The musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a tribute to Black musicians of the 1920s and ‘30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance. Performers at The Drama Group will bring the sounds, the cultural awareness and ethnic pride of that period to the stage over two weekends opening Feb. 16.
The five-member cast will bring an evening of rowdy, raunchy and humorous songs to the stage that encapsulate the various moods of the era when life was considered a journey meant for pleasure and play.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” gets its title from the 1929 Fats Waller song that was popular at Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, considered playgrounds of high society. On the flip side, the song was played at dives on Lenox Avenue where the new beat became known as swing.
The production uses the book Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Murray Horwitz and Richard Malby Jr. and music by various composers and lyricists as arranged and orchestrated by Luther Henderson.
Performances are under the direction of Cordaro Johnson with music director Elliott Bell and choreographer Liza Marie. Mary Lee Hoganson of Homewood is assistant director. Russ Hoganson of Homewood is scenic designer. Suzanne Ashlock of Homewood is assisting with costumes and Ken Hawkley of Homewood is construction lead and stage manager.
Performances are at The Drama Group studio, 330 202nd St. in Chicago Heights. The show opens at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16 and 17, with a 2 p.m. performance Sunday, Feb. 18. On the following weekend, performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22, 23 and 24, with 2 p.m. performances on Saturday, Feb. 24, and Sunday, Feb. 25.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors and $19 for students with ID. The Drama Group has an online ticketing service at dg.booktix.com where you will be directed to The Drama Group-BookTix Box Office. Or call The Drama Group box office at 708-755-3444.
The Drama Group is continuing its Community Outreach Programs by partnering with Merit School of Music serving thousands of young people from Chicago and surrounding areas with music education. A donation box to support Merit School of Music will be available at all performances.
