Ain’t MISBEHAVIN’ The Fats Waller Musical Show

Ain't Misbehavin' The Fats Waller Musical Show is a musical revue and a tribute to Fats Waller's music who played Stride music. Stride piano is a style that incorporates left-hand techniques from ragtime. It uses the piano's range wider and features quick tempos with improvised lyrics. The term "stride" refers to the pianist's left hand striding across the keyboard, covering a greater distance and creating a distinctive sound. Transporting you to a time when the music was lively and irresistible, the infectious energy and soul-stirring melodies of Ain't Misbehavin' is a captivating tribute to Fats Waller's era, during the early 20th century, Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, called the "Heartbeat of Harlem" by Poet Langston Hughes, and eventually Matthanan's Cotton Club were vibrant hubs of high society in the Black community could live the high life. These clubs were where you could hear the soft, silky, and velvety sounds of Fletcher Henderson, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Fats Waller; they drew crowds with their energetic music and lively atmosphere. Drury Lane Theatre's Ain't Misbehavin, The Fats Waller Musical Show features five performers: Sharriese Y. Hamilton, James T. Lane, Alanna Lovely, Alexis J. Roston, and Lorenzo Rush Jr., who entertain the audience with a collection of energetic, risqué, and witty songs that perfectly summarise Waller's vivid views during his prolific yet short life of indulgence and amusement for music, life, and love. The musical illuminated Waller's comedic wit, singing his whimsical Fat and Greasy, You're Feet's Too Big, and the clever and cute Find Out What They Like. The ensemble's chemistry was irresistibly tantalizing.

Alanna Lovely's return to Drury Lane Theatre following her performance in Guys and Dolls showcases her captivating fusion of comedic acting and powerful singing, enthralling audiences. Lorenzo Rush Jr., a versatile and captivating performer, has enchanted audiences across Chicagoland with his exceptional talent. His dazzling performances have graced renowned theaters such as Court, Marriott, Porchlight, and Drury Lane Theatre. Alexis J. Roston delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Mercury Theatre, showcasing her phenomenal vocal talent in her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill. Additionally, she captivated the audience with her comedic flair in the role of Deloris in Sister Act. Roston effortlessly commands the stage, consistently delivering outstanding performances with her natural talent. Sharriese Y. Hamilton added to the powerful and talented triple threat of strong female characters that captivated the audience. She is known around Chicagoland for delivering a remarkable performance at the Goodman Theatre in the production of The Nacirema Society. Her portrayal in "It Came From Outer Space" was witty, goofy, and hilarious. Hamilton, singing "Mean To Me," truly showcased her versatility and solidified her as a name you should remember in the theater world. I haven't had the chance to see James T. Lane perform much, but from what I have seen, his theatrical presence is truly captivating. He won the 2023 Audelco Award for Best Solo Performance, a testament to his exceptional singing. His remarkable dance skills and engaging rendition singing "The Viper's Drag" (composed as a dance tune for a ragtime dance known as a slow drag) also characterized his style and grace, highlighting his talent and versatility on stage. When these five multi-talented actors come together, the result is an unforgettable night at the musical theater. The standbys (understudies) include Micah Mixon, Austin Nelson Jr., and, making her Drury Lane Theatre debut, Aeriel Williams, one of my favorite singing ladies—part of the Tony Award-winning Court Theater production of Antigone, The Gospel at Colonus and Oedipus.

E. Faye Butler is truly incomparable, and watching her perform on stage is like witnessing magic come to life. With a remarkable career that spans over 40 years, she most recently wowed audiences with her performance at the Chicago Blues Festival Dinah Washington Tribute. Throughout her illustrious career, Butler has garnered numerous awards and has demonstrated her exceptional talent in theatrical directing. Butler's presence exudes charisma, charm, and grace, all of which she brings to this production in an imposing manner. Mz. Flo Walker Harris (Choreographer) is honored and humbled to make her choreographic debut at Drury Lane. The stage design featured that 40's style band, William Foster McDaniel (Conductor/Piano), Yosef Ben Israel (Bass), Rodney Harper (Drums), Dudley Owens (Clarinet & Tenor Saxophone, Fernando Pullum ( Trumpet, Flugelhorn) sitting on the platform, spitting cool rhythmic sounds—the most powerful song of the evening from Waller's Black and Blue. Andy Razaf penned the song to express the deep emotional anguish caused by the pervasive issue of racism. The stage design was reminiscent of the 1940s, with a stylish band effortlessly belting out smooth and rhythmic tunes on the platform. With 30 songs, Waller had many hits, including Honeysuckle Rose, Handful of Keys, The Jitterbug Waltz, and "Ain't Misbehavin." This song, allegedly written while Waller was sitting in alimony jail, is a testament to his ability to create music in even the most challenging circumstances. 'Ain't Misbehavin' The Fats Waller Musical Show is a two-hour production, including 20-minute admission, and truly has the Joint Jumpin.

⭐⭐⭐

Drury Lane Theatre

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN:' THE FATS WALLER MUSICAL SHOW

Created and Originally Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.

Direction & Staging by E. Faye Butler

June 26 - August 18, 2024

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