Sarah Naughton
Trapped in the Closet
Feinstein’s/54 Below, NYC, December 2, 2017
Reviewed by Chris Struck for Cabaret Scenes
Sarah Naughton did more to elevate the world of audio narration in one night than I think any marketer has done in the last five years. She made audio books sexy, classy and, most of all, funny as she weaved her way through some of her favorite selections from her recent career as an audio book reader from the comfort of well, her closet. And she’s dying to break out! Or is she? For, from within the closet, she might have “A Tango with Danger” or enjoy “Friends with Too Many Benefits.”
How exciting might these adventures be? Too exciting! Aided by back-up dancers Elizabeth McGuire (our evening’s excellent choreographer), Maddy Apple, and Colette Dong, we were transported to sunny Argentina as well as back in time to laugh with ease at Naughton’s blend of self-deprecation and solid musical parodies. Jake Weinstein (pianist and musical director) teamed up with Naughton to alter songs, like “What’s Inside” (Waitress; Sara Bareilles) and the “The Internet Is for Porn” (Avenue Q; Robert Lopez/Jeff Marx) to make them all about audio books by changing lines to things like “Recording from 9 to 5, what a way to make a livin’” (Dolly Parton).
Naughton’s narrative skills are top notch and were on full display as she went through different accents and genders, especially for the book Mystery Avenue. But, let’s be honest: we came to hear her sing, and she definitely did that in “Colored Lights” (The Rink; John Kander and Fred Ebb). As the back-up dancers found spots amidst the audience to sway to the music with gloves that blinked colors in the semi-darkness, Naughton displayed depth and range to truly impress.
Apparently, she had impressed the first time around, too ,and came back to Feinstein’s/54 Below with an extended show. We were treated to scenes from a spoof show called Hamilton II for which Weinstein wrote a couple of songs. Joining her on stage was Robot Burr (Vishal Vaidya) for a fittingly funny finale. Will Melones took up the bass guitar and Tristan Marzeski was on drums/percussion, utilizing shakers and chimes as well.
Look for Naughton & Weinstein again soon!
