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AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' CELEBRATES THIRTIETH AT THE AHMANSON
By Tony Reverditto
The Ahmanson Theatre is hosting and celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Tony Award-winning, Ain't Misbehavin'. A nostalgic revue which pays tribute to one of America's true originals, the charismatic songwriter, singer, pianist and superb entertainer from the 1920s and 30s, Thomas "Fats" Waller. The show originally opened on May 9, 1978 at the Longacre Theatre in New York's theatre district and ran for 1604 performances.
The fun-filled musical revival brings the audience into the world which Fats Waller helped make famous - the world of places such as The Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom. A city street of honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, hosting rent parties, stride piano players, and most importantly, that new beat - Swing.
The opener, "Ain't Misbehavin'" is a song by Harry Brooks with Fats Waller and lyricist Andy Razaf, and dates back to 1929. The singer is not cheating on a lover: "Ain't Misbehavin', I'm savin' my love for you". Fats Waller recorded the definitive version, which he also performed in the 1943 film Stormy Weather. Since then it has been recorded by countless other artists over the years, including Bill Haley & His Comets who recorded a rock and roll version in 1957. This title was later used for a Broadway show and the rest is history. "We have a very special goal with this production," says Director Richard Maltby, Jr. "We've reassembled the original creative team in order to take our baby back to its roots and bring to life the unique revue that once took Broadway by storm". Maltby went on to win the Tony Award for his direction of Ain't Misbehavin' and reaped the rewards of his vision.
This production is cute, filled with enjoyable moments and humorous nuances. In fact, some of the audience members smiled all of the way through (even during sad songs). The cast of five does a great job and deserves an award for simply remembering all the words and choreography. Standing out from the group is the unique and captivating Armelia McQueen, who was in the original cast and reinvents a fresh performance. Coming in a close second is Doug Eskew, who captures the jazzy vibe of the era and entertains with his versatile voice and cartoonlike facial expressions. Rounding out the talented cast is the slick; Eugene Barry-Hill, the cabaret diva; Roz Ryan, and the well-rehearsed (maybe a little overly) energetic; Debra Walton, all with an impressive list of performance experience.
For me, the one disappointment was that there was no actual storyline threading the songs into a story, say in the vein of Mamma Mia, (although I didn't like that show much). Either way, it is clearly advertised as a "Musical Show, so that was a misconception on my part and is in reality along the lines of a night club act. Nevertheless, the animated cast manages to distract from that and they put their heart and soul into each number. They move at a good pace through the thirty songs, with an intermission at the half-way point. Some of the stand-out numbers were, of course, "Ain't Misbehavin'" 1929, "Honeysuckle Rose" 1929, "Squeeze Me" 1925, "The Joint Is Jumping" 1938, "That Ain't Right" 1943, and "I've Got My Fingers Crossed" 1935. Not to be overlooked is Luther Henderson for his musical adaptations, orchestrations and arrangements.
Choreography is by Arthur Faria, who staged the original production and he keeps it basic and safe, but visually appealing. William McDaniel, the Music Director had a challenge and nailed a variety of arrangements with ease. Of course, this wonderful frosting on the cake would not be possible without each member of the fantabulous orchestra, Frank Fontaine, Ricky Woodward, Will Miller, Wendell Kelly, Edwin Livingston, Ron Bruner, Sr., Lanny Hartley, and Robert Payne.
All and all it is an enjoyable slice of life from that era. Center Theatre Group's exclusive engagement of "Ain't Misbehavin'," The Fats Waller Musical Show" continues through May 31, 2009.
Tickets start at $20 and are available at Ahmanson Theatre Box Office at the Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue, in Downtown L.A. Reservations: (213) 628-2772 or www.CenterTheatreGroup.org. Deaf community, call TDD: (213) 680-4017 for tickets and information