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James Naughton Appearing in One-Man Show at ColonialBy Bruce L. Whitney
Community Submission
11:00AM / Saturday, July 11, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It is not particularly uncommon for a stage and screen star to sometimes offer solo performances or even tour alone. The results can be, let’s kindly say, surprising. However, when James Naughton climbs onto any stage, including his rare one-man show Monday, July 13, at the Colonial theater, you can expect nothing less than magic.
Naughton is one of those rare leading men to whom crowds flock to experience wherever he performs throughout the world — even more so when he is in residence at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He has become a popular mainstay and is received with near-iconic status whenever he comes to town to perform.
The two-time Tony Award winner for "Chicago" and "City Of Angels" possesses immense creative range and enjoys accolades for work in many genres especially dramas, comedies and musicals.
What to expect? It is important to know that, beyond acting, Naughton has won a prestigious award for Best Male Vocalist from Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs.
According to Naughton, don't anticipate a set list packed with Broadway tunes as many of us understandably may. The suave crooner says that he wants to focus on other styles, ranging from pop standards to jazz.
Specifically, Naughton has been delving into songs made famous by a wide ranging roster of artists, among them Frank Sinatra, Randy Newman, Billy Eckstine, Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington.
But fear not – Naughton's stage experience shines through: His numbers are expected to become what he calls "miniature dramas, artistic monologues sung with 'old style cool.'"
Naughton says he will perform with, what he calls, a "small band." Communications have been somewhat devoid of details about the show and Colonial officials remain mystified. There is something eerily and excitingly secretive about this rare solo Naughton show.
We can expect this leading man to continue to lead again in this unique, one-of-a-kind experience that we have long missed since his extemporaneous drop-ins from the past glory days of Williamstown Theatre Festival musical cabarets.
Like the cabarets of years past, recalling unexpected musical performances from the likes of Austin Pendleton, Richard Dreyfus, Christopher Reeves and even "Cheers'" star George Wendt, this Naughton event is just one of those shows that will likely be talked-about for years to come. |
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