Metropolitan Room, let same say first that the favorite Manilow song of this humble writer is "Sandra," Manilow's ballad of housewifery and doom, from the album "Manilow II" from 1974. And while one did somehow hope it would be included in this incredible evening, for Mr. Watts could have literally sung the living H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of it, it didn't matter in the slightest. Having been a champion of Mr. Watts from his very earliest forays into the medium as a revue performer at the now-defunct Rose's Turn and then a solo performer at Don't Tell Mama (along with full rock band and backup singers, as always), the entire experience is an utter thrill to behold.

Aided superbly by musical director Steven Ray Watkins on piano and vocals, additional vocals by the impressive threesome of Michelle Collier, Tanya Holt and Alisa Schiff, Matt Wigton on bass and Jerry Smith on percussion, this is without question the single finest show Watts has ever executed. In point of fact, this could easily see the light as a PBS concert special, so brilliantly is it brought to light; it simply transcends cabaret and takes its place among the work of such artists as Josh Groban, Lara Fabian and Sissel. To call it "masterful" would be a mere and unfair understatement.

It is utterly impossible to select a standout moment, either in terms of the musical selections or Watts's brilliant spoken pieces both side-splittingly humorous and coldly dramatic. Suffice to say that "Beautiful Music" is simply stunning; "Ready To Take A Chance Again" coupled with "Could It Be Magic?" is the quintessence of what cabaret is and should always be for its bone-chilling communication and flawless narrative, and it is absolutely impossible not to shed a tear at a coupling of "This One's For You" with "Ships." At the same time, "New York City Rhythm" might as well have been written for Watts, so natural a match is he with the music and the lyrics.