San Diego Repertory Theatre opened its 2007-2008 season Sept. 21 with a proven crowd pleaser, the 1978 Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show.” Don’t expect a book: It’s a revue, and all you get are a few lines of historical information. But who cares? Fats Waller’s music is the thing.
Done to a T by a fine company of five ” Robert Barry Fleming, John Steven Crowley, Lisa Payton, Valerie Payton and Austene Van ” staged and choreographed by Patdro Harris, the show is nonstop delight, chock-full of tunes that come so fast it takes one’s breath away, especially in Act II, when “Write Myself a Letter,” “Two Sleepy People,” “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie” and “Ain’t Misbehavin'” arrive in rapid succession.
As played by a band of four “” pianist/musical director JMichael, upright bass Kevin Cooper, wind player M’Tafiti Imara and percussionist Danny King “” quality is tops and the orchestrations are super.
Visual treats abound too, thanks to costume designer Reggie Ray, whose Act II is all about feathers, fur and glitter worn atop white and ivory costumes for the ladies and white and ivory suits with great accessories for the guys. Robin Sanford Roberts creates an attractive art deco set and M. Scott Grabau’s sound and Jennifer Setlow’s lighting are quality work.
Brought in as a replacement for the injured TC Carson, Fleming is the kind of elastic performer who draws one’s eyes. His supple body, especially on “Viper’s Drag,” is joyous. He’s theater arts director designate at University of San Diego. Watch out!
Sophistication is provided by Lisa Payton and Austene Van. Both are gorgeous women who wear their clothes stylishly. Though she is a large woman, Valerie Payton sells sex appeal and innuendo, especially in “Squeeze Me.” Her pitch is perfect and every note, no matter how high or low, is gemlike. The three women are marvelous as they advise each other to “Find Out What They [men] Like” and “let ’em have it.”
The dapper Crowley has an almost operatic voice, well employed always, especially in “Honeysuckle Rose” and hysterically in “Your Feet’s Too Big.” Both the guys are in the audience during “Fat and Greasy” exhorting everyone to sing along, and we did.
The most poignant and possibly best-sung number is “Black and Blue,” begun by the three women who are then joined by the two men. The harmonies are beautiful and the message haunting, especially when there are little towns in Louisiana like Jena, and the mayor of Alexandria goes on national TV and says, “Not in my town.”
“Ain’t Misbehavin'” continues at the Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, through Oct. 14. It’s a grand evening, not to be missed.
For tickets and information, call (619) 544-1000 or visit www.sandiegorep.com.
