Cleveland Play House “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” A Fun-Filled Evening of Song And Dance In Honor of Fats Waller!
4 February 2010
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By Ms. Osupa Nia
Posted February 4th 2010
Greater Cleveland came out in record numbers for the Media Night opening of “Ain’t Misbehavin’ last night! The energy in the air was rejuvenating! The line to enter the Bolton Theatre started in the atrium of The Cleveland Play House.
“Ain’t Misbehavin” a tribute to the music of legendary Fats Waller ensembles a dynamic cast of performers whose range and depth are sensational!
Kent Gash has returned to Cleveland Play House after taking Cleveland by storm with the production of “Mahalia” in the 2008-2009 season of the theatre. Kent, you can call it de’ja vu, you have been down this road before and another successful musical production is a force that has to be reckoned with “Aint Misbehavin”!
Fats Waller a popular vivacious songwriter of the Roaring’ Twenties and Depression era created over four hundred compositions. Conceived during the Jim Crow era of black Americans, Fat Waller’s music was often jubilees, fun-filled and humorous. A jamboree allowing a mental get away from the desegregated inhumanities inflicted upon Black American during this era! Thirty-two of these songs are highlighted in this production by actors/performers Rebbeca E Covington, Ken Robinson, Angela Grovey, Christopher L. Morgan and Aurelia Williams all whom have extensive theatrical credits from Broadway to many renowned regional theatres!
One would have thought that Musical Director, Darryl G. Ivey was Fats Waller reincarnated! Mr. Ivey an accomplished pianist, keyboardist and musical director has numerous credits underneath his belt including Broadway’s “ Five Guys Named Moe” and “Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk!
I’ve have to say what my favorite composition was during this production…”Black and Blue”. A very moving ensemble that literally bought a tear to my eye! A reflection of the darker side of Fat Waller’s creativity, again mirroring the era in the 20’s and 30’s of Jim Crow!
I will say….make a date and don’t be late to see “Ain’t Misbehavin” at Cleveland Play House now through February 21, 2010!
You have until Sunday, February 7th 2010 to log on to MXO ENTERTAINMENT.COM to enter to win a pair of tickets for next Tuesdays performance at 8p!
Good Luck and Enjoy!
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