REVIEW: "Ain't Misbehavin'" a Head-Bopping Classic

What new San Diego show gets the audience groovin' and clapping along to the musical stylings of Fats Waller? The North Coast Rep's new show, Ain't Misbehavin' offers a wild, high-energy ride from start to finish, filled with live music, dynamic dancing, and accomplished vocal talent. In a beautiful production that embodies Harlem in the 1930s, Ain't Misbehavin' is a rowdy good time.

Acting as a musical tribute to Fats Waller and the musicians that performed in Harlem clubs in the 1920s and '30s, Ain't Misbehavin' is filled with raunchy and candid songs about the time period. Originally penned by Richard Maltby Jr and Murray Horwitz, Ain't Misbehavin' is a collection of musical productions written by Fats Waller filled with sly humor and timeless observations of the 20s and 30s culture. 

The North Coast Rep production is directed by Yvette Freeman, a Broadway veteran known for replacing Nell Carter in the original production of Ain't Misbehavin'. Freeman's strong knowledge of the musical and deft handle of the material is evident throughout as her stunning cast captivates the audience through song after song. Working with choreographer Julia Lema (who worked to remount Arthur Faria's original choreography), Freeman created a dance-til-you-drop performance filled with heart, soul, and sensational singing.

Filled with a myriad of heart-pumping, head boppin' tunes, the cast of Ain't Misbehavin' (Yvonne, Cynthia Thomas, Ron Christopher Jones, Anise Ritchie, and Tony Perry) had more than enough talent to carry the classic show. Perry brought coy humor and a big sound to songs like "Your Feet's Too Big" and "The Ladies Who Sing with the Band." Jones, though smaller in stature, performed songs like the stand-out "The Viper's Drag" with a smooth confidence. Thomas was a comedic star with her sassy––if sometimes shrill––performance of "Squeeze Me." Ritchie's strong vocals are showcased through "Mean to Me," and recent SDSU graduate Yvonne performs with a humorous enthusiasm throughout her high-energy songs.

One of the more amazing aspects of Ain’t Misbehavin’ were the live musicians playing alongside the performers throughout the evening. Under the management of musical director Lanny Hartley, the live band seamlessly meshes with the five singers onstage––even though the band only began rehearsing with Freeman’s performers two days before the tech rehearsal. Kevin Toney plays "stride style" on the piano, while the impressive Danny King brilliantly executes a drum solo at the beginning of Act II. Bass player Greg McKinney offers deep and solid tones, while trumpeter Julian Davis plays with energy and enthusiasm. Malcolm Jones adds variation and body to the music through the tenor sax and the clarinet.

The production features brilliant, colorful lighting from North Coast Rep veteran Matt Novotny. The clean and simple sets––perfect for dancing up a storm––were produced by Marty Burnett. The bright and bedazzled costumes––complete with elegant and lavish hats just in time for the Del Mar Racetrack season––were designed by Anastasia Paulova.

The joint is jumpin' with this production, which runs at North Coast Rep through August 7th. The production will then go on to California Center for the Arts in Escondido from August 11th until the 14th. Be sure to catch Ain't Misbehavin' now!