One mo’ time the music revue “Ain’t Misbehavin'” is romping and stomping at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. “Ain’t Misbehavin'” officially opens on June 30, bringing thrilling talent with the vision of the director, Chuck Smith.
He provides a blend of innovative concepts to create a show full of jumping-jive tunes and driving jazz sure to have the audience dancing in their seats. It was more than three decades ago when "Ain’t Misbehavin’" won critical acclaim on Broadway as the theatrical work of Thomas “Fats” Waller. With a dazzling display of music, dance and singing jams, Smith has resurrected the Tony Award Winning show that pays homage to Fats’ famous barrelhouse of Harlem jigg.
“’Ain’t Misbehavin’ revives the musical genius of Fats Waller’s joyous music not heard everyday or found on many i-Podsùfor a glorious night in the theater,” said Smith, the Goodman Theater’s resident director, and the associate producer of Legacy Productions, a Chicago-based touring company.
“Though this is a period piece, our production trades the traditional nightclub setting for a concert venue, complete with eye-popping visualsùa perfect backdrop for these larger-than-life musical numbers. It is a toe-tappin’, finger-snappin’, hand-clappin’ good time!” The cast consists of highly accomplished actors E. Faye Butler, John Steven Crowley, Alexis Rogers, Parris Collier and Lina Kernan. Butler’s utilizes her talent in this colorful producation of music and rhythm. Her Goodman Theatre experiences include Purlie and seven seasons of A Christmas Carol.
She has been featured at Northlight Theatre in Ella and Dinah Was; Seussical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Thoroughly Modern Millie and The Wiz and Little Shop of Horrors at Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre; La Bete and Little Foxes at Court Theatre, and Crumbs from the Table of Joy at Lincolnshire Theatre.
Even after several generations have passed since Fats Waller’s style and music impressed music lovers of the first five decades, audiences have continued to enjoy his music. His musical revue has toured principal cities for several decades. He has earned critical acclaim and Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Drama Desk Awards and many other honors.
"Aint Misbehavin’" continues through July 27. Tickets prices are $23-$78. Performances are on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays at 8 p.m.
Earl Calloway can be reached via email at ecalloway@chicagodefender.com.
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