Theater students 'Aint Misbehavin' with jazzy performance

by Jennifer Conlee, co-associate editor

Thomas “Fats” Waller is famous for his many jazz and rhythm and blues songs. 

Waller started out playing piano and organ as a boy at his parents’ Baptist church, and as an adult, made his mark on the world with songs such as “Fat and Greasy,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and his most famous song, “Ain’t Misbehavin.’”

The South Plains College theater program presented “Ain’t Misbehavin:’ The Fats Waller Musical Show,” March 1- March 4 at the SPC Theatre for the Performing Arts. It is a musical review that showcased many of Waller’s songs, as well as songs he did not compose but made famous.

The show was set on a café-like stage with a vivid back drop and a jazz band behind the performers, adding to the brilliance of the production.

The cast featured seven of SPC’s Fine Arts students: Marisa Eisenhauer, sophomore; Leon Eldridge, sophomore; Audra Methvin, sophomore; Andy Morgan, freshman; Estaban Ortiz, freshman; Amanda Seifert, freshman; and Whitney Wilson, freshman.

Though the play did not have a story line, each song told a story.  Some were about lovers, some were about lovers’ quarrels, and others were just fun.

Sophomore Michal Blackburn served as assistant director to Gene Cole, SPC’s assistant professor of theater arts.

Other crewmembers included: Joanie Harrell, sophomore, stage manager; James Graham, set designer; Seifert and Mandy Lindsey, freshman, wardrobe; Tim Cummings, freshman, light board operator; and sophomore Ruth Cunningham, box office manager.

Jon Johnson, chairperson of the Fine Arts Department and professor of music, led the live jazz band with his outstanding piano skills.

I thought the performers were great.   All seven sang beautifully and danced just as well, providing much entertainment for the audience.

Eisenhauer served as choreographer, and did a good job.  The complicated dance steps, combined with the music, made me feel as if I were living in the 1920s, attending a live variety show.  Their wonderful costumes completed the effect.

My only complaint was about the sound system.  Despite the claims of the microphones being turned all the way up, I had a hard time making out words during the first half of the performance.

I would rate the performance four out of five stars.  I know that the talent of the performers will take them far.