Ain't Misbehavin' at Drury Lane- Oakbrook

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...They sound terrific, too. The actress E. Faye Butler, a beloved figure in Chicago and Washington, D.C., theater, is in the director's chair this time and she surely knows how to stage this kind of material. I've seen her appear in dozens of these kinds of revues, including this one from back in 1978. What you need is a clutch of fine singers (here it's Sharriese Y. Hamilton, Alanna Lovely, Alexis J. Roston and Lorenzo Rush Jr., along with a fine young Broadway talent named James T. Lane), the kind of warm, gently interactive atmosphere in which Rush especially specializes, authentic musical direction (William Foster McDaniel leads the veteran quintet from the upright piano) and a dose of old-school pizzazz, which is absolutely in place here."

Daily Herald - Highly Recommended

"...Watching "Ain't Misbehavin'," I was struck by how deftly Butler balances comedy, innuendo and pathos and how intimate the show feels despite being staged in a 900+-seat theater. I was also struck by her superb cast of singer/actors, which includes Sharriese Y. Hamilton, James T. Lane, Alanna Lovely, Lorenzo Rush Jr. and Alexis J. Roston, who co-starred alongside Butler in Goodman's 2008 production."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...If you are yearning for an evening of Waller’s work—or don’t know his work and want an introduction—you could do worse than Drury Lane’s triumphant, high-energy revival of Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz’s 1978 Tony Award–winning celebration of Waller, Ain’t Misbehavin’. Directed by seasoned triple threat (actor, singer, dancer) E. Faye Butler (now a bona fide quadruple threat) and choreographed by MzFlo Walker-Harris, this production, under the music direction of William Foster McDaniel, packs more entertainment into two hours of showtime than I would have thought possible."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Recommended

"...Ain't Misbehavin' The Fats Waller Musical Show is a musical revue and a tribute to Fats Waller's music who played Stride music. Stride piano is a style that incorporates left-hand techniques from ragtime. It uses the piano's range wider and features quick tempos with improvised lyrics. The term "stride" refers to the pianist's left hand striding across the keyboard, covering a greater distance and creating a distinctive sound. Transporting you to a time when the music was lively and irresistible, the infectious energy and soul-stirring melodies of Ain't Misbehavin' is a captivating tribute to Fats Waller's era, during the early 20th century, Harlem's Savoy Ballroom, called the "Heartbeat of Harlem" by Poet Langston Hughes, and eventually Matthanan's Cotton Club were vibrant hubs of high society in the Black community could live the high life."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Directed by E. Faye Butler, this musical show, done in two acts is indeed a celebration of the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller and the music of his day. There is no actual story, but more of a history about an area of Chicago, Bronzeville on the south side and the vibrant music of the era. The original production with a book by Murray Horwaitz and Richard Maltby , Jr. took place in New York in places like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom. This production is closer to home. The music (over 26 musical pieces) is the music that was covered the tunes that made Waller who he was and the cast that Butler has assembled is certainly up to the task."

WTTW - Highly Recommended

"...Fats Waller, known as the master of the stride piano, was once described by Oscar Levant as "the Black Vladimir Horowitz." But as you will realize while watching Drury Lane Theatre's altogether terrific revival of "Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show" - a revue conceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz that was first produced on Broadway in 1978 - Waller was far more than a masterful pianist."

Chicago Theatre Review - Recommended

"...The two-hour musical revue is filled with heart and soul. It’s comprised of 25 excellent, enjoyable songs, ending in a finale medley comprised of 5 of Waller’s most popular recorded tunes. In addition to the catchy title tune, the revue features such hits as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint is Jumpin,” “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling,” “Black and Blue” and “The Jitterbug Waltz.” The melange of familiar recorded songs include “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “Two Sleepy People,” “I’ve Got My Fingers Crossed,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie.”"

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended

"...Stage superstar E. Faye Butler shows off her directing chops here with an impeccable production of Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show. The revue of mostly Waller music, ostensibly set in Chicago’s Bronzeville, immerses audiences in the likely parallel experiences of juke joints in New York’s Harlem, Kansas City, Memphis, and other dives. The piece is short on story, but oh-so-long on vibe."

Chicago On Stage - Highly Recommended

"...Drury Lane Theatre’s fine production of Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz’s 1978 Tony Award-winning Ain’t Misbehavin’, a fast-paced, high-energy, gorgeous homage to the greatness of the Jazz legend Fats Waller, is a trip back in time. More a musical celebration than bio-musical, its narration is spare. The description never interrupts the music because Waller’s music speaks for itself."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"..."Ain't Misbehavin'" celebrates the music of legendary Thomas "Fats" Waller, a popular and influential performer who first studied classical piano and organ before becoming a master of Harlem stride piano playing. The production features over 30 of Waller's captivating melodies and an incredibly talented cast that brings to life Waller's prolific songwriting skills with an impressive range of artistry that captures all the emotions of Waller's catalog from the heartfelt and sultry moments to the upbeat and comedic."

Chicago Culture Authority - Highly Recommended

"...Directed with verve by E. Faye Butler, Ain’t Misbehavin’ had the audience fully locked in at Sunday’s opening as soon as the talented backing band took the stage and brought the New York jazz club set to life. Sharriese Y. Hamilton showcased a beautiful singing voice with good range, especially when she dropped down for a few moments to thrill the crowd in a lower register."

Splash Magazine - Highly Recommended

"...The Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, IL, has outdone itself with its vibrant and dynamic production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a musical revue that pays homage to the indomitable spirit and infectious rhythms of Fats Waller. This toe-tapping, finger-snapping journey through the Harlem Renaissance as felt here in Chicago’s famous Bronzeville neighborhood comes to life under the expert direction of E. Faye Butler. It’s nothing short of a theatrical triumph."

BroadwayWorld - Highly Recommended

"...Mr. Waller wrote more than 400 songs. There are over 30 songs in this production. It is a wonderful musical history journey. There is no plot or storyline. This is a celebration of the life and music of one of America's great songwriters. He started out as a theater organist and then became one of the most talented jazz pianists. I do believe Mr. Waller found out what they like. Thank you, Fats"

NewCity Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Every voice is sterling in terms of technique and diction but especially in terms of dynamics, expression and blend, revealing just how gifted Waller is as a songwriter. The blended “Black and Blue” ballad is always a beautiful climactic moment in this show, but here, it sears with heartbreak."