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Ain't Misbehavin'

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#2

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:50am

I saw a regional production and I liked it.
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#4

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:59am

CanStage just finished a high-profile production in Toronto. The music and performers were fantastic, but I'm not a big fan of revues, so I found it quite boring.
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
#6

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 9:52am

This is a tale I have written about before.

I worked on the original Ain't Misbehavin' and one of the stage managers gave a quick insight as to why the show works so well.

There is a subliminal "book". Maltby decided to make it the life story of Fats Waller and each song is placed in the show where it is placed for a reason. Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do was given additional lyrics to tell Fats' philosophy for instance. The first act has more youth and exuberence while in Act Two, the show goes to dark places at times (The Viper) and also into high society, places where Fats went.

Its all there and Maltby has never spoken about it. I don't know where anyone else is who would know the details. It is this 'book' that separates this show from most of the other revues out there and makes it a superior one.
"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable." --Carrie Fisher
#7

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:38am

Saw the original cast, early in the run while it was at the Longacre. In addition to what WOSQ mentioned, the show was also able to summon up the spirit of the songwriter being celebrated, without ever stooping to outright imitation or "and then I wrote" formatting. All five performers had distinct material that was crafted around their personalities, giving them ample opportunity to each do what they do best. On top of it, the show was choreographed brilliantly down to every last movement and gesture, but made to look effortless and spontaneous. It's the gold standard that every other musical revue needs to be judged by.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#8

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:46am

I too simply adore that show. Everything about it was amazing. Now, had SMOKEY JOE"S CAFE been more like that, I think I would have enjoyed it quite a bit more. I fell in love with Charlaine Woodard in that show too. She has such amazing energy on stage not to mention the voice and the moves to go along with it. I wish she would resurface on Broadway once again.

There is also a video of the original Broadway cast that was done for TV back in the early 80's.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#9

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:05am

The TV version is very good, although if I remember right, they drop "The Jitterbug Waltz" (which has one of the most gorgeous vocal arrangements I've ever heard. Whoever did it is a genius). The TV version also gives the show a cabaret setting, which makes it look much more like a cabaret show, which it wasn't. But still, it's the original cast in excellent form, and I'm glad it exists.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#10

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:12am

I may be wrong on this, but in the show's very first incarnation at the old Manhattan Theatre Club on East 73rd Street, I think it was done in a cabaret setting. Anyone help out on this?

Charlaine was a replcement. Irene (Flashdance) Cara played that role at MTC.
"If my life weren't funny, it would just be true. And that would be unacceptable." --Carrie Fisher
#11

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:21am

That is true. Irene Cara did it at MTC, and was replaced by Charlayne Woodard on Broadway.
"Gif me the cobra jool!"
#12

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:26am

If memory serves me, I do believe that "The Jitterbug Waltz" was indeed left out of the TV version. I actually liked the cabaret setting that was used for TV as well. I especially liked watching some of the audience really get into it as well. As much as I like Ms. Cara, I am awfully glad that Ms. Woodard replaced her. Thanks for that replacement trivia as well as I wasn't aware of that at all. :)
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#13

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:29am

I saw 2 of the 3 Pointer Sisters in it, many years ago. The 3rd Pointer Sister, I believe, Od'd on drugs or something and her understudy went on. I wish I were kidding!
#14

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:34am

the show is playing right now at the gateway playhouse in bellport
ny
Save him please, just save him My poor Boq, my sweet, my brave him Don't leave me till my sorry life has scene Alone and loveless here, just the girl in the mirror Just her and me, the Wicked Witch of the East
#15

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:24pm

I liked the show very much. I saw it at the Lincolnshire Marriott awhile back, and really enjoyed it! I think that I am a fan of revue's in general though. Because I also happen to love Smokey Joe's as well as On the Record.
"If I have something to say, the whole world (BroadwayWorld) should hear it." - Thenardier
#17

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:53pm

I saw a regional production of it recently: loved it, loved it, loved it. The cast recording though is still on my "to buy" list, unfortunately...
#18

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:54pm

I am going to have to put these cd's on when I get home.
#20

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:56pm

It's worth it, I think. Nell Carter and company are great. It's great background music too.
#21

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:58pm

Speaking of which, does anyone have The Pointer Sisters version? I've thought about buying it several times before for mere kitsch purposes but I have yet to do so.
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#22

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:59pm

I have it. It's good but not as good as the original. I saw the show so I bought it, but I wouldn't say it's a must have. I do love me some Pointer Sisters though.
#23

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:02pm

So, it doesn't make you want to "jump for your love"? :)
"For me, THEATRE is an anticipation, an artistic rush, an emotional banquet, a jubilant appreciation, and an exit hopeful of clearer thought and better worlds." ~ an anonymous traveler with Robert Burns
#24

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:02pm

Saw it a few years back ^_^ It's a really great show.
http://www.freewebs.com/nataliejjohnson/ ^NJJ
#25

re: Ain't Misbehavin'

Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:09pm

No jumping for my love but I do recall doing the Neutron Dance once or twice.

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