BWW Reviews: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN at The Vagabond Players

Ain't Misbehavin' is a finger snapping, foot tapping musical review based on the songs of Thomas 'Fats' Waller. Born in 1904 in New York City and coming of age in the exploding Jazz era, Fats Waller reached international fame during his career which ended unfortunately at age 39. He became a professional pianist at age 15 against his minister father's wishes and went on to public recognition reaching his song writing heights during the 1920's and 30's. His roguish personality and comedic charm combined to produce such hits as 'The Joint is Jumpin,' 'Ain't Misbehavin,' 'I Can't Give You Anything But Love,' and 'Honeysuckle Rose.'

Waller's work is good fun, and his song titles reflect that. For example, recognizing the sacrifices made during World War I, his 'When the Nylons Bloom Again' is his contribution to the home front's losses. And his flat out, just damn funny songs like 'Your Feet's Too Big' and 'Fat and Greasy' leave you grinning from ear to ear with pure joy. But Waller has a poignant side too and his famous '(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue' captures the the black experience in this country.

So any musical review of this larger-than-life pianist, organist, composer and entertainer needs a similar treatment. Unfortunately, the Vagabond Players performance doesn't meet the need. The actors were tentative in their choreography and as an ensemble. It was like what happens in rehearsals on TV's 'The Voice' when the performers are singing their hearts out but their vocal coaches say, 'I don't believe you.' The performance lacked a unity of spirit and the ensemble needed a tighter working relationship to pull this off. Upon leaving, I didnt' feel like I had just spent two hours with the let it all loose Fats Waller.

That's not to say that the cast doesn't have potential. Kevin Sockwell playing Ken has a voice that could do Waller's songs justice. And he was starting to hit his stride with the song 'Fat and Greasy' which was unfortunately near the end of the show. Brenda D. Parker as Nell also has a beautiful voice that comes on stronger near the end and touches deeply in 'Mean to Me' which is the first real connection I felt with the performance. And Timoth David Copney's (playing Andre), 'Viper's Drag (The Reefer Song)' is hypnotic. Copney has the 'I need to be in a Bob Fosse production' written all over him. His dance moves leave you wanting more.

The bottom line on this production -- It's all there, but waiting to be released. The actors have the voices; Copney has the moves; and the band has the music. The cast just needs to chill together and sit back and let Fats Waller's words and song do the rest.

Ain't Misbehavin' runs through November 23 at The Vagabond and tickets can be purchased at www.vagabondplayers.org. The Vagabond Players has the distinction of being the oldest little theater in America. Established in 1916, the Vagabond Players continue to bring local, affordable, quality theater to Baltimore. Ticket prices range from $15 - $22. For those on a budget, consider Friday night performances which are $15 a ticket and students with ID can grab a $14 ticket. Seniors and Military save, too.

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