Presented as a musical in progress at the 2006 New York Musical Theatre Festival, Alive in the World captures moments in our time, evoking place, memory, love, loss and hope in New York City, where the specter of terror hangs heavy. Kate, a political activist, is married to Sam, a prematurely retired Wall Streeter, but she falls for Michael, a painter. Sam meets Stella, a 9/11 widow.

How do we reach for happiness? Who do we hurt by doing so? How do we feel alive in the world? The NYMF cast included Naughton and his then-fiance (now wife) Kelli O Hara, along with Marcy Harriell and Aaron Lohr.