First, I want to talk about L'Amour, the Merrier! a wonderful two-person revue at the Kaufman Theatre on West 42nd Street. The stars are Steve Ross and Karen Murphy. Steve, of course, is one of our top singer/pianists--in fact, I think he's the best of the non-jazz singer/pianists. He makes sophistication and elegance enormously entertaining--and he's not only stylish and witty, he's funny. Plus, he can get into the heart of a ballad and make it very touching. You may not be as familiar with Karen Murphy. She's an actress/singer with extensive theatrical credits (she was recently on Broadway in Titanic). She's also done a number of cabaret shows, always displaying a playful, mischievous spirit. In L'Amour, the Merrier! this winning twosome examine love and relationships. Some of the selections are rarities--for example, an adorably naughty song called "Last Night on the Back Porch," and "Ladies and Gentlemen, That's Love," which is a delightful ditty about love among the animals--well, lust, really. Many you will have heard before, but even familiar songs are unfailingly fresh and engaging, partly because they're wonderful songs, and partly because Steve and Karen perform them so well. In addition, the creative direction by Ray Roderick makes the show not just an evening of terrific songs and performances, but a thoroughly delightful entertainment. While most of the proceedings are lighthearted and merry, there are also moments of beauty and poignancy; for example a duet of "Seeing Things" is exquisitely sung and emotionally powerful; and a medly about love remembered is deeply moving. L'Amour, the Merrier! runs through November 22. Evening performancesare Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8:00 and Sundays at 7:00; there are matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00. The Kaufman Theatre is on 42nd Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

- Roy Sander