Ain't Misbehavin' Back for Another Spin on the Dance Floor

Ain't Misbehavin', based on the 1929 Fats Waller tune of the same name, is more of a revue than an actual musical, and pays tribute to the triumphs and contributions of America's black musicians. And it's coming back to town, as performed by the Pacific Jazz Institute. So if you missed it last time, you're fresh out of excuses.

A vivacious, swinging piece of live art may not play by the rules, but the lack of confines made the show all the more lively and vital, allowing the songs and the five rowdy performers to speak for themselves. Combining ragtime and swing, the show takes the audience on a Cotton Club-era adventure through Waller's life, marked by hot music and raunchy humor.

Early in the year, my fellow writer and photographer Suzi and I were lucky enough to grab a couple seats for Jazz Alley's production of Ain't Misbehavin'. We weren't exactly sure what to expect from, the show since we had never seen a musical at Jazz Alley before, but we had heard good things. We were left in awe.

It's no wonder the show, which made history by sweeping the Tonys the year it came out, has been a hit everywhere it's ever gone--including Broadway. This particular revival, by the Pacific Jazz Institute, is just as hoppin' as the original.

And obviously, love for this show wasn't solely ours, because Jazz Alley has brought it back to offer you several more chances to catch what will be one of the best musical performances you'll see this year. A musical about both music and movement, we urge you not to be shy when they come out into the audience and grab your hand for a spin around the dance floor.

November 22-23 & 25-27 @ Dimitriou's Jazz Alley // Doors 5:30pm // tix $28.50 (plus fees)