Toe-Tapping Evening of Stellar Musical Performance at Fats Waller Revue, Ain’t Misbehavin’
By Kiersten Bjork (April 15, 2023)
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Westport Country Playhouse, directed and choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page, is a toe-tapping evening of stellar musical performance. A co-production with Barrington Stage and Geva Theatre Center, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical revue of the work of Fats Waller, featuring such classics as “‘T Ain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do,” “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around,” and many more. From the moment the curtain rose, the joint was, in fact, jumpin’. The production stars five performers who trade off on solos, duets, and group numbers, and they dance and sing their hearts out, all backed by a brilliant live band. While I was only familiar with a handful of songs in the revue, I was bopping along to number after number, the tunes ranging from lively swing to impressive scatting to soulful ballads. I was also lucky enough to attend the opening night of the production where Richard Maltby, Jr., one of the individuals who conceived the musical revue, and André de Shields, an original Broadway company member, were both in attendance. Throughout the show it was clear that the audience was having a great time – I certainly did!
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Westport Country Playhouse, directed and choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page, is a toe-tapping evening of stellar musical performance. A co-production with Barrington Stage and Geva Theatre Center, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical revue of the work of Fats Waller, featuring such classics as “‘T Ain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness if I Do,” “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “Spreadin’ Rhythm Around,” and many more. From the moment the curtain rose, the joint was, in fact, jumpin’. The production stars five performers who trade off on solos, duets, and group numbers, and they dance and sing their hearts out, all backed by a brilliant live band. While I was only familiar with a handful of songs in the revue, I was bopping along to number after number, the tunes ranging from lively swing to impressive scatting to soulful ballads. I was also lucky enough to attend the opening night of the production where Richard Maltby, Jr., one of the individuals who conceived the musical revue, and André de Shields, an original Broadway company member, were both in attendance. Throughout the show it was clear that the audience was having a great time – I certainly did!
Judith Franklin, Jay Copeland, Paris Bennett, Will Stone, and Miya Bass in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse (Ron Heerkens, Jr.)
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Judith Franklin, Paris Bennett, and Miya Bass in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse (Ron Heerkens, Jr.)
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The entire company of Ain’t Misbehavin’ is incredibly talented. Each performer has a distinct voice, yet the company blends beautifully in the group numbers. The all-Equity cast features Miya Bass, Paris Bennett, Jay Copeland, Judith Franklin, and Will Stone.
Bass showcases a gorgeous lower range, standing out on “Squeeze Me” and “When the Nylons Bloom Again.” Bennett is a spitfire of an actress, featured in “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Cash for Your Trash” and more, including one of my favorite solo numbers in the production, “Mean to Me” in Act II. Bennett’s rendition of the song is understated. It’s sung seated, and yet Bennet draws you in with ease, serenading the audience with stunning vocals.
Copeland is a standout in “The Viper’s Drag/The Reefer Song.” Copeland fills the song with striking vocal riffs and runs, all while showcasing impressive dance abilities. Franklin has a lovely upper register, and her choices on “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” were wonderful to watch. Stone had the audience in stitches with “Your Feet’s Too Big,” and was great fun to witness throughout the production.
The five performers in Ain’t Misbehavin’ give their all each time they step into a number. With touches of comedy as well as stark reality, the ensemble did an excellent job bringing these songs, and the stories within them, to life.
Bass showcases a gorgeous lower range, standing out on “Squeeze Me” and “When the Nylons Bloom Again.” Bennett is a spitfire of an actress, featured in “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Cash for Your Trash” and more, including one of my favorite solo numbers in the production, “Mean to Me” in Act II. Bennett’s rendition of the song is understated. It’s sung seated, and yet Bennet draws you in with ease, serenading the audience with stunning vocals.
Copeland is a standout in “The Viper’s Drag/The Reefer Song.” Copeland fills the song with striking vocal riffs and runs, all while showcasing impressive dance abilities. Franklin has a lovely upper register, and her choices on “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” were wonderful to watch. Stone had the audience in stitches with “Your Feet’s Too Big,” and was great fun to witness throughout the production.
The five performers in Ain’t Misbehavin’ give their all each time they step into a number. With touches of comedy as well as stark reality, the ensemble did an excellent job bringing these songs, and the stories within them, to life.
Jay Copeland, Miya Bass, Judith Franklin, Paris Bennett, and Will Stone in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse (Ron Heerkens, Jr.)
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Miya Bass, Judith Franklin, Will Stone, Jay Copeland, and Paris Bennett in Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse (Ron Heerkens, Jr.)
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The production features a grand set from scenic designer Raul Abrego. Carved, golden arches frame the piece, with portions of a bar setting on either side of the stage that the actors play off of. I enjoyed having the band live on stage, as they became an integral aspect of the piece. Lighting designer Philip Rosenberg provided a beautiful array of colors with the upstage cyc behind the band. There were a variety of lighting effects used throughout the piece that enhanced the story, a particular favorite of mine being the end of Act I “police” effect. The production features gorgeous costumes from designer Oana Botez. Each performer has their own color scheme that brings an added layer of character to their interpretations. The top of Act II in particular has some standout costume pieces that I loved, from feathery capes to fur coats. Sound design by Leon Rothenberg is well done, with a solid balance between singer and band. The band itself is phenomenal! The energy from the live musicians, particularly in moments where they are more directly involved with the actors, is electric.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse is a fantastic evening of music and theatre all wrapped up in one. The music of Fats Waller is on display amidst wonderful production design and immense talent. You won’t want to miss out on this piece – Catch the production before it closes on April 29.
The performance schedule for Ain’t Misbehavin’ is: Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.. Special series remaining include Post-Play Dialogue (April 20), Open Captions (April 23), Backstage Pass (April 26), and Thursday TalkBack (April 27). The play is recommended for ages 12 and up. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission. Box Office: 203-227-4177; For more information, visit westportplayhouse.org/show/aintmisbehavin/.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer from Branford, CT, currently in the mentorship program with the Connecticut Critics Circle.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Westport Country Playhouse is a fantastic evening of music and theatre all wrapped up in one. The music of Fats Waller is on display amidst wonderful production design and immense talent. You won’t want to miss out on this piece – Catch the production before it closes on April 29.
The performance schedule for Ain’t Misbehavin’ is: Tuesday at 7 p.m., Wednesday at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m.. Special series remaining include Post-Play Dialogue (April 20), Open Captions (April 23), Backstage Pass (April 26), and Thursday TalkBack (April 27). The play is recommended for ages 12 and up. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission. Box Office: 203-227-4177; For more information, visit westportplayhouse.org/show/aintmisbehavin/.
Kiersten Bjork is a theatremaker and reviewer from Branford, CT, currently in the mentorship program with the Connecticut Critics Circle.