Grade: A
It seems that there are a raft of musical revues dedicated to the work of a particular artist or composer that crop up each year. In just the last two summer seasons around central New York, there have been revues of Elvis, Sinatra, Louis Jordan, Tony Bennett and Sammy Davis Jr., and Patsy Cline is just around the corner.
But what started it all was “Ain't Misbehavin,'” a tribute to the life and work of Thomas “Fats” Waller that opened in 1978 and ran for more than four years. The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse does Waller's memory proud with a dynamic and engaging production.
Director/choreographer Paul David Bryant keeps the action brisk and his cast sharp though more than two dozen of Waller's hits, from the energetic “This Joint is Jumpin'” to the reflective “Black and Blue,” and occasionally throwing in Waller's trademark phrase, “One never knows, do one?” While his choreography is not terribly involved (with the notable exception of “The Viper's Drag”), every step is well executed and the overall effect gives the play a leanness that serves it well.
The cast of five, Vonetta Mixson, Tony Perry, Cheryl Howard, Curtis Wiley and Nirayl Wilcox, each demonstrate marvelous vocal ability - particularly the magnificent harmonies - and all are possessed of some nifty comedic gifts.
Mixson is terrific as the odd woman out in “The Jitterbug Waltz” and delivers a heart rending “Mean To Me.” Perry is terrific with “Your Feet's Too Big” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” and Howard delivers the goods with “When the Nylons Bloom Again” and “Squeeze Me.” Wiley is outstanding in “The Viper's Drag” and “That Ain't Right,” while Wilcox is superb in “Keepin' Out of Mischief Now” and “Yacht Club Swing.”
As a group they are nothing short of astounding with “'T Ain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do” and “Spreadin' Rhythm Around,” not to mention the title song which opens and closes the show.
Musical director Mark Goodman does another splendid job with the orchestrations and with the orchestra.
The vocal work and harmonies are impeccable, and the accompaniment, provided by his seven- piece band, seems somehow to evoke a much bigger sound.
Michael F. Hotto has designed a simple set, gaudily framed and appointed, but effective and utile.
Steve TenEyck's lighting is likewise understated and suitable. Travis Lope, on the other hand, is given free reign with the costumes and delivers beautifully.
Families should be advised that there is one number devoted to the non medical use of marijuana. Beyond that there is nothing objectionable in the show.
If you go
What: “Ain't Misbehavin'”
When: Through Sept. 8
When: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Emerson Park, Owasco
For tickets and information: Call the box office at 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
But what started it all was “Ain't Misbehavin,'” a tribute to the life and work of Thomas “Fats” Waller that opened in 1978 and ran for more than four years. The Merry-Go-Round Playhouse does Waller's memory proud with a dynamic and engaging production.
Director/choreographer Paul David Bryant keeps the action brisk and his cast sharp though more than two dozen of Waller's hits, from the energetic “This Joint is Jumpin'” to the reflective “Black and Blue,” and occasionally throwing in Waller's trademark phrase, “One never knows, do one?” While his choreography is not terribly involved (with the notable exception of “The Viper's Drag”), every step is well executed and the overall effect gives the play a leanness that serves it well.
The cast of five, Vonetta Mixson, Tony Perry, Cheryl Howard, Curtis Wiley and Nirayl Wilcox, each demonstrate marvelous vocal ability - particularly the magnificent harmonies - and all are possessed of some nifty comedic gifts.
Mixson is terrific as the odd woman out in “The Jitterbug Waltz” and delivers a heart rending “Mean To Me.” Perry is terrific with “Your Feet's Too Big” and “Honeysuckle Rose,” and Howard delivers the goods with “When the Nylons Bloom Again” and “Squeeze Me.” Wiley is outstanding in “The Viper's Drag” and “That Ain't Right,” while Wilcox is superb in “Keepin' Out of Mischief Now” and “Yacht Club Swing.”
As a group they are nothing short of astounding with “'T Ain't Nobody's Biz-ness If I Do” and “Spreadin' Rhythm Around,” not to mention the title song which opens and closes the show.
Musical director Mark Goodman does another splendid job with the orchestrations and with the orchestra.
The vocal work and harmonies are impeccable, and the accompaniment, provided by his seven- piece band, seems somehow to evoke a much bigger sound.
Michael F. Hotto has designed a simple set, gaudily framed and appointed, but effective and utile.
Steve TenEyck's lighting is likewise understated and suitable. Travis Lope, on the other hand, is given free reign with the costumes and delivers beautifully.
Families should be advised that there is one number devoted to the non medical use of marijuana. Beyond that there is nothing objectionable in the show.
If you go
What: “Ain't Misbehavin'”
When: Through Sept. 8
When: Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Emerson Park, Owasco
For tickets and information: Call the box office at 255-1785 or visit www.merry-go-round.com
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