Ain’t Misbehavin’ - Westport Country Playhouse

Before Smokey Joe’s, Five Guys Named Moe, Eubie! or Black and Blue, there was the Fats Waller revue Ain’t Misbehavin’.  The original Broadway production was a huge success, winning the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical and running over 1,600 performances.

The Westport Country Playhouse has brought the show back to Connecticut with a lively, entertaining production directed and choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page.  

The show highlights a fraction of the over 400 songs written by the jazz great.  They are presented by a talented ensemble of five performers - Miya Bass, Paris Bennett, Jay Copeland, Judith Franklin, and Will Stone - who sing and swing on stage with the snappy rhythms of a 7-piece band, led by Musical Director Terry Bogart on piano. 

The production has the feel of a nightclub performance and takes place in front of Scenic Designer Raul Abrego’s stunning Art Deco influenced set that pulsates and shines with Philip Rosenberg’s incandescent Lighting Design. 

Each of the over 35 songs are performed in combination of solo and group configurations.  There are so many glorious numbers in the revue.  A few of my favorites are the comedic “Your Feet's Too Big,” the time-honored “Honeysuckle Rose,” the sweetness of “I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling,” and the rollicking “'Tain't Nobody's Biz-Ness If I Do,” “Handful Of Keys,” “Cash For Your Trash,” “Off-Time,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin' .”

Director/Choreographer Page seamlessly threads together the selections to create a well-balanced show.  He occasionally features Costume Designer Oana Botez’s flashy Harlem Renaissance inspired outfits to add sass, as with “Spreading Rhythm Around.”  Ballads are followed by snappy duets or a raucous ensemble piece.  The dance steps are lively, inventive and clever.  They adroitly bring forth the strengths and talents of each of the energetic performers. 

The one issue I had with the otherwise marvelous production was the sound mix and enunciation by the actors/actresses.  Too often, it was hard to makeout the lyrics to songs, which somewhat diminished the enjoyment of the featured song.

Ain’t Misbehavin’, a musical revue well-worth experiencing.  Playing at the Westport Country Playhouse through April 29.  Click here for dates, times and ticket information.