By Art Segal, Special to the Blog
Ain’t Misbehavin’, starting its run through April 25 at Taproot Theatre is a joyful, boisterous tribute and reprise of the great Broadway show, The Fats Waller Musical Show, created by Richard Maltby, Jr. with choreography by Maltby, Jr. and Arthur Faria. It was originally produced at the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City. The superb actors, dancers, singers, and instrumentalists of Taproot Theatre have imbued this classic with life, passion, love, and celebration for Taproot’s lucky audiences. Although, this writer was unfamiliar with some of these numbers at last night’s performance.
However, I soon found myself tapping my feet and swaying to the music as the performers gracefully encircled each other, taking center stage in turn. It was remarkable to me that the 1930s hits (!) can still grip our heartstrings when embodied by such compelling actor-performers. (But, of course, Beethoven, for example, grips our hearts and he was much earlier than the 1930s).
I noticed that the folks seated near me were also swaying to the music (but of course!) and tapping their toes (at least, their shoes) and cheering loudly. And, what a set list! From “Honeysuckle Rose” to “Yachtclub Swing” and “The Joint Is Jumpin” to “Your Feet’s Too Big” and “Fat and Greasy,” as well as “Black and Blue,” among many other classics of the era.
And the finale features hits by such greats as Hoagy Carmichael, Billy Mayhew, and others.
Taproot Theatre’s printed program is a treasure trove of information about this show and its history. For our half-time pleasure, the concessions folks created four special drinks, including “Gin Is Jumping” and “Handful of Keys.” In the audience, I found myself enraptured and gripped by the marvelously moving dance numbers. I had to restrain myself from getting up on my feet in the aisle. Not that I could hope to match the brilliance of Taproot’s own! No way—so I “got a grip” and abandoned the impulse to, well, jump in there. Another night, perhaps.
The marvelous acting/singing company – Alelxandria, Erica, Sarah, Yusef and Chandler – all richly earned their applause. So get yourselves ready for a great time! And not to be overlooked, the band of five musicians – Max, Jamael, Harlan, Kevin and Ben – was outstanding and richly deserving of our praise.
All in all, it was truly fun to be at Taproot Theatre on Wednesday night, and I’m sure that applies to ANY night when you can go! Expect to be delighted and gain a first-hand education in 1930s jazz music (for those who weren’t born in 1920-something.) So, dear folks, for a truly enjoyable night out and a step or two back into American entertainment history, find your way (i.e. call the Box Office and pay up) right now! That’s an order! Surprise your spouse, friend, lover, neighbor, barista, Amazon driver—anyone you see on the sidewalk, or the hardworking staff at your local grocery store, grab them and say, “Guess where WE’RE going right now!” Oh, yeah—this is not to be missed, folks. I’m here to tell you. You’ll be very glad you did, and you’ll go home with a song in your heart, a tune in your ears, and an impulse to leap onto your feet.
See y’all at Taproot! You won’t regret it.
Art Segal, Reviewer and Theatre Enthusiast