Charlayne Woodard Joins 40th Anniversary Concert Of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'

Charlayne Woodard (FX's Pose, ER) who starred in the original AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', the 1978 Tony Award-winning musical that celebrated the music of American composer Fats Waller, has joined the show's 40th-anniversary celebration at Feinstein's/54 Below on Sunday, September 9th at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm.

Woodard joins original cast members Andre DeShields (The Full Monty, The Wiz) and Ken Page (Cats, The Nightmare Before Christmas). Frenchie Davis (American Idol, Dreamgirls) will take on the role originated by Nell Carter and Cynthia Thomas (Ain't Misbehavin) will take on the role originated by Armelia McQueen.

The show will also feature members of the Crossroads Theatre Company production of the musical, which was directed by Mr. DeShields, including Johmaalya Adelekan (Ragtime), Rheaume Crenshaw (Groundhog Day), Tyrone Davis Jr (Waitress), and Zurin Villanueva (Mean Girls).

The concert will be directed by the shows original Tony Award-winning director and co-conceiver, Richard Maltby, Jr.

Receiving five Tony Award nominations, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' opened at the Longacre Theater in 1978 and played 1600 performances. The original company featured Nell Carter, Andre DeShields, Armelia McQueen, Ken Page, and Charlayne Woodard. The show was choreographed by Arthur Faria and featured arrangements by Luther Henderson. The show was conceived by Mr. Maltby and Murray Horowitz. A revival of the show hit Broadway in 1988.

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' features some of Fats Waller's most iconic songs including "The Joint Is Jumpin," "Your Feets Too Big," "Mean To Me," "Honeysuckle Rose," and so many more.

54 SINGS AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' will be produced by Robert W. Schneider. The show will be music directed by William McDaniel. The associate producer will be Benjamin Nissen.

Schneider said, "AIN'T MISBEHAVIN 'is the epitome of a perfect revue. I am so thrilled that the man who helped bring this show to life forty years ago, the incomparable Tony Award winner Richard Maltby Jr, is once again taking the helm on this project and will be bringing Waller's timeless music back to New York audiences. The joint, pun intended, will be jumpin!"

Tickets, starting at $30, are still available. In addition to the ticket price, there is food and beverage minimum of $25.00 54 SINGS AIN'T MISBEHAVIN tickets can be purchased at 54below.com. Tickets on the day of performance after 4:00 are only available by calling (646) 476-3551

MORE ABOUT FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW

Michael Feinstein, one of the world's greatest musical artists, and 54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, have united to give New York an unparalleled destination for entertainment and dining. Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, is the performance venue in the grand tradition of New York City nightlife. A few blocks from the heart of Times Square and just below the legendary Studio 54, Feinstein's/54 Below is a classically designed state-of-the-art nightclub in the theatre district that hosts audiences with warmth and style. Feinstein's/54 Below will present iconic and rising stars from the worlds of Broadway and popular music. The venue provides a food and beverage menu from early evening through the wee hours of the morning that is worthy of the world-class entertainment on the stage. In their description on the venue, The New York Times writes Feinstein's/54 Below "has the intimacy of a large living room with unimpeded views and impeccable sound; there is not a bad seat. Its sultry after-hours ambience is enhanced by brocade-patterned wall panels planted with orange-shaded lanterns. And the atmosphere is warmer and sexier than in Manhattan's other major supper clubs. Located at 254 West 54th Street, Feinstein's/54 Below features up to three shows nightly with cover charges ranging from $15-$105. www.54Below.com/Feinsteins

Photo Credit: Jennifer Broski

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