Heart and Soul

Ain’t Misbehavin’

Walking into the Drury Lane Theatre the theatergoer’s mouth may fall open in wonder. The entire stage has been magically transformed into a beautiful Bronzeville cabaret nightclub, circa 1939 Chicago. This is thanks to the artistry of Andrew Boyce’s plush and classy Scenic Design, and accented by Lee Fiskness’ moody and sometimes melancholy Lighting. This lavishly detailed Art Deco night spot is reminiscent of New York’s Cotton Club or the Savoy Ballroom. Draperies, crystal chandeliers and lighted alcoves and arches frame a set that’s dominated by two movable platforms and stair units, the onstage domicile for the six musicians. The stage is adorned with several small tables and chairs and highlighted with champagne glasses and twinkling petite lamps. The scene provides a comfortable environment for both the five talented performers and a six-member onstage band, led by conductor and pianist, William Foster McDaniel.

Beautifully Costumed with style and sparkle by McKinley Johnson and Directed with heart and soul by Chicago’s own theatrical treasure, Ms. E. Faye Butler, this production is a delicious evening of comedy, pathos and jazz. It’s a tribute to the incomparable talent of American composer, pianist and recording artist, Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller. One of the most popular and influential performers of his era, Waller was a musical giant. He was one of the few jazz musicians to win wide commercial acclaim. He’s credited for raising the Harlem stride style of piano playing to a fine art. Fusing elements of blues, classical music, boogie-woogie and ragtime, Waller created a completely new musical sound that was uniquely his own.

Ms. Butler, who performed in the Goodman’s terrific production 16 years ago, guides this gifted cast filled with five talented triple threats. Each of the cast members is a star in his or her own right, and every one of them have their standout moments. The ensemble is led by the magnificent Lorenzo Rush, Jr., who’s been enjoyed at Drury Lane in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS and THE COLOR PURPLE, along with many other superb performances at the Goodman, the Marriott, Paramount and Porchlight Music Theater. This powerhouse actor/singer is, quite simply, a comic genius. He brings hilarity to such numbers like “Lounging at the Waldorf,” “Your Feet’s Too Big” and “Fat and Greasy.”

James T. Lane, who’s played both Billy Flynn and Amos Hart in CHICAGO on Broadway (among many other productions), may be remembered as Bert in Drury Lane’s delightful production of MARY POPPINS. In this production Mr. Lane dazzles in songs like “T Ain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do,” “The Ladies Who Sing With the Band,” and is a hit in Waller’s sensuous ode to reefer madness, “The Viper Drag.”

The trio of three lovely ladies who impress in this production, both together and individually, are each fantastic performers. Returning to Drury Lane, fresh off her success as Miss Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS and RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, Alanna Lovely owns every musical number in which she performs. It’s impossible to take your eyes off this terrific talent, particularly in numbers like “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” “How Ya Baby” and, especially, “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now.”

The multi award-winning actress/singer, Alexis J. Roston, also enjoyed at Drury Lane in THE COLOR PURPLE, brought down the house as Deloris in Mercury Theater’s incredible production of SISTER ACT; and Ms. Roston is a Jeff Award-winner for her stellar performance as Billie Holiday in Porchlight’s LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL. In this production Alexis is a comic standout in such numbers as “When the Nylons Bloom Again,” “That Ain’t Right” and “Find Out What They Like.” And she and Lorenzo coo and croon together in a velvety “Two Sleepy People” during the show’s final medley.

The uber-talented Sharriese Y. Hamilton has always been a standout performer in so many wonderful productions. They include the National Tour of COME FROM AWAY, as well as the Goodman’s wonderful production of THE NACIREMA SOCIETY, Mercury Theater’s hilarious ROCK OF AGES and Lookingglass Theatre’s excellent THADDEUS AND SLOCUM, along with an abundance of others. But unfortunately, sources tell me that Ms. Hamilton wasn’t feeling very well on opening night. Her typical sass and pizzazz felt pacified and Ms. Hamilton’s lovely, dulcet tones weren’t as strong and clear as usual. She did the best she could, while dealing with a cold or allergies, charming with songs like “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling,” “Mean to Me” and really made “Cash For Your Trash” the ditty of double-entendres that Waller intended. Hopefully this talented young performer will feel better soon and, as Fats Waller wrote, “I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed.”

The two-hour musical revue is filled with heart and soul. It’s comprised of 25 excellent, enjoyable songs, ending in a finale medley comprised of 5 of Waller’s most popular recorded tunes. In addition to the catchy title tune, the revue features such hits as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint is Jumpin,” “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling,” “Black and Blue” and “The Jitterbug Waltz.” The melange of familiar recorded songs include “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “Two Sleepy People,” “I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie.”

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented June 26-August 18 by Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the Drury Lane box office, by calling 630-530-0111 or by going to www.DruryLaneTheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area shows may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.