Matunuck — The 85 year old Theatre By the Sea starts off the 2018 summer season with Ain’t Misbehavin’. Named for the Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller song that opens the show, Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical revue of songs from the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s and ‘30s, including Fats Waller’s classics “Honeysuckle Rose,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”, and the powerful “Black and Blue.”
As always, Theatre By the Sea has gorgeous sets and lighting, bringing the audience into a 1920s jazz club with the Art Deco scenery and smokey effects. And in a world where too often clothing comes straight off the rack, the costumes in this production are also beautiful, carefully tailored to each performers’ needs and shape.
DaMone seems so at-ease and comfortable with the old barn theater that it’s hard to believe this is his first time performing at Theatre By the Sea. He shows off his gentle giant voice during “Honeysuckle Rose,” and is sure to make the audience laugh during “Your Feet’s Too Big.”
Audiences may remember Jeffrey Eugene Johnson from Theatre By the Sea’s 2017 productions, where he played the stuffy Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and was a memorable part of the company (including playing the very funny Irish Cop) in The Producers. His most impressive performance in this production is “The Viper’s Drag,” a humorous ode to marijuana.
With her big, beautiful, belting voice, Tarra Conner jones was born to sing jazz. jones is also hilariously funny, stealing the scene during the song “I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed.” Audiences won’t want to miss her performance of “Mean to Me,” while “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie” is the perfect combination of vocals and humor to show off her skills.
Tarra Conner jones
NaTonia Monét’s comedic timing was no doubt honed during her time studying improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade, but Monét’s dancing outshines even her comedy. Trained in ballet as well as voice and acting, she has grace and poise onstage during all of her numbers. Her dancing during “How Ya Baby” is the performance that is sure to stand out with audiences.
Monét dancing in "How Ya Baby" with Johnson
Helena Marla White’s shows off her strong voice during her rendition of “Squeeze Me.” Her duets with Jeffrey (“That Ain’t Right”) and DaMone (“Two Sleepy People”) are wonderfully passion-filled, while her performance during her duet with jones (the downright hilarious “Find Out What They Like”) is both skilled and funny.
White and DeMone performing "Two Sleepy People"
Last but certainly not least, the unsung hero of the show is Christopher Davis, who directs the band and plays the piano onstage for the entire show, only taking a break during intermission. And don’t be late coming back from that intermission or you’ll miss some of his and the band’s most impressive playing, which also features a terrific drum solo from Mike Sartini.
If you enjoy musical revues, you won't want to miss Theatre By the Sea’s new Monday Night Concert series. Shows include A Broadway Celebration on July 9, and Royalty of Doo-Wopp on August 27.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is playing at Theatre By the Sea Thursday through Sundays until June 17; showtimes vary. Tickets are $49 to $75 and can be purchased in person or by phone at the box office (401-782-8587) or by visiting their website.
Photos by Steven Richardson Photography
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