Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
Review: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' at Geva Theatre

Review: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' at Geva Theatre

Playing on Geva Theatre's Wilson Stage until February 12th.

It's curious that "Ain't Misbehavin'" feels like such a perfect show for a Rochester audience, given that Fats Waller has no apparent Rochester connection; he was born in New York City, died in Kansas City, and spent the bulk of his short life entertaining audiences across the U.S and abroad. Maybe it's Rochester's internationally-acclaimed jazz festival, the fact that Rochester is home to one of the most elite music conservatories in the world, or that it has a strong connection to black history that makes this biographical show about a pioneering black jazz musician seem so fitting for Rochesterians and Geva Theatre's stage. Regardless of the origins of this mystical connection, "Ain't Misbehavin'" is definitely a show that you're not going to want to miss.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a musical revue with a book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr., and music by various composers and lyricists as arranged and orchestrated by Luther Henderson. It is named after the song by Fats Waller "Ain't Misbehavin'". Like most revues, "Ain't Misbehavin" falls somewhere between the definitions of concert and musical; it's more elaborate and engaging than a traditional concert, with a small cast of five (Miya Bass, Paris Bennett, Jay Copeland, Judith Franklin, and Will Stone) performing the songs in character, often in costumes, and utilizing set pieces; but doesn't feature a full narrative storyline like a normal musical would. "Ain't Misbehavin'" features a bevy of classic Fats Waller songs, such as "Honeysuckle Rose", "Handful of Keys", "Yacht Club Swing", and many more.

Whether or not you're familiar with jazz music generally or Fats Waller specifically, Geva Theatre's production of "Ain't Misbehavin" is brilliantly produced and masterfully performed. Fats' iconic music is brought to life by the small cast at times together, and other times solo, but always channeling the spirit and energy of the song and the roaring 1920's and 30's in which it originated. Particular standouts for me were "Stride Piano" and "Fat and Greasy", but each song performed by this talented cast brings the appropriate level of rowdy, raucous, sultry, and exciting.

Equally as fun to watch as the cast is the band, who are situated behind the performers and churn from one song to the next with ferocity and precision, sounding like they were pulled directly from a Harlem nightclub 90 years ago; especially impressive considering they all appear to be in their 20's or early 30's, at most. A special shoutout to musical director Kwinton Gray, who leads the band and tickles the ivories all while performers are climbing on his piano and dancing on and around him at various times.

Geva Theatre has long lived the mission of championing diversity in its storytelling, bringing black-led casts, black playwrights, and stories centered on historically marginalized communities into its fold, so as a show featuring an all-black cast and centered on the music of an iconic black musician, it's no surprise that "Ain't Misbehavin'" found its way into the 2022-2023 season. What's exciting, however, is how immediately noticeable it is that this show diversified the typical Geva audience. In the 15+ years I've been coming to Geva I don't think I've seen such a young and diverse crowd, an encouraging and welcoming sight given how white, wealthy, and 50+ theatre audiences tend to be (everywhere, not just at Geva). It's a testament to the fact that if you want to bring theatre to new audiences, you have to tell different kinds of stories.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a wild and exciting ride through the golden age of jazz and the music of a celebrated American musical icon. It's playing on Geva Theatre's Wilson Stage until February 12th, for tickets and more information click here.



YOURE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN Announced At Fort Salem Theater Photo
Fort Salem Theater has announced local cast and creative team members for the upcoming family-fun musical, 'You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown,' taking the mainstage from May 5-14, 2023.

VIDEO: Watch The Set Construction For OUR TOWN at Syracuse Stage Photo
What does 3/4 of a mile of rope, with every inch of it painted black, and 5’ tall, 5” diameter steel pipe filled with concrete get you? The OUR TOWN set at Syracuse Stage! Watch as over the course of 2 full work days the Syracuse Stage Scene Shop and Paint Shop put together the centerpiece of the OUR TOWN set.

The Rochester Fringe Festival Announces the Production Launch Fringe Fund Photo
The Rochester Fringe Festival announced the Production Launch Fringe Fund, a stipend program for individual artists and companies with financial need who would like to bring their shows to the Fringe in 2023.

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE MUSICAL Comes To Proctors This June! Photo
Lead producer Colin Ingram together with Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, the creators of the Back to the Future film trilogy, have announced the 2022 Olivier Award-winning Best New Musical, BACK TO THE FUTURE: The Musical will launch a North American tour in the summer of 2024.


From This Author - Colin Fleming-Stumpf

Colin Fleming-Stumpf is a lover of all things theatre and performing arts. A native of Rochester, Colin has acted on stages across Western New York and is active in the local theatre community as a... (read more about this author)


Review: WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva TheatreReview: WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva Theatre
March 28, 2023

What did our critic think of WE ARE CONTINUOUS at Geva Theatre? Rochester's Geva Theatre is currently presenting 'We are Continuous' on its Fielding Stage, a small-scale interpersonal confessional about how love grows and evolves, about the unconditional love of a mother and lover, and about the safety and peace offered by those closest to us.

Review: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars TheatreReview: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars Theatre
March 27, 2023

What did our critic think of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND at Blackfriars Theatre? While Rochester may still be immersed in the cold and blustery late-winter climate, one need only head to East Main Street for reprieve, as Blackfriars Theatre's 'Once on this Island' will transport you to the warm tropics of the Caribbean and tell the story of love, resilience, and the spirit of hope.

Review: I'M NOT A COMEDIAN…I'M LENNY BRUCE at JCC Centerstage TheatreReview: I'M NOT A COMEDIAN…I'M LENNY BRUCE at JCC Centerstage Theatre
March 16, 2023

What did our critic think of I’M NOT A COMEDIAN…I’M LENNY BRUCE at JCC Centerstage Theatre?

Review: HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre LeagueReview: HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre League
March 16, 2023

What did our critic think of HADESTOWN at Rochester Broadway Theatre League? This touring production of 'Hadestown' could not have been better cast, with each performer taking turns captivating the audience and delivering lush, emotional musical performances.

Review: RUSSIAN TROLL FARM at Geva TheatreReview: RUSSIAN TROLL FARM at Geva Theatre
March 11, 2023

What did our critic think of RUSSIAN TROLL FARM at Geva Theatre?