The musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin'” hits the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso for a two-night run Aug. 5-6.
Tinged with raucous energy and humorous flair, the production is largely a journey through the music and times of the legendary pianist Fats Waller.
Jaunty fare such as “Cash For Your Trash” helps set the boisterous tone that permeates much of the retro show.
Also part of the mix is Hoagy Carmichael’s “Two Sleepy People,” along with “Honeysuckle Rose,” which is a Waller composition featuring lyrics by Andy Razaf.
“Ain’t Misbehavin'” has a book written by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr.
“It’s high energy, it’s hilarious, it’s fast-paced and it is entertaining,” said Chris Stalbaum, the show’s musical conductor and pianist.
The keyboard work presents its own set of challenges for Stalbaum.
“The piano part in this score is extremely hard,” the Hebron resident said. “Fats Waller had his own piano style. It’s very authentic. People don’t play this way anymore.”
Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller was a composer, singer and influential jazz artist born in New York City in 1904.
He co-wrote the song “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” His songwriting skills are also on display in the tunes “(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue” and “Jitterbug Waltz.”
Aside from his recordings, Waller gained fame for a comedic style that entertained radio audiences in the 1930s.
Additionally, the big screen radiated his personality. He appeared in the films “Hooray for Love” (1935), “King of Burlesque” (1936) and “Stormy Weather” (1943).
The Ohio-based Cleveland Freelance Players are presenting “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” with the cooperation of Arts Midwest, which is based in Minneapolis. Cleveland Freelance Players includes the Opera House’s former business director, Trinidad Snider.
“Arts Midwest is proud to support Memorial Opera House in their upcoming engagement of Cleveland Freelance Players,” Arts Midwest Executive Director David J. Fraher said in a press release. “Arts events like this not only provide uplifting experiences for audiences, they also create meaningful jobs for those employed in the arts industry — thus amplifying the effectiveness of our funding.”
Formed more than 30 years ago, Arts Midwest is one of several not-for-profit regional arts organizations in America.
Stalbaum said that for “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” he will lead a six-piece orchestra that includes himself.
As a driving force behind bringing the musical to Valparaiso, Snider touts the production’s distinctive aspects.
“It’s a really nice opportunity to bring something different to the Opera House stage,” Snider said of the revue that offers audiences a chance to relive the golden era of the Cotton Club and Harlem’s jazz-infused sounds, which hold historical significance. “I think they’ll really enjoy it on many levels. They will leave singing and clapping.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
“Ain’t Misbehavin'”
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Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 5-6
Tickets: $25
Information: 219-548-9137; memorialoperahouse.com