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Ain't Misbehavin' 1978

Opened: May 9, 1978
Closing: February 21, 1982

Ain't Misbehavin' - 1978 Broadway History , Info & More


Assembled under the expert eye of director/lyricist, Richard Maltby, Jr., Ain't Misbehavin' is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time and winner of the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical.



The inimitable Thomas "Fats" Waller rose to international fame during the Golden Age of the Cotton Club and that jumpin' new beat, swing music. 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 that 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.




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CVRep Presents CLOSER THAN EVER, A Musical Revue
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 17, 2022


Following a successful run of CVRep's second play of the season, Life X 3, the playhouse continues its season of Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations 2021-2022 with Closer Than Ever, a musical revue directed by Ron Celona, with music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., and musical direction by Scott Storr.

CVRep Presents CLOSER THAN EVER, A Musical Revue
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 16, 2022


Following a successful run of CVRep's second play of the season, Life X 3, the playhouse continues its season of Hopes, Dreams, and Expectations 2021-2022 with Closer Than Ever, a musical revue directed by Ron Celona, with music by David Shire, lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., and musical direction by Scott Storr.

BWW Blog: The Battle of the Jukebox Musicals
by Student Blogger: Blake Velick - Oct 20, 2020


The jukebox musical phenomenon has exploded in the 21st Century. From Mamma Mia to Rock of Ages, generations of theatregoers have seen their favorite songs take the stage to tell unique narratives.

Performance Now Presents RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH at The Lakewood Cultural Center
by Stephi Wild - Aug 20, 2019


Performance Now presents ' Ring of Fire: the Music of Johnny Casha?? September 6-22 at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway in Lakewood. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 - $36 and are available or online at www.performancenow.org or by calling 303-987-7845.

Richard Maltby Jr. to Direct Stevie Holland in LOVE, LINDA
by Julie Musbach - Jul 16, 2018


Tony Award-winning director Richard Maltby, Jr. will be directing a limited engagement run of LOVE, LINDA, the stunning, one-woman tour de force musical and theatrical adventure starring acclaimed vocalist and musical theater actress Stevie Holland October 17th - November 10th at the Triad Theater, 158 West 72nd Street. The production features a book by Stevie Holland with Gary William Friedman and music and lyrics by Cole Porter.

Vintage Theatre Presents A Limited Engagement Return Of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH
by Julie Musbach - Feb 26, 2018


Vintage Theatre presents a limited engagement return of "Ring of Fire: the Music of Johnny Cash" March 2 through March 11. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays and Saturday, March 10 at 2:30 p.m. at the Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.  Tickets are $22 - $38 and available online at www.vintagetheatre.com or by calling 303-856-7830.

New Musical ROAD TO HEAVEN: THE JONATHAN LEE MUSICAL Gets D.C. Reading Today Before Shanghai Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Dec 12, 2017


China Broadway Entertainment announces its latest original global musical: Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical. Adapted from the novel by internationally acclaimed author Li Xiuwen, the original musical will feature music by one of China's most iconic singer-songwriters Jonathan Lee.

New Musical ROAD TO HEAVEN: THE JONATHAN LEE MUSICAL Gets D.C. Reading Before Shanghai Premiere
by BWW News Desk - Sep 19, 2017


China Broadway Entertainment announces its latest original global musical: Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical. Adapted from the novel by internationally acclaimed author Li Xiuwen, the original musical will feature music by one of China's most iconic singer-songwriters Jonathan Lee.

Andrea Burns, Bryan Terrell Clark, Lilli Cooper and More to Star in Concert Reading of Maltby & Shire's THE COUNTRY WIFE
by BWW News Desk - Jun 13, 2017


Red Bull Theater today announced a very special Revelation Reading: for two nights only, on Sunday, June 18th and Monday June 19th at The Duke on 42nd Street (229 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues) Red Bull will present a concert reading of  THE COUNTRY WIFE, a new musical adapted from the play of the same name by William Wycherley by Richard Maltby Jr. with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire, and direction by Mr. Maltby.  

Maltby & Shire's New Musical Adaptation of THE COUNTRY WIFE Gets Reading at Red Bull Theater
by BWW News Desk - May 10, 2017


Red Bull Theater today announced a very special Revelation Reading: for two nights only, on Sunday, June 18th and Monday June 19th at The Duke on 42nd Street (229 West 42nd Street, between 7th and 8th Avenues) Red Bull will present a concert reading of  THE COUNTRY WIFE, a new musical adapted from the play of the same name by William Wycherley by Richard Maltby Jr. with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire, and direction by Mr. Maltby. 

Fred Barton Orchestra, Terri White, Sam Harri & More Set for AMERICAN SHOWSTOPPERS at Schimmel Center
by Tyler Peterson - Oct 2, 2014


On Saturday, October 18, noted arranger Fred Barton will bring the music of Broadway and the American Songbook showmanship to the Schimmel Center at Pace University in American Showstoppers: An Evening of Cy Coleman.

Richard Maltby, Jr. Directs Star-Studded Cast for DTC's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', Now thru 4/27
by BWW News Desk - Apr 2, 2014


Delaware Theatre Company will close its 35th season with the 35th anniversary of the hit musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz. Delaware Theatre Company's production will be directed by original Broadway director and co-creator Richard Maltby, Jr. and feature his own handpicked cast alongside the original designs from the 1978 Tony Award-winning production.

Richard Maltby, Jr. to Direct Star-Studded Cast for DTC's AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', 4/2-27
by BWW News Desk - Mar 17, 2014


Delaware Theatre Company will close its 35th season with the 35th anniversary of the hit musical AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz. Delaware Theatre Company's production will be directed by original Broadway director and co-creator Richard Maltby, Jr. and feature his own handpicked cast alongside the original designs from the 1978 Tony Award-winning production.

International City Theatre Closes Season with AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', Now thru 11/4
by BWW News Desk - Oct 9, 2012


The joint will be jumpin' when International City Theatre closes its 2012 season with Ain't Misbehavin', the Tony Award-winning musical revue based on the life of Thomas "Fats" Waller. Saundra McClain directs Phillip Brandon (national tour: The Color Purple), Niketa Calame (Celebration Theatre's The Color Purple), Amber Mercomes (San Francisco and Los Angeles Opera productions of Porgy and Bess), Lacy Darryl Phillips (Broadway: Fosse and A Raisin in the Sun) and Jennifer Shelton (first national tour of Ragtime; previously seen on the ICT stage in Songs for a New World, Five Course Love, The Story, Honk! and Swinging on a Star), with musical direction by Rahn Coleman and choreography by Stephen Semien. Performances take place October 12 through November 4 at International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, with low-priced previews beginning tonight, October 9.

International City Theatre Closes Season with AIN'T MISBEHAVIN', 10/9-11/4
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 18, 2012


The joint will be jumpin' when International City Theatre closes its 2012 season with Ain't Misbehavin', the Tony Award-winning musical revue based on the life of Thomas "Fats" Waller. Saundra McClain directs Phillip Brandon (national tour: The Color Purple), Niketa Calame (Celebration Theatre's The Color Purple), Amber Mercomes (San Francisco and Los Angeles Opera productions of Porgy and Bess), Lacy Darryl Phillips (Broadway: Fosse and A Raisin in the Sun) and Jennifer Shelton (first national tour of Ragtime; previously seen on the ICT stage in Songs for a New World, Five Course Love, The Story, Honk! and Swinging on a Star), with musical direction by Rahn Coleman and choreography by Stephen Semien. Performances take place October 12 through November 4 at International City Theatre in the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, with low-priced previews beginning October 9.

Harbor Lights To Offer a Master Class With Richard Maltby 3/24
by BWW News Desk - Mar 24, 2012


The Harbor Lights Theater Company, Staten Island's own professional theater company, announces the first session of its 2012 master class series.

Harbor Lights To Offer a Master Class With Richard Maltby 3/24
by Gabrielle Sierra - Feb 14, 2012


The Harbor Lights Theater Company, Staten Island's own professional theater company, announces the first session of its 2012 master class series.

Long Wharf Theatre Presents AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ 10/26-11/20
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2011


Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Interim Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' on the Mainstage from Oct. 26 through Nov. 20.

Long Wharf Theatre Presents AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ 10/26-11/20
by Gabrielle Sierra - Sep 20, 2011


Long Wharf Theatre, under the director of Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Interim Managing Director Joshua Borenstein, presents the Tony Award-winning musical Ain't Misbehavin' on the Mainstage from Oct. 26 through Nov. 20.

George Dvorsky and Sal Viviano Complete Run in CLOSER THAN EVER 4/25
by BWW News Desk - Apr 25, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will close its new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller along with Broadway alums George Dvorksy and Sal Vivinio April 25 in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

Mayes & Wintersteller Ends CLOSER THAN EVER At Queens Theater In The Park, 4/25
by BWW News Desk - Apr 25, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will end its new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller on April 25th.

Queens Theater In The Park Presents CLOSER THAN EVER 4/16-25
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 16, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will present a new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller along with Broadway alums George Dvorksy and Sal Vivinio from April 16-25 (Wednesday and Thursday at 2PM; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm) in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

George Dvorsky and Sal Viviano Complete Cast of CLOSER THAN EVER 4/16-25
by BWW News Desk - Apr 16, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will present a new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller along with Broadway alums George Dvorksy and Sal Vivinio from April 16-25 (Wednesday and Thursday at 2PM; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm) in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

Photo Flash: Queens Theater In The Park Presents CLOSER THAN EVER
by Gabrielle Sierra - Apr 12, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will present a new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller along with Broadway alums George Dvorsky and Sal Viviano from April 16-25 (Wednesday and Thursday at 2PM; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm) in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY

Queens Theater In The Park Presents CLOSER THAN EVER 4/16-25
by Gabrielle Sierra - Mar 29, 2010


Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) and Bristol Riverside Theatre, in association with Neil Berg and Adam Friedson, will present a new production of the award-winning musical revue Closer Than Ever directed by Richard Malty. Jr. and starring original cast members Sally Mayes and Lynne Wintersteller along with Broadway alums George Dvorksy and Sal Vivinio from April 16-25 (Wednesday and Thursday at 2PM; Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm; and Sunday at 3pm) in the Claire Shulman Playhouse Main Stage Theatre at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.

Ain't Misbehavin' History

Other Productions of Ain't Misbehavin'

1978   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1979   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1979   West End London Production
West End
1979   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
1979   US Tour 3rd National Tour
US Tour
1988   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
1995   US Tour National Tour
US Tour
1995   West End London Revival
West End
2003   Milburn, NJ (Regional) Paper Mill Production
Milburn, NJ (Regional)
2006   Beverly, MA (Regional) North Shore Music Theatre Production
Beverly, MA (Regional)
2008   US Tour National Tour [Big League Productions]
US Tour

Ain't Misbehavin' - 1978 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1978 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actor - Musical Ken Page
1978 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Nell Carter
1978 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Actress - Musical Charlaine Woodard
1978 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Choreography Arthur Faria
1978 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Musical 0

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