JAMES NAUGHTON: STREET OF DREAMS: A one-man musical show at the Promenade Theater, 2162 Broadway. Conceived and performed by Naughton. $50. (212) 580-1313.
Friday, February 12, 1999
By ROBERT FELDBERG
Staff Writer
Although he's starred on Broadway in such musicals as "Chicago" and "City of Angels," James Naughton would seem an unlikely performer to have a one-man, cabaret-style show.
He's always been a droll, accomplished actor, but he hasn't projected the kind of vivid personality—or distinctive singing voice—you ordinarily think of for this kind of presentation.
He turns out, however, to have another kind of theatrical magic, which makes "James Naughton: Street of Dreams" at the Promenade Theater an unusually warm and entertaining show.
Backed by a sharp five-piece combo, Naughton performs a very wide-ranging selection of songs, from such standards as "Stardust" and "Pennies From Heaven," which he delivers in a dreamily mellow, crooner's baritone, to jazzy numbers to comic patter songs to "Are You Lonesome, Tonight," presented as a tribute to Elvis.
The songs, though, are just the half of it. The rest is the modest and engaging personality that Naughton conveys.
At one point, he mentions that he's primarily an actor, and it's that background that has a lot to do with the show's success.
Naughton is very comfortable being on a stage, as host and storyteller as well as singer. He connects with the audience, sets it at ease, makes it receptive to what he's doing. As important, he's able to use his actor's technique to project his personality.
He has a dryly witty, understated, regular-guy manner. One could imagine a non-actor with that kind of personality fading into the wall. But Naughton is able to transmit his qualities very effectively.
As he alternates songs and stories—most of them very funny show-biz tales, many about the lively wits of other actors he has known—he becomes a delightful guide to the inner world of the New York theater. He still seems to have a wonderful passion for it, even after nearly three decades of performing.
Naughton also comes across as a confirmed family man, living in the same Connecticut house for 20 years, which leads to an affecting version of "The Folks Who Live on the Hill."
He's the kind of guy you'd like to have a drink with, to get to know him better and to hear more of those great stories.
Copyright 1999 Bergen Record Corp.