Ain't Misbehavin' Dancers/Singers perform in Aint Misbehavin - Lighting Design Image

Production Summary of Ain't Misbehavin': The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway's best.

Fats Waller's Music preformed by 4th Wall Theatre

The inimitable Thomas 'Fats' Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club, honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, rent parties, stride piano players and that jumpin' new beat — Swing. Although not quite a biography, Ain't Misbehavin' evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of this American original as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Ainšt Misbehavin' is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time — sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry, with moments of devastating beauty. Simply unforgettable.

— Description courtesy of 4th Wall Theatre.
Full Cast Photo from Fats Waller's Aint Misbehaving - Finale - Lighting Design Image


Lighting Design Summary for Ain't Misbehavin': Lighting Design Photo of 'Black and Blue' from Aint Misbehavin The general mood of the musical review is light-hearted, and upbeat. We associate Fats Waller's work with bright, uptempo swing, and colorful honkey-tonk — and the lighting cooresponds to these qualities of music with a bright, playful palette. However, there are moments in which the desperation of being a black entertainer in a still-white world shine through, particularly during Black and Blue. This number stands out in high contrast through the use of a solitary floodlight that penetrates the stage and illuminates the performers in a much different quality and intensity of light. Here they are onstage to reveal their humanity rather than just to provide entertainment.


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