Thursday, March 24, 2011

Ain’t Misbehavin’ “Swings” to the Charles Winter Wood Theatre


Florida A&M University (FAMU) Essential Theatre’s guest director and choreographer Harry Bryce will showcase his version of the reputable Tony Award© winning musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’: Fats Waller Musical Show” starting Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3 in the Charles Winter Wood Theatre in Tucker Hall.

The show is comprised of 30 of Thomas “Fats” Waller’s classics. Some are comical like “Your Feets Too Big,” some poignant and political like “Black and Blue,” which is a commentary on racism, and others are just toe-tappers like his famous “The Joint is Jumpin.” The show will be nostalgic for those who are familiar with Waller’s music. The revue is a way to exposing “swing” music to a new generation, and like most songs, the messages in the lyrics are relatable to everyone.

“These are all songs this generation would not naturally know,” said Bryce. “That is why we continue to do these plays, so these songs and production can be introduced to new generations. We have to include these classic and our contributions to American music theatre.”

The original play is a lightly staged Broadway production without a plot. However, Bryce created a storyline for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” that involves a love triangle between three women and two men. He has included a few additional characters specifically for the FAMU production.

“If you like good music and like to have fun, then this will be the place to be,” said Kimberly Harding, associate professor of theatre. “This will be a taste of the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance, but more importantly a good time.”

According to Bryce, this will be a high-energy production that will keep the audience at the edge of their seat.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’ is filled with gallivanting, strutting and a bunch of lies and propaganda because you can’t believe a thing they are saying,” said Bryce. “The storyline is built around this Fats Waller boisterous character.”

Preview performances are scheduled for Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31. Admission prices are $5 for general admission and free for students with a valid I.D. Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2 performances start at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students and children.

For more information on Essential Theatre’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” contact Kimberly Harding at (850) 561-2425.

1 comment:

Mccullum James said...

Right thing you said about to have to include these classic and our contributions to American music theater,and the music is great and gives a beautiful feeling,so the perspectives and the details are looking great and absolutely brilliant,so good of the things you share and all of the fictions are awesome to see.
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