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Ain't Misbehavin'

South Bay Musical Theatre

January 30-February 20, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.9 Stars): Add Review/Comment

Ain't Misbehavin' is a musical revue with book by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., music by Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller, and lyrics by various contributing writers. This tribute to the black musicians of the 1920's and '30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance reflects an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness and ethnic pride.

Taking its title from the 1929 Waller song Ain't Misbehavin', this was a time when Manhattan nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom were the playgrounds of high society and Lenox Avenue dives were filled with piano players banging out the new beat known as swing.

Five performers present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs that encapsulate the various moods of the era and reflect Waller's view of life as a journey meant for pleasure and play.

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $9-$31.50

  Info Phone: 408-266-4SDG (4734)

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  January 30-February 20, 2010

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2:30pm

• Venue Info

  Saratoga Civic Theater

  13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Assisted Listening System
  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

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  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Top Tapping Energy!"
    Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Feb 23, 2010
    

    I was sad that I wasn't able to see and review this earlier in the run. I had no idea what to expect and musicals not being my favorite wasn't sure I was going to be the target audience. 5 actors, 31... Expand

    I was sad that I wasn't able to see and review this earlier in the run. I had no idea what to expect and musicals not being my favorite wasn't sure I was going to be the target audience. 5 actors, 31 songs, and a beutiful set and fantastic live band. 3 out of the 5 singers were just FANTASTIC, really on key, beautiful harmony, able to move, and fun to watch. The other two although not always note perfect, made up for it somehow in energy, smiles, and heart. This was a short show, with some lovely Fats Waller tunes, and is easy to enjoy. There were at least 3 songs that were among the best I have seen and heard from any group in the area...committed performances by actors you could tell enjoyed the music and the stage. I love that SBMT has stepped up seemingly every aspect of their productions. Costumes were amazing, the simple but beautiful set fit perfectly and I really enjoyed myself. Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Gotta go see it, and front row if you can"
    Review posted by: Michael from Campbell, CA, Feb 04, 2010
    

    Very fun and entertaining show. Each song is its own scene and little story, and each are fun and memorable. Wonderful and enthusiastic cast. James, you light up the stage. Music and costume to keep... Expand

    Very fun and entertaining show. Each song is its own scene and little story, and each are fun and memorable. Wonderful and enthusiastic cast. James, you light up the stage. Music and costume to keep you entranced. I sat in the front row, and its clearly the best place to be, you feel like the show is being put on just for you. Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Extraordinary talent"
    Review posted by: Gillian from San Jose, Feb 03, 2010
    

    This show is really a spectacular gem. Slick, fun, polished and professional from start to finish. I knew very little about the show or Fats Waller going in, but I now can see why it was such a... Expand

    This show is really a spectacular gem. Slick, fun, polished and professional from start to finish. I knew very little about the show or Fats Waller going in, but I now can see why it was such a success on Broadway, and I can't imagine any cast being much better than these five performers! Don't miss this one - it's an extraordinary experience! Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Finally a Musical with Style and a Hip Vibe!"
    Review posted by: Martini Max from San Jose, CA, Feb 02, 2010
    

    I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Ain't Misbehavin' last weekend, and I can't say enough nice stuff about this local show. First off, the music was spectacular. The show featured old jazz... Expand

    I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Ain't Misbehavin' last weekend, and I can't say enough nice stuff about this local show. First off, the music was spectacular. The show featured old jazz in stride piano style with the addition of a very tight mini-big band that was always on stage but only visible when relevant to the set. The sets were amazing and the quality of the show made me forget that I was at the local community theatre. I have paid serious $$$ for shows at big-name theatres in SF and not been as impressed as I was with the quality of Ain't Misbehavin. Dancing was great, singing was on pitch, costumes were impressive, and the use of colored lighting gave the show an edgy, sexy, and jazzy vibe that is lacking in many musicals. Sonic high points included lesser known jazz tunes like "Fat and Greasy," "Feet too big," and the hip reefer cut "Viper's Drag" which included a very serpentine dance set to mesmerizing green light. Very hip show Daddy-O Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "One of a Kind"
    Review posted by: Gordon from Santa Clara County, Feb 02, 2010
    

    This is one of those very rare experiences in community theater where the chemistry and talent of everyone involved in this show is just amazing. I also am sometimes wary when telling people to come... Expand

    This is one of those very rare experiences in community theater where the chemistry and talent of everyone involved in this show is just amazing. I also am sometimes wary when telling people to come and see a show because of the quality. In my 22 yrs of playing trombone in theater, this has to be one of THE BEST shows I have ever done!! (and I'm not being biased because I'm playing it). The run of this show will end too soon as far as I'm concerned. Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "RUSH out to buy your tickets!"
    Review posted by: AMinSJ from San Jose, CA, Feb 01, 2010
    

    Rush out to buy your tickets and if you miss SBMT's production of Ain't Misbehavin', it will be your loss! You will enjoy every aspect of this show from start to finish and will find yourself jumping... Expand

    Rush out to buy your tickets and if you miss SBMT's production of Ain't Misbehavin', it will be your loss! You will enjoy every aspect of this show from start to finish and will find yourself jumping up at the end to express your complete delight with your experience. Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Party of Six"
    Review posted by: Mary from San Jose CA, Feb 01, 2010
    

    When encouraging friends to go with us to see any show I have a tad of concern about the quality of the production as I feel responsible for their enjoyment. It's great when they all have a wonderful... Expand

    When encouraging friends to go with us to see any show I have a tad of concern about the quality of the production as I feel responsible for their enjoyment. It's great when they all have a wonderful time. Not so good if the show is a bust. This show, from the beginning was entertaining, professional, engaging and we all were part of the standing ovation at the end. Bravo SBMT for yet another great show! Collapse

  • Event Name: Ain't Misbehavin'
    "Don't Miss This One!"
    Review posted by: Opening Nighter from Campbell, Jan 31, 2010
    

    This show is ready to tour. SBMT has another hit on its hands as the audience stood and cheered at the Opening Night performance. Not only is the cast all most talented and well directed but the show... Expand

    This show is ready to tour. SBMT has another hit on its hands as the audience stood and cheered at the Opening Night performance. Not only is the cast all most talented and well directed but the show has such a great look to it. The production values which this group especially excels are right on the mark. Lucy Haab as producer and Eugene Barry-Hill as director have pulled together an outstanding production of this seldom done musical review. The show goes by so quickly that I found myself so disappointed at the end that it was over and wanted them just not to leave. Kudos to the set, costume, lighting, and sound designers. Also the music was not too loud. If you can only see one show, this should be the one. Collapse

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