Ain't Misbehavin'

I, too, would like for someone to put this wonderful musical on DVD. It is amazing. Nell Carter won a Tony Award for her performance and after her untimely death, I felt that someone would step up to the plate and give me a chance to purchase this wonderful piece of artistry. An elementary school teacher introduced me to this musical. We performed "Ya feets too big" when I was in the 6th grade and it has stayed with me ever since. I would like to be able to share this with my kids. I had it on VHS also, but can't find it (and I am sad). I can't find any table station that is running "Ain't Misbehavin".

Please, please let someone put this wonderful show on DVD.

This broadway show has become a legacy in my family. My mother and sister went to see it in New York, then it came on TV a couple of years later and got to see that the great songs I'd been listening to on the album were sooo much better live. Now, my 8 year old is singing "You're feets too big." Like another comment I taped it off of the TV, but regretfully it has gotten lost. Trying to make do with the CD. Now that the Pointer Sisters have put out their own version, the original is much harder to find. *sigh

I have also been waiting for the DVD for this to come out. This is an awesome musical and with the unexpected death of one of the stars, Nell Carter, this would be a really nice tribute to her, her family, her fans and her talent.

I have to tell you, first of all, I am not a big fan of these kind of shows, but in this case, I have to make an exception. I was just a lad of 5 when my parents taped this off the USA network back in the 80's, and I have nothing but fond memories of this musical dating back over 20 years now. I remember as a young kid my dad and I belting out "You're Feets too Big" at random places and times, and my sister and I singing along with all the songs as we watched this tape over and over again. Then, a few years ago, I came across the original cast recording of the musical in Barnes & Noble and had to buy it right on the spot. I still listen and sing along to this day, and probably will for the rest of my life. This musical is as much a part of my childhood as anything else, and I like others, can not wait for someone to put this thing out on DVD so I can buy three copies of it...one for me, one for my sister, and one for my parents!!!

This legendary Broadway show started way off Broadway but was so full of of talent and good cheer it worked its way to Broadway where it won Tony Awards for best musical and supporting actress Nell Carter. Altogether, this show ran from May 1978 til February 1982. This NBC production is dated 1982 and features the incredible original cast.

First off, the music of Fats Waller that this show is built around is great. Some Waller tunes like "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose" are among the all-time standards of American pop music.

Secondly the cast of five singers (who also dance, clown, and act up a storm) is just about perfection. Nell Carter emerged as a star after this show hit Broadway and went on to movies, TV, and more stage work. Here, her best moments include the touching "Mean to Me" and the sassy "Cash for Your Trash." Carter also won an Emmy for this TV production.

Andre De Shields is memorable in his "Reefer" and "Viper" medley and dances up a storm in "How Ya Baby." He also won an Emmy for this TV production.

Charlaine Woodard gets the spotlight in "Keepin' Out of Mischief Now" and matches De Shields in dancing to "How Ya Baby." Ken Page has a lot of fun with "Your Feets Too Big" and also "Fat and Greasy." Armelia McQueen is tops with the novelty song "When the Nylons Bloom Again" and "Squeeze Me" and pairs nicely with De Shields on "Two Sleepy People." The entire cast works well in the sad "Black and Blue" which is arranged as a choral event. There's also a lively "re-enactment" of a Harlem party in "This Joint is Jumping." And everyone gets a moment in the incredibly lively "Handful of Keys" number.

There are many more golden moments here with 29 of Waller's songs (as composer or singer) featured.

Staged in front of an intimate dinner club setting, the 5 stars go through their paces with minimal staging or costumes. Luther Henderson sits at an upright piano a la Waller and is often the only accompaniment. But at a certain point the scenery goes up and we get a small on-stage jazz band.

This show is full of Black humor and sass and is loaded with talent. No gimmicks here. No huge chorus. No clutter to get in the way of the music.

A terrific evening of theatre.