A Fine Romance

"So much of cabaret is about love. It's the emotion we're always trying to be reminded of most of all." That's Steve Ross talking, and he should know something about both cabaret and love. He's been performing the great popular songs of the 20th century for more than a quarter century, during which time he's become one of the form's masters, the "Crown Prince of Cabaret," as The New York Times dubbed him. Well, Austin is blessed to have the Prince back in town to celebrate love on the lovers' day, St. Valentine's. If you missed his first performance in Austin last year, you missed a taste of romance as fine as it gets: love songs at their most glorious -- Berlin, Porter, and the Gershwins, among others -- sung with élan, wit, and deep feeling. Just listening to him, you feel more sophisticated and urbane; it sends bubbles of champagne through your bloodstream. His appearance is sponsored by Austin Cabaret Theatre.

Actually, this Valentine's Day, Austin is blessed with opportunities to explore romance on stage. There's Tapestry Dance Company tapping out the rhythms of love in My Funny Valentine (see Sarah Hepola's feature story, p.32). And at the Zachary Scott Theatre Center, Charles Mee's Limonade Tous Les Jours whisks you off to the City of Light for an affaire de coeur between a middle-aged American and a young Parisian. Aztlan Dance Company's Jalisco: Now & Then utilizes folklorico, modern, and expressive dance movement to tell a love story set in Jalisco of yesterday at the Santa Cruz Center for Culture, and Earthly Delights from La Follia features Baroque music contemplating the pleasures of love -- both the romantic and the earthly kind. See the Arts listings for more info.

Steve Ross will perform Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14 and 15, at the Scottish Rite Theatre, 18th and Lavaca. For information, call 453-ACTS.