Stages' first show of its season splendidly hearkens back to the music of the 1920s and '30s. It's not a traditional "musical". It's a musical revue -- in tribute to the tunes of Thomas "Fats" Waller, a classically trained musician, best known for his infectious, brilliant compositions that helped lay out the blueprint for the sound of the Harlem Renaissance.
After an initial run at the Manhattan Theatre Club's cabaret in 1978, Ain't Misbehavin' transferred to Broadway featuring pianist, Luther Henderson, who adapted Waller's music for the revue, Nell Carter, Armelia McQueen, Charlaine Woodard, André DeShields, and our own Ken Page, a St. Louis native, and won three Tony Awards. Cast member names remain assigned to the original Broadway "real-life" cast, and the nature of the show yields very little that is spoken. But with this music, who cares?!
After an initial run at the Manhattan Theatre Club's cabaret in 1978, Ain't Misbehavin' transferred to Broadway featuring pianist, Luther Henderson, who adapted Waller's music for the revue, Nell Carter, Armelia McQueen, Charlaine Woodard, André DeShields, and our own Ken Page, a St. Louis native, and won three Tony Awards. Cast member names remain assigned to the original Broadway "real-life" cast, and the nature of the show yields very little that is spoken. But with this music, who cares?!
This strong-voiced ensemble delivers each number with inexhaustible energy and style. The range of music will entertain you, make you laugh, make you think, and maybe bring a lump to your throat.
