Steadstyle Chicago
	June 2008 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Looking for a Ticket Broker? Check out the hottest broadway tickets from Gotickets.com Ain't Misbehavin' Critical Evaluation: **** out of **** Alexis Rogers, Parrish Collier, E. Faye Butler, John Steven Crowley and Lina Kernan star in "Ain't Misbehavin'" in the Goodman's Albert Theater.  Photos by Liz Lauren. In the early 1900's, Fats Waller became an influential stride piano players of the times.  After he passed away in 1943, his music left with him until 1978, when Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. created "Ain't Misbehavin'" as a tribute to all he brought to the world of music.  Now at the Goodman Theatre, under the direction of Chuck Smith, we get a chance to experience the magic of Fats Waller and the sounds he created.  The original was more of a cabaret style performance while Mr. Smith has brought this to a concert concept and has put together a cast of five of Chicago's finest actors/singers to bring the magic alive on the Albert stage. 25 delicious songs, including ballads, ragtime, and some songs that are just plain fun are performed by Alexis Rogers, Lina Kerman, the incredible John Steven Crowley, Parrish Collier (with incredible feet) and E. Faye Butler.  They make this production a musical theatrical experience as they fill the theater with music for one hour and thirty-five minutes.  The audience can't help but stomp their feet and clap their hands as they enjoy the sounds of Mr. Waller.  What makes a production like this so much fun for an audience is that the actors are really into the music.  Even though we know they have been rehearsing for weeks, it appears as though they are doing it for the very first time, and each song feels fresh.  What more can an audience want?  A solid show with a solid cast is perfection! The orchestra, under the direction of Malcolm Ruhl, is wonderful and truly makes this show work.  The musicians are a major part of each song and the opening number of Act Two " Spreadin' Rhythm Around" will knock your socks off.  The choreography by Lisa Johnson-Willingham is perfect for the era and even though many of the audience members on opening night had never really heard of Fats Waller, some of the music they heard was music they had before.  The title song "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Black and Blue" are the most notable and "It's a Sin To Tell A Lie", "I Can't Give You Anything but Love", which were not written by Mr. Waller but were recorded by him.  There are some comic moments, in particular with E. Faye Butler and John Steven Crowley carrying the load, but of most importance this is a night of quality music that shows the vibrancy of an era in our history that should be remembered.  This is a classic piece about a musical legend that can be enjoyed by all ages, races and religions.  Just sit back, relax and enjoy the travel through time, it's well worth the trip! "Ain't Misbehavin'" will run at The Goodman Theatre located at 180 N. Dearborn through August 3, 2008.  Performances are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., with matinees Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m.  Tickets range in price from $23-$78 and are available at the theater box office, by phone at 312-443-3800.  Mezztix, half price tickets are available on day of performance at noon at the box office or online (10 a.m.) at www.goodmantheatre.org, subject to availability. If ordering online use the code: MEZZTIX.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The EpochTimes.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.