Aint Misbehaven: a tight –knit ensemble produces a real crowd pleaser.

The revue Ain’t Misbehavin’, an accolade to Fats Waller, was first produced in1978, thirty-five years after the multi-talented jazz composer, singer, and pianist’s death.  A hit then, his music written in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s still reverberates today.  Many of his songs have become standards, but even Waller’s less familiar tunes were enthusiastically applauded by the audience at the Lyric Stage.

Although not a biography, the character of Fats Waller is front and center.  David Tolwlun’s clever set, which suggests both a theatre and a night club, helps anchor the show and provides a sense of plot. Props consist of a few chairs and a table, which actor Calvin Braxton moves about at various times, solidifying the impression of Fats Waller as the owner of the night spot.

Upstage, a curved proscenium representing a piano keyboard is flanked by two tall brass pillars shaped like trombones.  A panel behind the proscenium opens for the singers’ entrances when they appear as entertainers.  Downstage is a dance floor, the major playing area, painted to look like marble. The performers’ offstage sung life takes place chiefly in the raised dressing rooms on either side of the stage.  Their stairs are dramatically useful for entrances and solo numbers. 

Ain’t Misbehavin’s time span is hinted at by the song order and dance numbers, but not always consistently.  Divided into two acts, the first runs from the 1920s to the end of World War II.  Dances include the  Charleston, waltz, and jitterbug.  World War II is marked by the comic lament “When the Nylons Bloom Again” and the upbeat patriotic  “Cash for Your Trash,” a plea to wartime audiences to recycle scrap.

While Act II, seemingly set in the postwar years (judging by the women’s costumes), has its share of bouncy, humorous songs, the overall mood is more somber as exemplified by “The Viper’s Drag,” a solo dealing with drug addiction, and “Black and Blue,” a statement about racism.  The latter is powerfully staged by Josie Bray. All five performers, isolated from each other in different areas of the stage, are lost in their individual suffering.

The highly energetic and enthusiastic cast members are for the most part better singers than dancers.  They are at different stages of their careers. Two belong to Actors Equity and one is a student at the Boston Conservatory.  Nonetheless, Calvin Braxton, Lovely Hoffman, Robin Long, Davron S. Monroe, and Lori Tishfield are a tight-knit ensemble that will likely continue to please audiences during this holiday season.

Ain’t Misbehavin’ runs through December 17.

Ain’t Misbehavin’

The Lyric Stage Company of Boston

Presents

Ain’t Misbehavin’

The Fats Waller Musical Show

Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and  Murray Horwitz

Director and Choreographer: Josie Bray

Music Director: Catherine Stornetta

Scene Designer: David Towlun

Costume Design: Mallory Frers

Lighting Design: Frank Meissner, Jr.

Cast

Calvin Braxton, Lovely Hoffman, Robin Long, Davron S. Monroe, Lori Tishfield