Though he can, at will, beautifully project a fragile soul, Jonathan Whitton himself is built to last.  He’ll be around for the long run: performing, growing, daring.  This smart, complex, talented guy’s eclectic show at the Laurie Beechman Theatre avoids distancing attitudey stances and habits of the past.  His “Sweet Dreams” (John Bucchino) once made me shrug, but on February 15 it almost made me cry.  Now working with director Miles Phillips and musical director Steven Ray Watkins (who joins him for a hard-to-overestimate “Overestimated,”by Curtis Moore and Amanda Green ), Jonathan scores. Everything’s warmer, sharper, more communicative, and he uses his vibrant, attractive voice more fully.  Intriguing from his start (a just-earned Bistro Award for Debut underscores that), he’s now more open and touching as the theatrical “fourth wall” comes down.  The choice of “Box of Photographs” (Johnny Rodgers/ Richard Barone) is moving.  So is he.  And moving fast! 

Jonathan Whitton returns to the Laurie Beechman Theatre with this show on March 27 at 7 pm.

Rob Lester
Cabaret Scenes
February 15, 2008
www.cabaretscenes.org