That old adage “Don’t judge it’s book by it’s cover” holds true once again – this time for the Northwestern Summer Theater Festival production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
It’s easy to appreciate the show’s surface qualities: hot jazz, soaring vocals and flashy costumes. But underneath rests a program that captures the history and spirit of a bygone era.
“Ain’t Misbehavin'” smacks of good summer fun. Director and choreographer Mitzi Hamilton hit gold with her five-member cast for this musical revue. Confident and talented, the cast manages to transport the audience back to the golden age of jazz and swing with real professionalism.
Both at the ensemble and individual levels, each combines the requisite attitude with impressive vocal skills to nail classics such as “The Joint is Jumpin'” and “Your Feet’s Too Big.” Sophia Monique Hinshelwood croons a sultry tune atop a piano, and Sabrina Scherff swings and taps with a dazzling energy and sweet smile. Hinshelwood and Barbara Lee Williams later team up for the sexy, funny “Find Out What They Like,” strutting and roaring – and bringing a smile to the audience in the process.
The music featured ranges from the humorous “When the Nylons Bloom Again,” a woman’s fantasy during a wartime stocking shortage, to the lovers’ quarrel of “That Ain’t Right,” to the bitingly ironic “Black and Blue.” For the “Reefer Song,” a sure hit with the college crowd, smoke fills the stage and the vocals take on an eerie echo as the cast swoons and giggles to the beat. In the second act, a jazz ensemble even rolls on stage, adding extra flair to the numbers.
But behind the good times is the rich history of Harlem in the 1920s and 1930s, captured through the music of legend Thomas “Fats” Waller. Waller, who started his career in 1922, contributed to the rise of swing music with his piano stylings and is remembered for the song “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
The show which bears its name began as an off-Broadway cabaret revue, but quickly rose to popularity in the late 1970s. It eventually won three Tony Awards, including Best New Musical. Though the show does not tell the story of Waller’s life, it does pay him a true tribute – each song was composed, collaborated on or recorded by Waller during his 20-year career.
NU’s production is playing at the Ethel M. Barber Theater through July 29. Shows are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $9 for students and are available by calling 491-7282.
