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Ain't Misbehavin'

Arizona Broadway Theatre

April 25-June 8, 2008

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Special Performance: The cast of Ain't Misbehavin' is performing a special 30-minute concert in the lobby of the Gaslight Inn on April 19 at 8:45pm. Singing a selection of Fats Waller songs from the musical review, the cast will be accompanied by ABT's musical director Jeff Kennedy on piano. Arizona Broadway Theatre, recently nominated for 24 ariZoni theatre excellence awards, debuts its production of Ain't Misbehavin' on April 25, featuring the music of Thomas 'Fats' Waller based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Robert Maltby, Jr. with lyrics by various writers. Considered by many to be the quintessential musical revue due to its great artistic and financial success, Ain't Misbehavin' (which runs through June 8) represents the standard by which all others are measured. ABT's production includes multi-faceted, nationally renowned artists Matthew D. Brooks, Nakeisha Daniel, Rovin Jay, Vonetta Mixson and Latasha Whitmore. Jeff Kennedy serves as Director/Musical Director and Chris Lee is guest choreographer. Taking its title from the 1929 Waller song, Ain't Misbehavin' is a wonderful tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and '30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance, an era defined by creativity, cultural awareness, and ethnic pride. The musical reflects a time when Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom served as the playgrounds of high society. Lenox Avenue venues were filled with versatile pianists banging out the new beat known as swing. The five 'triple threats' in ABT's production present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs encapsulating the various moods of the era while reflecting Waller's view of life: a journey meant for pleasure and play. This musical highlights Waller's career, which ranged from Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood to concert stages around the world. The original Ain't Misbehavin' opened in the Manhattan Theatre Club's East 73rd Street cabaret on February 8, 1978 and featured Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, actor and dancer Irene Cara. Following significant reception, it was developed into a full-scale production. After 14 previews, the Broadway show, directed by Maltby and choreographed by Arthur Faria, opened on May 9 at the Longacre Theatre, later moving to the Plymouth and then the Belacso before finally completing its 1604-performance run, topping many of the great musicals of the Golden Age. Photo Credits: Howard Kuflik, 2008

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $46-$56

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  April 25-June 8, 2008

  Times:
  Tuesday-Friday 5:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm and 5:30pm

• Venue Info

  Arizona Broadway Theatre

  7701 West Paradise Lane Peoria, AZ 85382

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• Regions

  West Valley

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• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate, however it's a good idea to visit the website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "WOW! What a show."
    Review posted by: Shirley Piekarski from Scottsdale, AZ, Apr 28, 2008
    

    Some friends invited my husband and myself to the production and I really did'nt know what to expect. WOW! what a wonderful show. Everyone in the theatre stood for a standing ovation when it was over.... Expand

    Some friends invited my husband and myself to the production and I really did'nt know what to expect. WOW! what a wonderful show. Everyone in the theatre stood for a standing ovation when it was over. I will be back! The ribs by the way were fantastic! Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "What a Show!"
    Review posted by: Very Pleased Fan from Phoenix AZ, Apr 26, 2008
    

    I was fortunate to experience this show on opening night, and I'm telling you, You have to go see it. You will laugh, cry, and tap your foot, sometimes all at the same time. The absolutely incredible... Expand

    I was fortunate to experience this show on opening night, and I'm telling you, You have to go see it. You will laugh, cry, and tap your foot, sometimes all at the same time. The absolutely incredible 5-member cast will bring you into the soul of 20s and 30s America. And with their purely phenomenal live onstage 6-piece band, they will take you on a journey through styles and moods of the heart of American music. Not only that, before the show you will get a wonderful dinner in a classy atmoshpere. If you want to see the true American soul and witness real American music, you need to see this show. Period. Collapse

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