Biography
Ain't Misbehavin' is a revue musical celebrating the music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller, featuring 31 songs from his catalog along with contributions from other composers. It premiered on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre on May 9, 1978, directed by Richard Maltby, Jr. and choreographed by Arthur Faria, running for 1,604 performances across multiple venues until February 1982.[1][3] The production showcases five performers portraying characters inspired by Waller's era, delivering jazz standards in a lively, revue-style format without a linear plot, capturing the Harlem Renaissance spirit through songs like 'Honeysuckle Rose,' 'Ain't Misbehavin',' and 'Black and Blue.'[1][5]
The original Broadway cast propelled the show's success, earning multiple Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and Best Featured Actress for Nell Carter. Subsequent productions and tours featured rotating casts, maintaining the focus on Waller's stride piano style and Harlem jazz influences.[3][6] The musical's style blends high-energy tap, vocals across soprano to baritone ranges, and ensemble numbers that highlight improvisation and rhythm, influencing regional theater revivals worldwide.[1][2]
Its legacy endures through Tony wins, Grammy-nominated cast album, and ongoing productions that preserve Fats Waller's contributions to jazz and American musical theater, inspiring tributes to Harlem's vibrant 1920s-1930s scene.[3][7]
Fun Facts
- The original cast's Tony Award-winning performances helped the show run for over 1,600 performances, making it one of Broadway's longest-running revues.[1][3]
- Nell Carter's portrayal of 'Nell' earned her a Tony for Best Featured Actress, launching her career before her role in Gimme a Break.[7]
- The revue features songs by over 20 composers beyond Waller, including Hoagy Carmichael and Nat 'King' Cole, showcasing Harlem's collaborative jazz scene.[3]
- André De Shields, an original cast member, reprised his role in later productions and became a Tony winner for Hadestown decades later.[4]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Thomas 'Fats' Waller - Primary musical inspiration and subject of the revue (All featured songs including 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Honeysuckle Rose') [1920s-1940s]
- Richard Maltby, Jr. - Director and co-conceiver shaping the revue format (Original 1978 Broadway production) [1978]
- Arthur Faria - Choreographer defining the show's movement and style (Original 1978 Broadway production) [1978]
Key Collaborators
- Nell Carter - Original lead performer as Nell (1978 Broadway cast; songs like 'Mean to Me') [1978-1979]
- André De Shields - Original lead performer as Andre (1978 Broadway cast; songs like 'How Ya Baby') [1978]
- Armelia McQueen - Original lead performer as Armelia (1978 Broadway cast; songs like 'Lounging at the Waldorf') [1978]
- Ken Page - Original lead performer as Ken (1978 Broadway cast; songs like 'Your Feet’s Too Big') [1978]
- Charlaine Woodard - Original lead performer as Charlaine (1978 Broadway cast; songs like 'Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now') [1978]
- Luther Henderson - Orchestrator for the musical arrangements (1978 Broadway production) [1978]
Artists Influenced
- Debbie Allen - Replacement cast member carrying the show's style forward (Plymouth Theatre run 1979-1981) [1979-1981]
- Regional theater casts (e.g., Rubicon Theatre, Broadway Rose) - Inspired revival productions with new performers (Modern revivals featuring actors like Yvette Cason, Rogelio Douglas Jr.) [2000s-2020s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Ain't Misbehavin cast has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 6, 2026 | 10:43 | I've Got A Feeling I'm Fallingfrom Ain't Misbehavin | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper |