Ain't Misbehavin' enters the big leagues at the Goodman Theatre—and, boy, does it flaunt its many, many charms.
Composer: Fats Waller and others; conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. At: Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn. Phone: 312-443-3800; $23-$78. Runs through: Aug. 3. Pictured: Alexis Rogers ( left ) and Parrish Collier get moving in Ain't Misbehavin'.
This 1978 Tony Award-winning revue, celebrating the jazz music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller, was originally supposed to play in the Goodman's smaller Owen Theatre space. But when the Goodman cancelled the new Much Ado About Nothing-inspired musical The Boys Are Coming Home, Ain't Misbehavin' got bumped to the bigger Albert Theatre.
There's no doubt that the Goodman's Ain't Misbehavin' certainly commands its large stage. But if you want to quibble, the intended intimacy of the Owen space probably would have brought out richer nuances.
But as staged by director Chuck Smith, Ain't Misbehavin' also encompasses a broadness that suits this grand production. You know you're in for a reverential and rousing evening when you spot Linda Buchanan's gorgeous ringed art deco dreamscape set trimmed in gold and violets.
The Goodman has gathered an amazing local cast for Ain't Misbehavin'. Though they only number five, the performers both hilariously and touchingly inhabit a cadre of characters who retell aspects of African-American culture and the Harlem Renaissance in song.
Three of the ensemble members are veterans of the show, so they certainly know their way around the material. And what's great is the cast is more than willing to slough off a beautiful sound when the character and comedy of the situation demands it.
Ladies first: E. Faye Butler shines with a powerhouse voice, even when she's pretending to be a hopeless novice in her USO number 'Cash For Your Trash,' or staggering around the stage as a jilted drunk in 'The Jitterbug Waltz.' Her comic timing is also perfect.
Lina Kernan shows off a fine soprano range, which she haughtily spoofs in her USO number 'When the Nylons Bloom Again.' Alexis Rogers amazes with plenty of stratospheric melismas throughout the show, particularly in her great solo 'Keepin' Out of Mischief Now' ( she can also cut a rug, too, in Lisa Johnson-Willingham's fun bursts of choreography ) .
Parrish Collier dazzles with his elastic dancing, bringing a vibrancy and command to numbers like the jitterbuggy 'How Ya Baby,' to the marijuana number 'The Viper's Drag.'
And as the guy who sort of stands in for Fats himself ( without all the extra weight ) , John Steven Crowley has loads of fun in numbers like 'Fat and Greasy' and 'Your Feet's Too Big.'
Backing up these great acting vocalists are eight great musicians under music director/guitarist Malcolm Ruhl.
Though Waller didn't write all the music featured in the revue, he did record and help popularize all of it. So even if Ain't Misbehavin' fits in the much-derided category of 'jukebox musicals,' there's no denying its theatricality or its vibrant heart.