DOUBLE REVIEW! Ain’t Misbehavin @ the Market
Editorista got a little mixed up with dates and sent TWO reviewers to the Market Theatre to check out the musical Ain’t Misbehavin… The best part about this review is that one of the ladies is an accomplished musical theatre performer and the other is a big fan of musical theatre…which means they each had a very different POV. Thanks to Heather and Debs for your reviews – check out what they …
had to say:
THE LISTENER – HEATHER
I have to start this review with a confession. I am tone deaf and know nothing of the Harlem Renaissance or Stride Piano. However, I can say that if you are looking for an entertaining, upbeat show to see before this Festive season – check out this chock-full-of-talent production. Most of the songs are instantly recognizable and will have you tapping your toes all along.
From the very first number of “Ain’t Misbehavin’ I got that feeling of “this is going to be great” and I wasn’t let down.
Some of the artists are known in different capacities such as actors, voice artists, dancers or back-up vocals, but I was amazed at how talented they all are as real, live, singing, dancing, comedic performers.
Gillian Bhudal has a fabulous presence and her rendition of “Yacht Club Swing” was a hoot.
A highlight of the show for me was Earl Gregory doing the “The Viper’s Reefer Song –
somewhat out of the ordinary from the other numbers, but a great performance.
An artist to look out for is Molebatsi Lekgetha who has incredible energy and a great voice.
The humour in the lyrics is well portrayed by the ensemble and with some of the less recognizable numbers, I would have loved to have had a copy of the lyrics to read.
I mean really&..
Who’s that walkin’ round here, Mercy
Sounds like baby patter, baby elephant patter thats what I calls it
Say up in Harlem at a table for two
There were four of us,
me, your big feet and you
From your ankles up, I’d say you sure look sweet
From there down there’s just too much feet
Yes, your feets too big
Don’t want ya, cause ya feets too big
Who else writes such witty lyrics?
(I think that if it hadn’t been opening night, the audience would have started to sing along&)
The lighting was subtle and complemented the performance very well. I did find the band a bit tucked away and I got the feeling they were a little cramped. It would have been great to see more of the piano player, after all, Fats Waller was a Jazz Pianist!
All in all a great production pulled together under Malcolm Purkey’s direction.
If you get a chance, try to buy a programme after the show as it has some interesting info on Fats Waller and the Harlem Renaissance.
Ain’t Misbehaving is on at the Market Theatre until the 23rd of December.
THE SINGER – Debra
Ain’t Misbehavin is a musical revue with music by Thomas “Fats” Waller, lyrics by various writers and book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr. Fats Waller wrote some of the most memorable songs of his time including greats like “The Joint Is Jumpin”, “Honeysuckle Rose” and “Ain’t Misbehavin”. This Lively show will be playing at the Market as their Christmas special.
The Show boasts a fabulous and Swingin’ 7 piece band-superbly lead by Johan Mthethwa on Piano; a set and costumes with just the right amount of glimmer and glitter; a vibin’ energy through staging and jivin’ choreography and a cast of 7 really promising and some consummate performers.
Whilst I really enjoyed the show, I do have some concerns with the production. It really is a lovely change to see a musical where the performers can really sing, however: the dancing was a little too low key for me; the accents weren’t consistent (were they in Harlem or Sophiatown?): and it was often difficult to understand what the performers were singing-partly due to bad diction and partly due to lack of balance of sound with the band.
Notable performances came from:
” The triple-threat, Lindani Nkosi- there ain’t nothing this cat can’t do. He carries this show with charm, humour and a voice of golden syrup.
” Brenda Mukwevho whose voice is only outshone by her stage personality and adept comic timing. A young, black Carol Burnett.
Over all, a good night out complete with great harmonies, favourite Jazz standards and a few good laughs.
Catch it if you can!
Booking info here.
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