Photo Coverage: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN Plays Columbia's Trustus Theatre Through July 20

This summer the Tony and Drama Desk award winning Ain't Misbehavin' returns to Trustus Theatre which premiered the show in Columbia during its second season. This toe-tapping revue of "Fats" Waller tunes will take theatre-goers on an entertaining journey through an evening in a 1930s Harlem night club where "night creatures" revel well into the early morning. This production, directed and choreographed by Trustus Company Member Terrance Henderson (Henderson Bros. Burlesque, Smokey Joe's Café), opens on the Thigpen Main Stage Friday, June 14th at 8:00pm. The show runs through July 20th, 2013. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org.

The outrageously comical and musical soul of 1930s Harlem lives on in Ain't Misbehavin'; a rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway's best. 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. Although not quite a biography, Ain't Misbehavin' evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy 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 U.S., Canada and Europe.

Ain't Misbehavin' is not only a show that takes audiences on a trip to another time, but it asks audiences to love life and live it. Director and choreographer Terrance Henderson knew that he would need five stand-out performers and vocalists to deliver the sultry energy and exuberance of Fats Waller's music. "I wanted to create an experience for the audience starting first with the energy we're creating within the cast," said Henderson. "There must be a particular energy among the actors that the audience can almost touch when they're at the show." After auditions, Henderson certainly wound up with a top-notch group ready to make audiences dance in their seats (or out in the aisles depending on bar sales on any given evening). Samuel McWhite, who played Stew in last season's Passing Strange, returns to the Thigpen Main Stage as part of the company of Ain't Misbehavin along with fellow Passing Strange cast mates Kendrick Marion, Avery Bateman, and Katrina Blanding. Devin Anderson who was seen in last season's Avenue Q as Gary Coleman rounds out this spectacular group of performers who will fill the streets of the Vista with song.

"I think people will be delightfully surprised with the production regardless of their familiarity with the show," said Director Terrance Henderson. "The music is full of melody and rhythm, sass and sophistication and those themes will echo in layers through each element of the design of this show. I have been particularly mindful of the challenge of how to bring this 'period' piece to a contemporary audience. I feel the best way to start a production is to treasure it like an old photograph or an old album - looking at something classic through a contemporary eye. The images in the production will suggest the time and place. The music, movement, and people will color the space with soul, humanity, and story."

Ain't Misbehavin' opens on the Trustus Main Stage on Friday, June 14th at 8:00pm and runs through July 20th, 2013. There are no shows on June 16th and the week of July 4th.. Main Stage shows start at 8:00pm Thursdays through Saturdays, and Sunday matinees are at 3:00pm. Tickets are $27.00 for adults, $25.00 for military and seniors, and $20.00 for students. Half-price Student Rush-Tickets are available 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. and on Pulaski St. The Main Stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season information.