Ain't Misbehavin'

  • written by Murray Horwitz & Richard Maltby Jr.
  • music & lyrics by Fats Waller
  • directed by Yvette Freeman Hartley
  • choreography by Roxane Carrasco
  • musical director Abdul Hamid Royal
  • scenic design by Edward E. Haynes, Jr.
  • costume design by Wendell Carmichael
  • lighting design by Jared Sayeg
  • sound design by Ian Scot
  • props design by Kevin Williams
  • projection design by Aaron Rumley
  • production stage management by Natalie Figaredo
  • Michael Donovan Casting
  • Michael Donovan, CSA
  • Richie Ferris, CSA
Adult Language
Sexual Situations and Themes
Violence
Fun for the Whole Family

Description

Run time: Approximately 2 hours, including intermission

It’s 1930’s Harlem, and the joint is jumpin’! Nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom are the playgrounds of high society, and dive bars on Lenox Avenue pulse with piano players banging out new tunes that are a wild mix of raucous, rowdy, and mournful. Featuring the intoxicating music of Thomas “Fats” Waller – the big-hearted, bigger-than-life impresario and international jazz pianist who helped create and define American swing, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a roof-raising musical tribute to the era. Delight in such favorites as “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and dozens more. Get your tickets early, because this stellar show, winner of both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards, will sell out quickly. You’ll be tapping your feet to an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs.

"...an evening of humor, romance and thrilling song and dance...a joyful experience for all your senses, filled with humor, sexy banter, and great renditions by a fabulously talented cast...the talented cast brings Broadway-quality performances to the stage..." - Stage and Cinema

"Snazzy, kinetic, hot and hilarious, “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” sizzles...can you say must-see entertainment?" - The Show Report

"...Vibrant and entertaining...you will leave...filled with joy." - Stage Raw

"Exceeded expectations in ways I didn't know they could be exceeded." - WMFU

 

Related Content

Interview with Director Yvette Freeman

Please Note: This production contains a simulated gunshot sound/effect. Flashing lights and non-toxic fog, smoke, and/or haze are also used during this production.

Take a Video Sneak Peek at Ain't Misbehavin' 

Dedrick Bonner
Biography »
Dedrick Bonner
Summer Nicole Greer
Biography »
Summer Nicole Greer
Jenelle Lynn Randall
Biography »
Jenelle Lynn Randall

Jenelle Lynn Randall is a Singer, Actor, Dancer, Writer/Ex. Producer and Voiceover Artist who’s Broadway credits include “All Shook Up” and “Brooklyn The Musical”. Jenelle’s Off Broadway credits include, “Shout,The Joys of Sex” & “They Wrote That?” (with Barry Mann and the late Cynthia Weil). Jenelle’s regional theatre credits include Kiss Me Kate (as “Hattie”), Dreamgirls” (opposite Jennifer Holiday), “The Christians” and “Disgraced” (both at the Taper). Jenelle’s VO credits include: Tom & Jerry, Rugrats, Apple & Onion, Scooby Doo, and Clarence. Jenelle wrote, Executive Produced and starred as Eartha Kitt in “I Wanna Be Evil: The Eartha Kitt Story” at the 2019 Hollywood Fringe and the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival BOTH sold out shows. Jenelle’s jazz album can be heard on Soundcloud. 

James Tolbert
Biography »
James Tolbert

James Tolbert is thrilled to make his Laguna Playhouse debut! A native Michigander (BFA Musical Theatre - University of Michigan), James’ favorite stage credits include Grease (Eugene, La Mirada), Mamma Mia! (Eddie, Sky u/s, Las Vegas and Royal Caribbean), Footloose (Jeter, Dance Captain, Kansas City Starlight), and Clue (La Mirada)! TV Credits: “Ricardo” on Nickelodeon’s Danger Force, “Young Dad” on FX’s Better Things. He is also a member of Starkid where he has performed in, choreographed, and directed several shows, including VHS Christmas Carols, Black Friday, Twisted, and A Very Potter Sequel. Thanks to the wonderful team at ATB Talent Agency!

Amber Diane Wright
Biography »
Amber Diane Wright

Amber Wright is a Los Angeles CA native and is thrilled to be gracing the stage at Laguna Playhouse! Just returning from Japan in a Christmas Wonderland, She has recently been seen playing the role of Lorrell in Dream girls at the New Theatre restaurant in Kansas City, Kansas, Leading lady in RESPECT in Coronado and Narrator in Joseph at the Candlelight Pavilion. She has other wise been seen at Disneyland as her favorite froggy princess, and has also traveled from Hong Kong Disneyland to Universal studios Japan and various Cruise ships that have taken her all around the world. She is so grateful for this opportunity and thanks God for the gift she has been given and most importantly her beautiful son! It’s all for you. Mommy loves you so much!

 

Samantha M. Lawrence
Understudy
Biography »
Samantha M. Lawrence

Samantha M. Lawrence is excited to make her Laguna Playhouse debut! Originally from Maryland, now based in Los Angeles. Credits include: Susan in tick...tick...BOOM! (ICT Long Beach), Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act: The Musical (Casa 0101), Belle in Beauty & The Beast (Casa 0101). Short Films: Child Runaways and Trophy Smile. Voice: Michelle Lane, J. Elaine Marcos, Acting: Gloria Garayua. She’d like to thank Michael Donovan Casting, David Ellenstein, Yvette Freeman, Denys Baker, Roxane Carrasco, and Abdul Hamid Royal for this amazing opportunity. Samantha is managed by Cima Talent Management and repped by LA Talent (thank you Natalie and Gigi!). samantha-m-lawrence.com Instagram: @SamanthaMarkita

Jodi Marks
Understudy
Biography »
Jodi Marks

Jodi Marks is thrilled to be making her Laguna Playhouse debut. Credits: Once On This Island, Ragtime, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tarzan (Moonlight), In the Heights, Sound of Music (La Mirada), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (CCAE). She is so grateful to be in this show and would like to thank the entire creative team, cast and crew for making this show one she will never forget. Most of all she would love to thank her agents at FSE, her family and her friends for their continuous support and love. www.jodi-marks.com IG: @jodimarks

T.J. Wilkins
Understudy
Biography »
T.J. Wilkins

T.J. Wilkins is an entertainer through and through. No stranger to the spotlight, he was named Top 12 overall as a member of Team Usher on Season 6 of NBC’s THE VOICE. Music credits include Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, John Legend and Beyoncé with whom he became Grammy nominated in 2019 for the song “Spirit” from Walt Disney Pictures', THE LION KING.  As an actor, T.J. has been featured on stage, screen, and television, appearing on networks including FOX, ABC, and Nickelodeon. Most recently, he performed the lead role of President Barack Obama in the stage hit musical ‘44.’ T.J. is represented by Abstract Talent.

Media

Press Coverage

  • Ring Side Report Interview with Yvette Freeman Hartley

    Yvette Freeman is an American actress who played Nurse Haleh on the hit show “ER” for many seasons. She won an Obie award in 1998 for her portrayal of Dinah Washington in the Broadway show “Dinah Was”. Yvette released a tribute album with Dinah Washington songs in 1999. 

  • Interview with Yvette and Dedrick of Ain't Misbehavin'

    Whether you’re 9 or 90, whether you listen to rock or jazz, whether you’re a Fats Waller fan or you’ve never even heard his name, none of it matters when it comes to how much you’ll enjoy Ain’t Misbehavin’, now on stage at the Laguna Playhouse through Sunday, Feb. 11...Director Yvette Freeman Hartley and actor Dedrick Bonner joined me to talk about the musical, what it’s meant to them and how their relationship with it has evolved over time. They also shared their perspectives about Laguna Beach, and why our town is the perfect venue for this show.

  • Orange County Register review: Ain't Misbehavin'

    "'Ain’t Misbehavin’“ is a unique marvel of a musical...Delightfully, the Tony-winning version now on marvelous display at the Laguna Playhouse, captivates as fresh, vibrant theater...do yourself this favor: experience Laguna’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” while you can."

  • Stage and Cinema review of "Ain't Misbehavin'"

    "...an evening of humor, romance and thrilling song and dance...a joyful experience for all your senses, filled with humor, sexy banter, and great renditions by a fabulously talented cast...the talented cast brings Broadway-quality performances to the stage..."

  • The Show Report review of Ain't Misbehavin'

    "Snazzy, kinetic, hot and hilarious, “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” sizzles...can you say must-see entertainment?"

  • Stage Raw review of Ain't Misbehavin'

    The production is vibrant and entertaining, and even if you don’t know much about Fats Waller, you will leave feeling not only familiar with his artistry, but also filled with joy.

  • Laguna Beach Independent Review: Ain't Misbehavin'

    "...a joyous, undemanding crowd-pleaser – a foot-stompin’ evening sure to leave audiences happy to have made the acquaintance of one Fats Waller."

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