By Holly Gould
After 547 long and empty days, Pioneer Theatre Company gives Salt Lake City audiences an emotional and excited welcome back to the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre with the feel-good production of Ain’t Misbehavin’. After such a long hiatus, there is a tangible excitement that fills the air for patrons and cast members alike.
Titled after his own song, this toe-tapping musical revue is a tribute to the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller and takes audiences back to a time when nightclub acts were the hottest shows in town and swing music became the new must-hear sound. This revue has been a crowd-pleasing favorite for many years and was the 1978 Tony Award winner for Best Musical.
This show is a musician’s dream come true. Director/choreographer Gerry McIntyre artfully brings together a stellar cast for an evening of pure magic alongside rowdy fun. The five-member cast includes self-named characters Tyla Collier, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Mariah Lyttle, Terita Redd, and DeMone Seraphin. Each performer is incredibly talented individually or in duets and, as a company , they create blissful harmonies that made me immensely happy throughout the evening. As someone unfamiliar with swing, I found the music to be absolutely delightful, especially the high energy group numbers. There is a feeling of warmth and connection between characters that carries well through the night.
Collier has a bright and sweet voice and shows lots of character. She brings a flirty and fun energy to the stage. Her amazing vocal dexterity and comedic timing is shown off splendidly in “Yacht Club Swing” and her voice holds strong and powerful on some show-stopping end notes.
Jones brings charismatic energy in both voice and physicality to the show. As the production’s dance captain, his skills are clearly displayed, with the highlight being his steamy and bold movement during “The Viper’s Drag.” He has a quirky and fun energy that is definitely more rascal than angel. He is a joy to watch.
I love to hear a good alto vocal, and Lyttle is up to the task. Her vocals are warm and rich like melted butter. Her gentle touch is displayed with perfect control and a sophisticated grace during “Squeeze Me.” Listening to her lower range is so enjoyable, so it is a complete surprise when she takes to the higher harmonies later in the show.
Redd is the epitome of grace and womanly class throughout the evening. Her voice is powerful and beautifully pierces the soul. She has great vocal skill and a fantastic range in both pitch and emotion. Yearning for something more during “Mean to Me” leaves us heartbroken and haunted.
With his deep and husky growl, Seraphin is a commanding presence onstage. He is a master of comedy and acts like the rowdy uncle that we all need in our lives. He playfully interacts with the audience and reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.
While so much of this show brings funny, upbeat, or sweet feelings, there are more somber and heartbreaking numbers that are surely echoes of Waller’s life. Nowhere is this felt more than during “Black and Blue,” which tells a story of racial inequality and the hurt that comes along with it. It is a heartbreaking glimpse into the souls of many who have suffered in the past, and the pain that surely continues in our world today. It is a tender and much needed reminder for those of us who seek growth and understanding in our own lives.
This show would not be complete without an amazing creative team. The choreography by McIntyre was true to the time period and was energetic and fun. Many different styles make the dancing so enjoyable to watch. Lighting (Calvin Anderson) and set design (Jo Winiarski) work beautifully together to create unique atmospheres for the different venues with simplicity and classic styling. Costumes by Sarita Fellows follow suit, starting with simple beauty, and evolving to rich furs, then sophisticated white to end the show. The classic beauty and glitzy glamour are visually stunning. William Knowles (music director) is a master on the piano and leads the talented swing band perfectly for over two hours.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is truly magical. It is rowdy fun with just the right touch of sweetness and thoughtfulness added in. I feel that it is truly a night of pure happiness that will put a ridiculous smile on your face all night long. Head to the Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre in Salt Lake City for a night of visual and audible beauty that you won’t soon forget.
Pioneer Theatre Company presents Ain’t Misbehavin’; conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr and Murray Horwitz, Based on the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller.
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, 300 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
September 10–25, 2021, Monday – Thursday 7:00 PM, Friday 7:30 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM
Tickets : $33-72
https://pioneertheatre.org/
Contact: 801-581-6961
https://www.facebook.com/pioneertheatre/
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