Brian d'Arcy James

Personifying passion, poise, professionalism, polish and perfection Saginaw native and current Broadway star Brian d'Arcy James provided all that and more while creating a very pleasurable experience in an inspirational return to Saginaw September 29. Playing a "Homecoming" benefit for the Field Neurosciences Institute at Horizons Conference Center, James gave a gift to his hometown.

It was a triumphant celebration full of shining moments from the minute James took the stage. The atmosphere was so electric it begged the question as to who was enjoying the evening more- James or those gathered in attendance

The 1986 Nouvel Catholic Central graduate took 15 years to perform in his hometown again, but made up for that by doing everything in grand fashion. James' tremendous vocal and acting skills were showcased in a tribute to his roots both in the geographical and musical sense. He clearly had fun singing a virtual smorgasbord of handpicked personal favorites that had shaped his career path.

To the many family, friends and longtime acquaintances present he was simply "Brian" (not to be confused with the WEYI-TV25 weatherman of the same name) which made the evening special for the featured attraction.

"The whole event was strangely surreal because the audience was really a representation of my past," James said. "To have all of these people I've grown up with, come to know, admire and look up to, all taking the interest to come support the evening was an honor and truly overwhelming"

A 2002 Tony Award nominee, fresh off starring opposite John Lithgow in "Sweet Smell Of Success," James kept the 1,000 person capacity crowd spellbound for the entire two hour performance, which spanned the musical spectrum from Broadway favorites to pop songs.

Witty dialogue entertained everyone between songs. Part singer, part actor, but all uniquely Brian. He made sure to incorporate anecdotes and tales pertaining to the part Saginaw continues to play in his career, which tied everything together in a well-planned presentation.

Almost every song available with a relation to Saginaw was included in the set. Crowd participation was evoked during the sing-a-long chorus of Lefty Frizzell's 1964 #1 hit "Saginaw, Michigan" and, of course, Saginaw-born Stevie Wonder wasn't forgotten with a sterling rendition of "Ebony Eyes" played.

The most emotionally-moving moment took place during Simon & Garfunkel's folk classic "America," which tells the story of hitchhiking from Saginaw and criss-crossing the United States while pursuing dreams. It was hard to keep a dry eye when hearing the song performed by someone who has virtually done just that.

Stories included reminiscing about making a name for himself while working with award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch and the interesting tale of meeting future wife, actress Jennifer Prescott, on the set of "Carousel."

A surprise was James showcasing his hidden abilities in a new song composed and dedicated to his 10-month-old daughter, Grace, which he quite enjoyed.

"I think the highlight for me was singing "Gracie Adaire" and not just because I got to unveil my true talent on the kazoo," James said. "I find I get the most joy out of singing when I sing to my daughter. To sing in a show, as a character, or even in a concert while interpreting a song is a construction; a studied attempt to convey something. But getting to sing the song that Jennifer and I wrote for Grace was pure joy."

Growing up on a steady diet of Billy Joel and Elton John, James recalled with vivid fondness his first public singing appearance in 8th grade during a St. Stephen Academic Track competition to Joel's "Piano Man." In tribute, a pair of Joel songs were aired and James shared the story of recently being both thrilled and nervous meeting and auditioning in front of his idol and favorite musical performer.

This was no one man show, though, as James was accompanied quite nicely on piano and guitar throughout by accomplished New York songwriting partner Dan Lipton (www.danlipton.com). Also the person primarily responsible for introducing James to the joy of acting, sister Anne James Noonan, joined him onstage for a show-stopping rendition of "A Simple Melody" bringing back childhood memories for both. Another stunning duet featured wife Prescott performing an interesting ode to the married life. Talent was certainly in abundance at the head table.

The "Sweet Smell of Success" showcase tune "At The Fountain" was a highlight, as was the surprise ending which included FNI founder, Dr. Malcolm Field, providing piano accompaniment on encore "All of Me," written by Saginawian Gerald Marks.

James mentioned that, though deceased, the influential impact of well-known Saginaw figures Tom James (father) and Dr. John James (grandfather) were clearly present throughout.

"The immediate connection to my father and grandfather was another gift because it was yet another living example of how lives touch other lives," James said. "It was an inspiration to me. In the friends my father and grandfather made, I still learn about kindness, laughter, love, all the biggies. That's my Dad though. That's what he is to me."

James took this rare opportunity to share his songwriting talent for the first time with a pair of compositions and hinted inspiration for future work was provided with this trip.

"This was a very unique thing to do, I've never had to structure an entire evening of song before," James said. "So I enjoyed having fun trying to tie it all together and have it connect with those who were from Saginaw. There's something about the name of our town. It does end up in a lot of songs. I think I'm going to have to write one."

The evening's first class accommodations, which included a cocktail hour, dinner and reception, provided by the dedicated FNI staff and volunteers and the sterling Horizons Conference Center added to the impressive nature of the exclusive event.

The benefit helped raise funds for a worthy cause as the Field Neurosciences Institute works for prevention and early diagnosis, care and the cure of neurological diseases and injuries and continuing genetic research.

If you wish to hear James' vocal talents he appears on several Broadway Cast Recordings available on CD, among them "Sweet Smell Of Success" (2002), "The Wild Party" (2000), and his 1997 breakthrough "Titanic" (winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical).

His acting career also includes a critically praised one-man show "The Good Thief" (2001), "Blood Brothers" (1995), "Carousel" (1994), "Les Miserables" first national tour and "Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in Midland all those years ago.

James has honed his craft performing opposite such notable actors as Richard Dreyfuss in the television series "The Education of Max Bickford" earlier this year and David Cassidy and Taye Diggs in previous Broadway shows.

Adding to this impressive resume James also received high praise as one of Entertainment Weekly's "100 Most Creative People in Entertainment" in 2001.

There is nothing more satisfying than making a living doing something you love and James proved just that on this evening that would be long remembered. He is a prime example of someone living his or her dreams to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it.

Sharing this acclaimed talent with Saginaw made for one very inspirational and proud "homecoming."