On Stage: ‘Ain’t Misbehavin' opens Thursday in Eustis
“Ain’t Misbehavin,” featuring the music of Fats Waller, opens tonight at the State Theatre in Eustis. Immerse yourself in the Harlem Renaissance era with this three-time Tony Award-winning revue.
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Also this week, get a healthy dose of laughter at “Unnecessary Farce” at the IceHouse Theatre in Mount Dora or the heartfelt comedy, “Yes, Virginia” at the Melon Patch Theatre in Mount Dora.
The IceHouse Theatre is making a change in musical titles for its spring production running now through April 3. The previously planned musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is being replaced with a lighthearted jukebox musical, “The Andrews Brothers,” by Roger Bean.
Here’s a look at theater offerings this week:
“Ain’t Misbehavin’”
The Bay Street Players present the Tony Award-winning musical revue, “Ain’t Misbehavin” opening today and playing for a two-weekend run until Jan. 30. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” won the 1978 Tony Award for Best Musical.
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is one of the most dynamic musical reviews of all time with classic Fats Waller songs exemplary of the so-called Harlem Renaissance,” said Bay Street Artistic Director Carlos Francisco Asse. “It is an audience pleaser that is so much fun. You’ll be clapping and jumping out of your seat.”
Taking its title from the 1929 song of the same name, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the beloved musical revue of the songs of Thomas “Fats” Waller, is a feel good tribute to the Harlem Renaissance. Five dynamic performers present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, humorous songs — Honeysuckle Rose, The Jitterbug Waltz, Cash For Your Trash, among many others — that capture that new beat known as swing and reflect Waller’s view of life as a journey meant for pleasure and play.
This production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ features an ensemble cast starring Melody Duckins, Ashley Hall and David Oliver Willis. William Powell is on piano. The show is directed by Carlos Francsico Asse with music direction by Stephen Merritt.
For tickets and information, go to eustisstatetheatre.org.
“Unnecessary Farce”
Laugh until it hurts at the IceHouse Theatre’s production of “Unnecessary Farce” playing until Feb. 6 in Mount Dora.
In the play, two rookie cops stake-out a cheap motel to snare an embezzling small-town mayor in his videotaped guilty deeds. Instead, the camera catches some unrehearsed hanky-panky involving the town’s pretty, new accountant, setting off comic pandemonium.
The stolen money has also attracted a mysterious Scotsman, who stumbles into the fray. The subterfuge at City Hall runs deeper than imagined, as the mayor’s bodyguard and his wife may know more than they let on.
The fast-paced comedy is directed by IceHouse managing artistic director, Darlin Barry, with scenic design by Buddy Fales, lighting design by Philip Lupo and costume design by Rob O’Brien.
The ensemble cast includes Bradley Hubbell as Officer Eric, Lilian Berner as Officer Billie, Samantha Stonecipher as Karen Brown, C.P.A., James Simpson as Mayor Meekly, Julien DeSantis as Agent Frank, John Crosby as Todd, the mysterious Scotsman and Ava Tunstall as Mary Meekly.
Details: icehousetheatre.com.
“Yes, Virginia”
The Melon Patch Players in Leesburg present the community theater debut of “Yes, Virginia” playing until Jan. 30.
The play is set on New Year’s Eve when the longtime housekeeper, who had been let go months earlier, shows up for work not remembering she was no longer employed. She said she had been hurt, which leads to the employer and employee discovering they have an incredible friendship.
The author, Stan Zimmerman, said the play is loosely based on an experience he had with his mother when she was in early dementia and they were trying to get her into assisted living. His mother suggested they employ their Black housekeeper to live with her, not realizing the housekeeper had died years ago.
“I’ve been able to process life though my work and I’m very fortunate I get to do that and make a living at the same time,” Zimmerman said.
“It’s a mixture of comedy and real subject matter,” he added. “At the end of the day, you want it to be funny and tell a story. It’s very heartfelt and emotional. I can’t wait for the people of Leesburg to experience this play and these two women – it’ s like you’re in the living room with them.”
In the play, Virginia is played by Ze Carter and Denise is played by Nancy Sievert.
Details at melonpatchplayers.org.
Melon Patch Auditions
Auditions for the rock musical “Chess” are 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday at the Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg. Show dates are March 18 through April 3.
In this groundbreaking rock musical, the ancient game becomes a metaphor for romantic rivalries, competitive gamesmanship, super-power politics, and international intrigue.
From Bangkok to Budapest, the players, lovers, politicians and spies manipulate and are manipulated to the pulse of a monumental score that includes “One Night in Bangkok” and “Heaven Help My Heart.”
For available parts and audition requirements, go to melonpatchplayers.org.
Coming attractions
The Youth Musical Theater at the Tropic presents “Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.” Jan. 28-30 at The Tropic Theater, 133 W. Main St., Leesburg. Tickets are $12.50 adults and $7.50 students at tropicyouthmusicaltheater.com.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: ‘Ain’t Misbehavin' opens Thursday in Eustis
