Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning Thomas “Fats” Waller musical revue, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.
Fats Waller was a pianist, organist, composer, singer, bandleader and comedic entertainer. His progressive work pioneered the era for modern jazz. He only lived to be 39 but he lived. His legacy is a robust songbook reflecting the emotions and experiences of African Americans in the early 20th century. In 1978, Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby put together a 1920s-1930s musical collection anchored by Wallers‘ music. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is a lively tribute to jazz’s coming-of-age generation.
Under the direction and choreography of Brenda Didier and musical direction of Jaret Landon, this ensemble is sublime. Robin DaSilva, Sharriese Hamilton, Donterrio Johnson, Lina Wass and Lorenzo Rush, Jr. are perfectly jazzed! Their interactions are hilariously sassy. Their dancing has plenty of pizazz. And their harmony is show-stopping. Collectively, the five distinct vocal and entertainment stylings come together in big, bold melodies.
Individually, each of the ensemble gets at least one showcase moment. The animated Rush dazzles with his high energy antics. He brings down the house with his rendition of “Your Feet’s Too Big.” While smoking a cigarette, Johnson nails “The Viper’s Drag” balanced equally with his dapper and smarmy presence. The ladies keep up the get-your-hands-off-my-man shenanigans throughout the show. It’s a moxie comment, a deadly look and the occasional shove. I loved the playful chemistry between the charming trio: DaSilva, Hamilton, and Wass. They go posh for “Lounging at the Waldorf” and then get raunchy in “Find Out What They Like.” During one song, Hamilton and Wass effortlessly slip into a rigorous tap dance. It’s a delightful and impressive surprise. The Diva DaSilva holds court in this makeshift cotton club. Her confident stance in music and men is only negated by her haunting vulnerability in “Mean to Me.”
In a show about a piano player, Austin Cook (Conductor/keyboard) is the ideal choice. Although the effervescent Cook is the post-program-printing substitution, he rules the stage with his spirited playing. Following Cook’s tempo, the 5-piece orchestra provide an exhilarating sound that prompts spontaneous hand clapping, shoulder shimmying and head bopping. This show is all about music. And that music is spectacular!
The show not only sounds magnificent, it looks that way too. Costume Designer Bill Morey dresses the ensemble to impress in vintage finery. Morey’s look mixes colorful textures for a vibrant Roaring 20s wardrobe. A bowler here. A turban there. It’s the glitz and glam of putting on the Ritz… cotton club style!
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN‘ is fun and bawdy. The music is uplifting with a side of naughty. It ain’t to be missed!
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont
Book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr.
Music by Thomas “Fats” Waller
Direction and choreography by Brenda Didier
Music direction by Jaret Landon
Conducted by Austin Cook
Fridays at 8pm
Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thru March 9th
Buy Tickets at www.porchlightmusictheatre.org