Review: Porchlight Music Theatre's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' Brings Swinging Holiday Spirit to Stage 773

Audiences looking for a jazzy and celebratory way to get into a holiday mood should look no further than Porchlight Music Theatre's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'. This Fats Waller musical revue provides plenty of joy and entertainment but remains distinct among the city's holiday offerings because the show's content does not explicitly pertain to the holiday season. Aside from a few sprinklings of holiday tinsel in Jeffery D. Kmiec's set design, AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' revels primarily in its joyful celebration of Thomas "Fats" Waller's song catalog--and will have audiences toe-tapping along to the music.

Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horowitz (there's not much book to speak of in this revue, aside from a few liner notes and sassy asides), AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' is framed as a casual, jovial evening at an "after hours" party in 1944 Harlem, New York--allowing Waller's music to become the showcase. With direction and choreography by Brenda Didier, this return engagement garnered a number of Jeff Awards--including one for Best Production of a Revue-and features the original 2014 ensemble of five: Robin K. DaSilva, Sharriese Hamilton, Lina Wass, Donterrio Johnson, and Lorenzo Rush. These capable and entertaining singers are joined onstage by Austin Cook on piano (who also serves as music director), Michael Weatherspoon on drums, Dan Kristan on bass, Bryant Millet on trumpet, and Corbin Andrick on reeds. Though the cast and band are small, they provide a full, satisfying sound as they dive into some of Waller's biggest hits, including "Honeysuckle Rose," "Squeeze Me," and of course, the title song. All of the ensemble members are capable singers and their passion for the songs they sing comes through in their performances--the energy in the show is downright infectious.

The first act of AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' thrums along at a steady, ebullient pace as the revue passes through many of Waller's high energy, swinging hits. Bill Morey's era-authentic costumes, Maya Fein's vibrant lighting design, and Didier's simple but energetic choreography add to the festive atmosphere. The energy slows down considerably in the second act, however, and the mood grows a bit too somber--the contrast between the two feels a bit too sharp. And a few numbers miss the mark as when the actors are occasionally called upon to intentionally sing badly for entertainment purposes.

AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' works best when the performers truly sing to the best of their abilities. Overall, the show exudes joy and sweeps audiences up into the festivities. Musical theater fans looking for some non-traditional holiday entertainment would do well to attend this jubilant show and take a step back in time to the jazzy days of the 1940's.

Porchlight Music Theatre's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' plays at Stage 773, 1225 North Belmont Avenue, through December 20. Tickets are $45-$48. PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or 773-327-5252.

Photo Credit: Kelsey Jorissen