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Ain’t Misbehavin’
The Fats Waller Musical Show
Conceived and originally directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Based on the idea by Murray Horwitz & Richard maltby, Jr.
Directed by Chuck Smith
Musical Direction by Malcolm Ruhl
At the Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn
Chicago, IL
Call 312-443-3820 (www.goodmantheatre.org), tickets 423 - $78
Tuesdays at 7:30 pm
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm
Thursdays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Fridays at 8 pm
Saturdays at 2 & 8 pm
Sundays at 2 & 7:30 pm
Running time is 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
Through August 3, 2008
Toe-tapping tribute to Fats Waller rocks the Goodman theatre
Director Chuck Smith’s terrific revival of the Tony Award winning “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” now at the Goodman Theatre, is a reinvented revue that expands Waller’s tribute from a cabaret show to a full stage concert. Set designer Linda Buchanan’s 30’s art deco set design is reminiscent of the Harlem cotton club. Smith greatly enhanced the sound and musical depth going from a piano to an eight piece jazz band lead by music director Malcolm Ruhl. this band roars! Those elements plus the five performers—the fabulous (and comic) E. Faye Butler, the sexy hoofer Parrich Collier; the sophisticated John Steven Crowley; Linda Kernan’s velvety voice with Alexis Rogers bouncy energy—all work together to make the Goodman’s production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” a must see show. This production is a full nightclub show similar to those Fats Waller performed in the 30’s in Harlem. Musically and vocally, this show delivers.
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This revue contains the best of Fats Waller’s songbook plus many tunes he inspired and performed. From is signature song “Ani’t Misbehavin,’” we begin to feel the sophistication and smooth style and genius of Waller (1904-1943). Waller is know as the “King of the Stride Piano”—‘stride’ comes from the action of the left hand when playing the piano in this style: the left hand plays a constant, striding beat against a melodious right hand. Stride is considered the first true form of jazz. Stride is often fast-paced and dynamic. Fats Waller was a master of the stride technique. (From Arena’s Page, Published by Arena Stage.)
Waller’s music runs the complete range of jazz, swing, blues and pop music of his time. He composed ballads, ditties, anthems and rousing up tempo tunes. He had a pulse on the Black culture of Harlem. There is a joyous tint to Waller’s music.
The emotions of the time are rendered in tunes like ‘T’Anin’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do,” “Honeysuckle Rose.” “Squeeze Me” and “How Ya Baby.” The swing era is represented with “The Jitterbug Walts,” “The Ladies Who Sing With The Band” and “Cash Fro Your Trash”--E. Faye Butler’s comic 40’s tune. Act one ends with the bouncy “This Joint Is Jumpin”—one of Waller’s best songs.
Act two opens with “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around” and move through the bluesy part of Waller highlighted with E. Faye Butler’s emotional “Mean to Me.” John Steven Crowley delivers a cute “Your Feet’s Too Big” and Parrish Collier and Linda Kernan sing “That Ain’t Right.” “Fat and Greasy” and “Black and Blue” cover the angst of life.
The Finale features a medley of tunes Waller performed including many he didn’t write. “Im Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” ‘Two Sleepy People,” “It’s A Sin to Tell A Lie “ and “I Can’t give You Anything But Love” are well known standards nicely sung.
The big sound of the band (with terrific arrangements by Malcolm Ruhl) performing Waller’s tunes with some funny bits enhance this revue into one of the finest musical shows seen on a Chicago stage in years. This show is a blast from the past that is a rare treat. It is a toe-tapping, hum-able masterpiece. For those who don’t know Thomas “Fats” Waller’s music, they are in for a treat. What a wonderful production. Don’t miss it!
Highly Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2008
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