Just Jim Dale (And That’s Just Fine)

Unless you are a fervent fan(atic) of Dr. Terminus (as I am) or a dedicated devotee of Broadway’s “Barnum” (which I am not, though I’m thinking of changing that as a result of this post), hearing the name “Jim Dale” probably doesn’t bring a face immediately to mind. In fact, I’m guessing the vast majority of folks nowadays are far more familiar with his voice than his visage, given his Grammy-winning turn as the “Golden Voice of Harry Potter’s Audio Books.”

He is, however, almost impossibly interesting, as evidenced by the fact that he has recently distilled his 60+ years in showbiz into a 90-minute, (mostly) one-man show: “Just Jim Dale.” As described by the the Roundabout Theatre Company:

Just Jim Dale is a hilarious and heartwarming tour-de-force performance from one of the most masterful entertainers of his generation.

Join the legendary Mr. Dale as he recounts a lifetime of irresistible showbiz tales—from his start on the famed British Music Hall stage, through his Broadway triumphs in Scapino, Barnum and Me and My Girl, to his uproarious experiences narrating all seven “Harry Potter” audiobooks. Candid and intimate, Just Jim Dale is an unforgettable journey through an extraordinary career, told through incredible stories and beloved songs, including “The Colors of My Life,” “The Lambeth Walk” and “Georgy Girl.”

The first thing to notice in that clip is his extraordinary physicality. Apparently, upon seeing his first West End musical as a young child, he asked his father what he needed to do to one day tread those hallowed boards himself. His father’s advice? “Learn how to move.” (Well, you certainly checked that box, Jim. Nicely done.)

But you know what I notice next? And the thing that sticks with me even beyond the 78-year-old’s extraordinary nimbleness? The obvious and copious amounts of fun Dale’s having up there on the stage. And while I’m not likely to see the performance any time soon — aka, ever, because Wyoming — I’m sure glad to see him enjoying himself so thoroughly. One can never have too much Happy Jim Dale, as far as I’m concerned. What a great storyteller.

(HT to JimHillMedia, though the post appeared first at HuffPo. And to Joan Marcus for that spectacular picture of Jim having an absolute blast, via the Roundabout blog.)