Fats Waller Show is High on Energy
By Teresa Annas, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
May 22–NORFOLK — Thirty years ago, “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show” took New York by the collar, pulled the city in close and made it listen.
Soon, the most aloof citizens were tapping their toes to infectious tunes like “Honeysuckle Rose,”"Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” and “Spreading Rhythm Around,” all delivered with sass and swing.
The musical that made Nell Carter a star is not quite four years older than the Generic Theater, which is undergoing a transformation as its energetic season-ender is being mounted.
“This is our last production in this building,” said Denise Dillard, managing director of the Generic. “I think it’s going to blow the roof off.”
Which, in this instance, might not be too much of a problem.
The Generic’s quarters on West 21st Street will be razed by year’s end. Starting in late August, the nonprofit theater group expects to stage its shows in a small theater just off the lower parking deck beneath Chrysler Hall and Scope. That space is officially known as Little Hall and is typically used for rehearsals of Broadway shows and the like.
For its purposes, the Generic will call its new venue and headquarters Generic Theater Down Under Chrysler Hall.
Following the last performance of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a June 15 matinee, the Generic will hold an end-of-the-season party to bid farewell to its home of nearly 25 years. It is open to the public.
Until then, theatergoers will have a dozen opportunities to see the last show, which is based on the life and music of Thomas “Fats” Waller (1904-1943), the great jazz pianist, composer and entertainer known for his stride playing style. Since advance ticket sales are going so well, it’s even possible the Generic will add a couple of Saturday matinees, Dillard said.
Herb Williams, the show’s director, procured an eight-piece band made up of Norfolk State University music students — a rare treat for such a low-budget project. The Generic will spend about $5,000 on the show, pocket change compared to the $250,000 price tag for Virginia Musical Theatre’s recent production of “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas.”
Williams knows the cabaret-style musical well. He performed in a production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” that toured internationally, when he was a New York-based actor, singer and dancer. He returned to his native Norfolk several years ago to start his own theater company, Edutainment Productions Inc.
He cast “Ain’t Misbehavin’ ” with ambitious local singers, most of whom had not appeared in a stage musical.
“We’ve been working together, rehearsing since March,” he said backstage last week at the Generic. “I know they think I’m a drill sergeant. I just want it to be so perfect.”
Inside the theater, the cast was going through one number after another, trying to build stamina for an unrelenting two-hour show. Each song involves fairly complex choreography and what could be termed vocal gymnastics.
“I know how taxing this show is,” Williams said. “It’s not for the faint of heart.”
During rehearsal, their voices growled and soared, whispered and swung, all to the rhythm of music Waller wrote or made popular. At times, they took on the sounds of jazz instruments — trumpets, clarinets, bass, drums.
“You have to listen really closely, but all along they’re making instrumental sounds,” Williams said.
Since the Tony Award-winning show premiered at Manhattan Theatre Club, it’s been a tradition to name the characters for the actors portraying them. Williams sees the show’s five roles as different facets of Fats.
DuVaughn Pinkston-Parker of Norfolk plays a wild partygoing man. Benjamin Ford of Hampton portrays a wholesome, funny fellow.
Janique Evans, a Norfolk State student from Maryland, is feisty and sexy. Cynthia Tademy of Virginia Beach comes off as charming and worldly. Tracy Parsons of Chesapeake acts cute and innocent.
“This show is the epitome of the artists and the vibe and the feel of the Harlem Renaissance of the 1930s,” Williams said. “It’s got the joy. It’s got the sorrow and the blues. It’s got love and the heartfelt drama of just being a part of this one man. That’s Fats Waller.”
Teresa Annas, (757) 446-2485, teresa.annas@pilotonline.com
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Copyright (c) 2008, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.
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