Circle Theatre’s current production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ was a marvelous triumph of a return for the theater which had taken a small hiatus this year. The company roared back onto its stage with a joyous, high-octane celebration of the life and music of Thomas “Fats” Waller. Directed by Khira Hailey, the immersive production served up a slice of Harlem Renaissance energy with verve and swagger laced with enchanting warmth and chemistry.
The setting starts in the lobby with Circle’s welcoming lounge that already feels like stepping back into the glitz of the 1920s. In the theater, VIP table seating helped with the swanky vibe of a cabaret speakeasy. Onstage, the band of three warmed up for the night’s show.
Although the show centers on Fats Waller’s work, the Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz show isn’t a biographical piece. The musical revue instead is more of a time capsule reflecting Waller’s era through the songs he created or popularized. In fact, even the character of Fats Waller onstage isn’t overly central to the show. The ensemble of five were either perpetually onstage or rotating in and out of each number.
The glide and precision of the show was remarkable as the cast navigated delightful choreography by Kiandra Brooks while hitting all their marks from both on and offstage. The show flowed with a dynamic high energy but still smooth as silk. Even with the audience interaction, the show always felt like a step back in time to that distinct nightlife aura.
This all couldn’t be pulled off without an able cast. In the case here, they were extraordinary. Chimberly Carter Byrom, Davian Jackson, Crystal Williams and Micaela E. Workman were a winning mix that delivered big on personality and musicality. As Fats Waller, J. Dontray Davis nailed the musician’s loveable persona.
The cast were all on their A-game with sensational, powerhouse performances while effortlessly swinging through classic tracks like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Jitterbug Waltz,” and the elegant rendition of “Black and Blue.” Each performer brings their own unique flair, blending flawless vocal harmonies with each other while having moments to show off their individual adroitness.
The cast was backed by Music Director Joe Rogers on piano with Dre Guilford on drums and Chris Hasty on the upright bass. The trio filled the room with a lush soundtrack. They were equally jaunty and rowdy as they were soft and intimate.
The art deco vibe was enhanced by Leah Mazur’s set and Aaron Johansen’s varied tones through his lighting design. Kiandra Brooks’ choreography felt intentional to the show’s 1920s nightclub vibe. All led by Hailey, she directed the show with a sharp eye over all its moving parts resulting in an exciting production.
With its lively songs, Ain’t Misbehavin’ was made to entertain, but in the right hands, like at Circle Theatre, the show was an experience that not just celebrated Fats Waller, but was a celebration of excellence by these talents.
The show runs through Oct. 25.
–Rich Lopez
