NC's Hot Summer Nights to Present Ain't Misbehavin'

Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy prepares to close the season with the award-winning musical revue, Ain't Misbehavin', which takes the Kennedy Theatre stage with a lively cast, crew and ensemble of musicians that is sure to share the infectious energy known as Harlem Renaissance era.

"The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping production that is still considered one of Broadway's most popular and well-crafted revues of all time.  The inimitable Thomas 'Fats' Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club, honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, rent parties, stride piano players and that jumpin' new beat, Swing.  Ain't Misbehavin' evokes the delightful humor of this American original as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the United States, Canada and Europe," state press notes.

The show is directed and choreographed by North Carolina native, Matthew-Jason Willis with Musical Direction/Piano by McCrae Hardy, who brings the original music and lyrics of Thomas "Fats" Waller, Richard Maltby, Jr., Murray Horowitz, Andy Razaf, Lester A, Santly, Clarence Williams, Billy Rose, JC Johnson, George Marion, Jr. and Ed Kirkeby to life.

Willis, who is best known as for his work as an actor, dancer and choreographer, is excited to put on the director's cap.  "I remember desperately wanting to direct the show when I was in high school. At Enloe (High School) there is an opportunity once a year for students to put on their own show. While most kids were wanting to do Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead or a Christopher Durang play, I was watering at the mouth to put on a full production of Ain't Misbehavin'", says Willis.

The cast includes Tina Morris-Anderson (Armelia), Nina Gunnell (Nell), Jason Dolby (Andre), Dale Sanders (Ken) and Yolanda Rabun (Charlaine), all of whom make their home in North Carolina.  

McCrae Hardy returns with some of the Triangle's most talented musicians under his direction including Carlton Miles (Drums), Damon Brown (Bass), Bobby Hinson (Trumpet), Mike Kris (Trombone), Steve Rose (Clarinet/Alto Sax) and Larry Suvak (Clarinet /Tenor Sax).

Willis' production team includes Christine Rapp (Production Stage Manager), Curtis Jones (Technical Director/Set & Lighting Designer), Brian L. Hunt (Sound Designer), Lindsey Leb (Assistant Director/ Props Mistress) and Casey Watkins (Costume Designer).

"Simply put, my cast is the jam! They are so diverse, yet mix together beautifully..." says Willis, who continues, "…and the crew is amazing. I mean you just do not get any better than McCrae Hardy! The man is a genius."

"Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy is a professional theatre company whose mission is to serve the citizens of Raleigh, Wake County and Eastern Carolina by 'keeping the lights on' and producing professional theatrical performances in the Kennedy Theatre at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts during the summer months. Hot Summer Nights goal is to produce great shows that are varied in type, attitude and scope and employ actor, stage crew and staff of all ages, races and creeds from North Carolina and Broadway. Hot Summer Nights will use our resources to nourish, celebrate and employ many theatrical groups, colleges, charities and citizens and support and assist the City of Raleigh with entertainment needs," state press notes.

Ain't Misbehavin' runs August 22nd-September 2nd. Wednesday-Saturday performances are at 8 PM and Sunday performances are at 3 PM. Theatre patrons are invited to enjoy beverages and desserts at intermission as guests of Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy and their generous sponsors.  Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster by calling 919-834-4000 or online at ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Box Office on Wilmington Street in Raleigh.  Individual tickets are just $27.50. Sunday matinees and senior group rates are $20.  For discount group rates or to schedule a talk back with the cast following a performance, please call 919-828-3726.  Please visit the Theatre's website: www.hotsummernightsatthekennedy.org.   

Photo by Hilary Russo