TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANY "Ain't Misbehavin'" The Fats Waller Musical Show March 18 through April 25, 2026 Review
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
The Fats Waller Musical Show
Created and Originally Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre Company
Seattle, WA
Review: Saturday 3/21/26 - 7:30pm Performance
Taproot Theatre is back with their second production celebrating their 50th Anniversary Season. ‘Ain’t Misbehavin” celebrates the music of Fats Waller via a musical revue on the Jewell Mainstage.
For those contemplating purchasing tickets for a performance, know that a musical revue is not musical theatre. There is no book to speak of, rather a collection of songs (in this case) that share a theme or artist. It would be like if you were back in the 1930’s and snuck into a club to catch an evening of entertainment. This show feels just like that.
Also, if you’re not familiar with Fats Waller, he’s one of the most important jazz artists of the era (arguably of all time). So, if you’re not a fan of that type of music, you have been warned.
For me - the show was highly entertaining!
Most, if not all, of the music based shows I’ve reviewed at Tapoot Theatre have all been of high quality - going back to “Sweet Land” in the summer of 2018 to the present. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” continues the tradition of high quality music based shows in songs, performances, and execution.
Alexandria J. Henderson (as Charlaine), Sarah Russell (as Armelia), Yusef Seevers (as Ken), Chandler T. Thomas (as Andre), and Erica Walker (as Nell) were spectacular both as individuals and as duos and groups. I had seen four of the five in other productions at Taproot Theatre and other local theatre companies so I already knew on paper what I was getting talent wise. Once the show started it was clear that these five artists were top notch across the board. Lead vocals, harmonies, BV’s, dance, etc. You name it, they did it. And did it with style and class.
Humor played a role in the show as well as drama when the song called for it. A special nod to the entire production during the tune, “Black and Blue”. The song, performances, lighting design, choreography, and direction worked seamlessly together to produce one of the most striking musical numbers I’ve seen in quite some time at any performance.
Solid work from the live band as well. I saw Max Chastain (band conductor and assistant music director) at another show last year up north so it was a treat to see him leading a band again from the piano.
I honestly have nothing to pick at about this show. It’s that damn good. Strength to strength, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a perfect example of why I keep coming back to Taproot Theatre Company.
My only question to the greater audience out there is how do we market this show to more people of color? My performance had maybe 98% caucasian folks in attendance. Bretteney Beverly (the director of the show and the Associate Artistic Director at Taproot Theatre) is a person of color as am I. This is somewhat typical for any show I’ve reviewed at Taproot Theatre over the years but I would love to see that percentage change. And before you ask - I don’t have an answer for this question, either. I wish I did. It was just something that crossed my mind as I exited the building on Saturday night.
I suppose it comes down to everyone, including myself, getting the word out and encouraging potential new patrons to check out this show (and ones like it).
Recommended!
”Ain’t Misbehavin’” is playing through April 25th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
The Fats Waller Musical Show
Created and Originally Directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Directed by Bretteney Beverly
Taproot Theatre Company
Seattle, WA
Review: Saturday 3/21/26 - 7:30pm Performance
(From Left: Chandler T. Thomas as Andre, Erica Walker as Nell, Sarah Russell as Armelia, Yusef Seevers as Ken, and Alexandria J. Henderson as Charlaine. Photo by Robert Wade.)
Taproot Theatre is back with their second production celebrating their 50th Anniversary Season. ‘Ain’t Misbehavin” celebrates the music of Fats Waller via a musical revue on the Jewell Mainstage.
For those contemplating purchasing tickets for a performance, know that a musical revue is not musical theatre. There is no book to speak of, rather a collection of songs (in this case) that share a theme or artist. It would be like if you were back in the 1930’s and snuck into a club to catch an evening of entertainment. This show feels just like that.
Also, if you’re not familiar with Fats Waller, he’s one of the most important jazz artists of the era (arguably of all time). So, if you’re not a fan of that type of music, you have been warned.
For me - the show was highly entertaining!
Most, if not all, of the music based shows I’ve reviewed at Tapoot Theatre have all been of high quality - going back to “Sweet Land” in the summer of 2018 to the present. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” continues the tradition of high quality music based shows in songs, performances, and execution.
(From Left: Erica Walker as Nell, Chandler T. Thomas as Andre, Alexandria J. Henderson as Charlaine, Yusef Seevers as Ken, and Sarah Russell as Armelia. Photo by Robert Wade)
Alexandria J. Henderson (as Charlaine), Sarah Russell (as Armelia), Yusef Seevers (as Ken), Chandler T. Thomas (as Andre), and Erica Walker (as Nell) were spectacular both as individuals and as duos and groups. I had seen four of the five in other productions at Taproot Theatre and other local theatre companies so I already knew on paper what I was getting talent wise. Once the show started it was clear that these five artists were top notch across the board. Lead vocals, harmonies, BV’s, dance, etc. You name it, they did it. And did it with style and class.
Humor played a role in the show as well as drama when the song called for it. A special nod to the entire production during the tune, “Black and Blue”. The song, performances, lighting design, choreography, and direction worked seamlessly together to produce one of the most striking musical numbers I’ve seen in quite some time at any performance.
Solid work from the live band as well. I saw Max Chastain (band conductor and assistant music director) at another show last year up north so it was a treat to see him leading a band again from the piano.
I honestly have nothing to pick at about this show. It’s that damn good. Strength to strength, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a perfect example of why I keep coming back to Taproot Theatre Company.
My only question to the greater audience out there is how do we market this show to more people of color? My performance had maybe 98% caucasian folks in attendance. Bretteney Beverly (the director of the show and the Associate Artistic Director at Taproot Theatre) is a person of color as am I. This is somewhat typical for any show I’ve reviewed at Taproot Theatre over the years but I would love to see that percentage change. And before you ask - I don’t have an answer for this question, either. I wish I did. It was just something that crossed my mind as I exited the building on Saturday night.
I suppose it comes down to everyone, including myself, getting the word out and encouraging potential new patrons to check out this show (and ones like it).
Recommended!
”Ain’t Misbehavin’” is playing through April 25th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(From Left: Erica Walker as Nell, Chandler T. Thomas as Andre, Alexandria J. Henderson as Charlaine, Yusef Seevers as Ken, and Sarah Russell as Armelia. Photo by Robert Wade)
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