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Art Center Theatre presents Aint Misbehavin

Art Center Theater presents the Tony Award winning Ain't Misbehavin', The Fats Waller Musical Show, on February 27, 28 at 7:00 p.m. and March 1 at 2:00 p.m.
The inimitable Thomas Fats Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club, honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, rent parties, stride piano players and that jumpin new beat, Swing. Although not quite a biography, Ain't Misbehavin' evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as performers present an evening of rowdy and humorous songs that celebrate the music and songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada and Europe.
The original cast featured Nell Carter, Andr DeShields, Armelia McQueen, Ken Page, and Charlayne Woodard. Luther Henderson adapted Waller's music for the revue and served as the production's original pianist. Replacements later in the run included Debbie Allen, Yvette Freeman, Adriane Lenox, and Alan Weeks.
The West End production opened on March 22, 1979 at Her Majesty's Theatre. DeShields and Woodard were joined by Evan Bell, Annie Joe Edwards, and Jozella Reed. It was revived in London in 1995 with Debby Bishop, Dawn Hope, Melanie Marshall, Sean Palmer, and Ray Shell.
After eight previews, a Broadway revival with the same director, choreographer, and cast as the original production a decade earlier opened on August 15, 1988 at the Ambassador Theatre, where it ran for 184 performances. Because of its great artistic and financial success, Ain't Misbehavin' is considered by many to be the quintessential musical revue -- the standard against all others are measured.
In 1995, a national tour starred the Pointer Sisters, Eugene Barry-Hill, and Michael-Leon Wooley. Although it never reached Broadway as originally planned, a recording of highlights from the show was released by RCA.
Currently running thru May 2009, American Idol stars Frenchie Davis and Ruben Studdard will be starring in the 30th anniversary national tour of the show.
Art Center Theaters production is directed by Tony Ariola, assisted by Olivia Harrison and Choreographed by Wayne Harris. The cast includes Mendonoma Idol winners Keelyn OBrien and Haidi Hatfield, local veteran actors Laurie Kreger and Wayne Harris, and newcomer to the local theatrical arena, Tony Ariola. They will be accompanied by a full band comprised of local musicians from The Sea Ranch to Point Arena.