Mary Testa and Michael Starobin

Everything about Mary Testa is larger than life, from her Italfro "Hollywood" hair and bodacious bod to her outsized personality and singing voice. A true belter of the old school, she is one of the few Broadway stars around who keep up the tradition of Ethel "who needs a microphone?" Merman.

So seeing her in the confines of the tiny jewel box so beloved of gay audiences, I was wondering whether she would overwhelm the Laurie Beechman Theater on Theater Row. I needn't have worried. She did, beautifully.

Seeing -- and, more importantly, hearing --�Mary Testa and Michael Starobin in the Beechman is a real treat for any show queen. Testa is well known for some juicy screen roles and recurring spots on various New York-based TV shows. But it's her long Broadway resume that is really her calling card.

For this show, Testa and her musical collaborator have taken most of the numbers from her new CD, "Have Faith." Don't let the title fool you: Testa isn't going the reverse Katy Perry route into Christian pop. No, the "faith" here, while it does touch on human search for meaning beyond oneself, is faith in a more general sense. And the CD includes plenty of doubting as well.

The songs range from covers of Annie Lennox's "Lost" and gayola musical composer William Finn's "Change" to standards like "Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries" and even a lovely musical adaptation of one of Shakespeare's sonnets.

What makes it all work are Testa's powerful (to say the least!) vocals and Starobin's expert arrangements. Adding immeasurably to the live experience is an on-stage cello, played nicely and with a real spark of personality by Alisa Horn.

If I had to pick a favorite number, I guess I would have to choose the Beach Boys' supremely optimistic "God Only Knows." Such a beautiful song, and Testa/Starobin more than do it justice.

"I hate cabaret," Testa said at the very beginning of the night. It's understandable: She's not one of those nicey-nicey oh-so-pretty crooners, but a real brassy broad. Nevertheless, even if she doesn't like cabaret, it loves her. More, please!

Mary Testa and Michael Starobin will be appearing for two more nights, Jan. 11 and 12, at the Laurie Beechman Theater, 407 W. 42nd St. underneath the West Band Cafe. For information or tickets, visit westbankcafe.com/beechman_theatre.html