BWW Reviews: AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' Brings Down the House at the Segal Centre

For the first time in 20 years, Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show has swung into Montreal, and it does not fail to impress. This sassy and seductive jazz-age production opens the Segal Centre's 2013-2014 season with a bang, featuring a dynamic five-person cast that will get your toes tappin' throughout the entire show.

Ain't Misbehavin' is a musical revue that tributes the Harlem Renaissance and the black musicians of the 1920s and 30s, particularly in New York. It depicts the culturally creative times as swing music was entering the scene and jazz-based ethnic pride was gaining recognition. As the show is a revue, it does not have a definitive plotline containing dancing and singing interludes, but rather this show aims to provide theatrical entertainment through song and dance. It creates an atmosphere in which you feel as though you are in 1920s New York, sitting in a smoky bar as tunes are being hammered out on the piano.

The five-person cast, led by Kim Richardson, are all essential and add their own flavour and uniqueness to create a well-rounded ensemble. The music is difficult, but the cast tackled even the hardest five-part harmonies with grace and ease. Along with Richardson, the cast is made up of Toya Alexis, Jonathan Emile, Michael-Lamont Lytle, and Aiza Ntibarikure.

The five- person band is led by piano player, Chris Barillaro, who should be commended for playing throughout the entire show, but also being a pleasure to watch as he bops and performs along with the music.

Lytle gives the show a bang early on with his performance of 'Honey Suckle Rose' one of Waller's more famous tunes. His rich and beautiful lower register captivates almost immediately as the sounds wash over you. Alexis is also a pleasure to listen to in her solos with her smooth riffs that add emotion to her already seamless emotive voice. Emile, who stayed somewhat in The Shadows at the beginning, really brings down the house in the second act with his humorous rendition of 'The Viper's Drag'.

Allow the cast of Ain't Misbehavin' to draw you into the 1920s for a few hours and you'll be sad you ever have to leave.

Ain't Misbehavin' runs at the Segal Centre (5170 ch. de la Côte-Ste-Catherine) until October 23rd. Tickets range from $29-64.

Photo credit: Andrée Lanthier.

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