Ain't Misbehavin'
Ain't Misbehavin'
#0Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:40am
Listening to it now.
Love it, of course.
Andre de Shields, one of my favorite actors is in it.
Great Fats tribute.
Anyone see this show?
#1re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:50amI saw a regional production and I liked it.
#3re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:59amCanStage 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.
BwayTheatre11
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/25/03
#4re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:03am
Great revue! I worked on a production in January.
Some pics:
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4402
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4403
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4405
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4406
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4407
https://www.broadwayworld.com/viewphoto.cfm?id=4408
WOSQ
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
#5re: 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.
magruder
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#6re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 10:38amSaw 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.
#7re: 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.
magruder
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#8re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:05amThe 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.
WOSQ
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/03
#9re: 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.
magruder
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#10re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:21amThat is true. Irene Cara did it at MTC, and was replaced by Charlayne Woodard on Broadway.
#11re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:26amIf 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. :)
#12re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:29amI 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!
elphie30
Understudy Joined: 2/5/05
#13re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 11:34am
the show is playing right now at the gateway playhouse in bellport
ny
#14re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:24pmI 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.
#15re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:39pm
Anyone know where to find the video?
I knew it was recorded for TV - but wasn't sure if there is anyway to find it...
#16re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:53pmI 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...
#17re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:54pmI am going to have to put these cd's on when I get home.
#18re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:55pm
I have it on from that AOL thing.
But I will buy the CD eventually.
#19re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:56pmIt's worth it, I think. Nell Carter and company are great. It's great background music too.
#20re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:58pmSpeaking 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.
#21re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 12:59pmI 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.
#22re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:02pmSo, it doesn't make you want to "jump for your love"? :)
dispatchMD
Swing Joined: 10/22/04
#23re: Ain't Misbehavin'
Posted: 6/30/05 at 1:02pmSaw it a few years back ^_^ It's a really great show.
#24re: 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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