AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

Vintage Theatre: 2/2 – 4/26

Shashauna Nickelson, Dwayne Carrington, Cicely O'Kain,Leonard Barrett,Jr. and Hannah Wheeler

                                                               

     The joint is jumpin’ over at Vintage Theatre!

     Their production of “Ain’t Misbehavin”,’ the Fats Waller revue that pays tribute to the composers of the Harlem Renaissance, is exhilarating.

     Donnie l. Betts’ astute direction provides us with a zesty pace, flair and energy.

     Duane Carrington’s (Ken) hilarious rendition of “Your Feet’s Too Big” and “Fat and Greasy” are deliciously funny as well as being animated with exuberant vitality.

                                                        Leonard Barrett, Jr.

     Leonard E Barrett Jr.’s (Andre) sinuous, serpentine singing of "The Viper's Drag," an homage to reefer weed, is smokin' smooth and unashamedly racy.

     The three ladies of the production take the stage with great pipes, sexy bodies and a strikingly competitive drive. Cicely O’Kain, Shashauna Nickelson and Hannah Wheeler give animated and spirited performances that constantly compete for sexiest and most talented!

     Shashauna Nickelson(Armelia) turns in her best work to date in the dancing and singing of these upbeat nostalgic classics. This artist is the daughter of the late much beloved Jeffrey Nickelson, after whom this auditorium is named.

Cicely O'Kain, Shashauna Nickelson and Hannah Wheeler

     Cicely O'Kain’s (Nell) “Why Must You Be Mean To Me” and “Lounging at the Waldorf” are smooth as silk.

     Hannah Wheeler (Charlaine) is a knockout in her sailor’s cap as she sings “Yacht Club Swing.” Her “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now” is just plain hot!

     The show is filled with songs that range from wickedly funny and racy to poignant and tender.  The ensembles’s singing of  “Black and Blue,” the heartbreaking exclamation point in Act Two, is harmonious and truly moving.

     The scenic design by Jen Orf gives us a room that’s in much need of repair in 1940s Harlem that’s unadorned with anything except an upright piano and a few nostalgic pictures of black musicians and singers of the 1920s and 30s. 

                                                         Dwayne Carrington

     Linda Morken nails the milieu with eye-popping costumes for the ladies that shimmer and shine. Those for the men are dapper and debonair!

     Janice Gay Sayles provides us with choreography that is vital and fun.

     The musicianship of Eric Weinstein(piano), Kurt Ochsner(drums) and Kenny Martinez(bass) adds immeasurably to the enjoyment of this evening of theatre.

       Come ready to smile and relive this magic era.

Photo credits: DenverMind Media

Vintage Theatre Productions

"Ain't Misbehavin'"

A musical tribute to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and '30s.

Feb.27 - Apr.26

Fri/Sat @ 7:30 p.m.; Sun. @ 2:30 p.m; Sat., Apr. 25 @2:30 p.m.

$32 ($28 advance)

303-856-7830 or online at www.vintagetheatre.org

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.