‘The joint is jumpin’ June 13-15 at Beverly Arts Center

CHICAGO - May 27, 2014 - PRLog -- For an evening of swinging music, spectacular costumes and choreography, as well as unforgettable characters and tunes that you’re guaranteed to be humming the next day, see the Beverly Arts Center (BAC) production of the rollicking musical revue, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” from Friday, June 13, through Sunday, June 15, 2014, on the BAC Main Stage at 2407 W. 111th St. in Chicago.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a joyous celebration of American musical genius. Not only does it spotlight the legendary life and works of pianist and songwriter Fats Waller, it also encompasses the creative explosion that was the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s. Originally staged in New York City in 1978, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” went on to win three Tony awards that year, launching the career of Nell Carter and re-introducing to a new generation classic tunes including “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Tain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,” “The Joint is Jumpin’” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

This non-equity production is directed and choreographed by BAC’s new artistic director Shellee Frazee. “What makes Ain’t Misbehavin’ such a great show and such a natural fit for us,” she says, “is that it offers a look at history while at the same time speaking to everyone. This musical production has deep roots in our country’s cultural life, and it’s also a lot of fun.” Frazee says one challenge of producing this revue is establishing compelling characters purely through songs and lyrics, with almost no spoken dialogue. “Luckily,” she explains, “we have a mix of seasoned BAC players and fresh faces, and their interplay gives the production a great energy.”

The cast features returning players Frederick Harris (Barrel of Monkeys, Raven Theatre, Emerald City Children’s Theatre, BAC Professional Theater) and Chicago singer-songwriter Michael Mejia (BAC Professional Theater). Harris is a music instructor, theater instructor and frequent director at BAC. Mejia is also a music and theater instructor at BAC.

All three female leads will make their BAC debut: Tiffany Yvonne Cox (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Goodman Theatre, NBC-TV’s “Chicago Fire”), LaRen Vernea (MPAACT/Goodman Theatre, City Lit Theater Company), and Chicago jazz/blues/gospel singer and Black Ensemble member Latrice Ford.

Frazee meticulously researched and designed the dazzling period-appropriate choreography, accented by colorful and elegant costumes by Jana Anderson (Roosevelt University, multiple BAC productions). Stage manager Amanda Ferstead grew up taking BAC classes and has been stage manager for several of its productions. Technical direction and scenic and lighting design is by Tom Moster. Frazee says, “Tom’s set is so multi-dimensional and entertaining and absorbing, I think this will really be the kind of show that people can just lose themselves in.”

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14; 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. Tickets are $20 for BAC members and $22 for non-members, and can be purchased at the BAC box office or online at beverlyartcenter.org.

About Beverly Arts Center

Beverly Arts Center is a not-for-profit organization focused on serving southwest metro Chicago with programs in dance, visual arts, music, film and theater since 1968. Its 40,000-square-foot facility, completed in 2002 and located in Chicago’s historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, houses galleries, classrooms, rehearsal spaces and a 400-person theater. BAC also functions as home base for the center’s extensive community outreach.

For more information, please call 773-445-3838 or visit beverlyartcenter.org.