Theatre Tuscaloosa will take audiences back to the age of the Harlem Renaissance when they perform the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at Shelton State Community College this week.
The musical pays tribute to the historical Harlem Renaissance time period and its famous musician, Fats Waller. It consists of five characters singing and dancing their way through many of Waller’s greatest hits.
Set in New York City, the show centers around performances in famous night clubs such as the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom.
The play is almost entirely sung with only a few spoken lines. The musical styles include swing, blues, ballad, scat and stride. With big voices and energetic dance moves, the dancers imitated the dance styles in numbers reminiscent of the time period.
Nick Burroughs, a student at The University of Alabama, choreographed the show. Before the play began, Burroughs said he felt confident in the performance.
“I feel really awesome about it,” he said. “They had a really great final dress rehearsal last night.”
Burroughs, a junior majoring in musical theatre, said he believes the audience would enjoy how lively the cast would be.
“I think the audience will enjoy the cast’s energy,” he said. “They’re going to be excited about seeing the energy and connection that the five characters have with each other on stage. They’ll also love their voices. Their voices are amazing.”
The theatre was almost full at the opening night performance. Before the show, the audience appeared to be very excited about the musical.
Two audience members, Wesley King and Craig First, said the cast and music made them want to see the show.
“We’ve worked with a lot of the cast before,” said King, a UA graduate. “We wanted to come support them and hear the music.”
King and First also said they were expecting a great show.
“I’d heard good things about the show,” said First, a student at Northridge High School. First said he came to the show expecting “phenomenal voices and really good dancers.”
Throughout the show the performers had the audience bobbing their heads, snapping their fingers, and even dancing in their seats. The show relies on audience reactions at various parts. During one musical number, “Fat and Greasy,” the performers ask the audience to sing along.
Audience member Joyce Grubbs said she was very impressed by the show.
“It was more than I expected,” she said. “It was very professional. I really loved it.”
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” will continue running until Sunday, Feb. 17 in the Bean-Brown Theatre at Shelton State Community College.
Performances taking place Thursday-Saturday will begin at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Sunday performances will begin at 2 p.m. Tickets costs $14 for students and children, $16 for senior citizens, and $22 for adults. They can be purchased at theatretusc.com. For more information, call (205) 391-2277.
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