Fats Waller was a musical phenomenon in the 1920’s and 1930’s that helped to instate the culture of jazz music into the culture of Harlem. “Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Fats Waller Musical Show” is a delightful tribute to the man who played such a crucial role in the development of swing into the massive cultural style it has become in contemporary society. Taking in a production of this musical on Wednesday, October 10 at the San Diego Repertory Theater proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable night on the town.

Originally having begun his life as the son of a preacher, Waller gained his musical skills in a church where played the organ throughout his childhood.  This musical highlighting Weller’s contributions was not so much an autobiography as a tribute. However, this show still was quite effective at getting Waller’s contributions to the musical stylings across, and the cast of this particular showcase did a strong job of making for a refreshing night.
First greeting the audience upon entrance to this production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was the perfectly period-piece setting of the stage. As designed by Robin Sanford Roberts, the scenic design of this entire show was perfectly apropos for the 1920s, creating the feel of a nightclub. Strong color choices and a simplicity of style, lots of curtains situated as dividers between backstage and onstage as well as for the spaces of the “club” feel were all complimented really ell by the lighting design as helmed by Jennifer Setlow. Giving the club the whole tangible feel of a 1930’s jazz club was aided by the solid spot lights Setlow utilized as well as by the mellow shades of yellows, oranges and other beige and earth tones that she used to highlight the stage and the actors performing upon it. Directed and choreographed by Patdro Harris, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” followed no real storyline, and was more so a conglomeration of songs, both solo, group, and duets, with minimal dancing. The songs painted a picture of the wide expanse of sounds and feelings that the jazz music coming out of Harlem in the 1930s, but the dances really did little to add to the experience, seemingly added in as a “character trait” to keep the performers from simply performing a recital of sorts throughout the course of the show.
Without a doubt Reggie Ray’s costume design deserves mention. Involving only two costume, and thereby characters changes throughout the whole show, generally speaking, Ray still managed to convey a perfectly timed sense of era and place from the get-go of the show. It should make sense that Reggie Ray was able to have such a wide array of emotions coming through what amounted to only two sets of costumes, being as he has worked with so many great names. Having done costume design for the likes of Debbie Allen, Derek Gordon, Regina Taylor and Joy Zinoman as well as numerous theatrical endeavors, Reggie Ray has a good eye for how far simplicity can take a person or a character. This is precisely what he was able to do with “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and the result was a visually delightful show that perfectly mixed with the set designs and the lighting designs as referenced earlier.
As with most shows that rely heavily on songs to be enjoyable, the cast of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is truly a force to be reckoned with, and they made this show a success as an enjoyable trip to the theater, even though other aspects of the showcase may have fallen short. Particularly of note was Lisa Payton, who possesses a voice that truly is a dream, strong and powerful with the ability to dip into a kitten purr and flourish back out to a stunning bravado in the same note. Also boasting the rare ability to act and to truly empathize in her songs, Payton made for a truly delightful sensation every time she took to the stage, truly breathing life and characterization into the lyrics of her songs.

Valerie Payton also possesses an amazing range and strength of voice, pairing that talent with a truly fun way of winking at the audience, as though we are being taken into a private joke, thus making all of her scenes even more enjoyable with the sort of sheer enthusiasm that is so often reserved only for children. The other cast members, Austene Van and John Steven Crowley were also great additions to the teamwork that it took to make this presentation such a success, and the total cast of five performers worked together as a wonderful ensemble cast to bring Fats Wallers songs to wonderful, sparkling life.
The band that brought Waller’s songs to fruition were also incredibly talented, and situated as they were in the center of the stage, the audience was given a refreshingly first-hand look at the individuals who were creating the toe-tapping music that everyone was so enjoying. Made up of Kevin Cooper Sr. on upright bass, M’Tafiti Imara on flute, sax and clarinet, Danny King on percussion and JMichael on piano, and also acting as the music director, this band is a great collection of talent. Although slow at points, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a nice night out for friends and family, and if you are a fan of the music of Fats Waller then you will surely find a lot to love about this presentation.

Catch “Ain’t Misbehavin’ - The Fats Waller Musical Show” at the San Diego Repertory Theater through October 14.