Stage Review: Hattiloo's 'Ain't Misbehavin'' pulsates with energy, movement

Jon W. Sparks/Special to The Commercial Appeal

Hatiloo Theatre's production of "Ain't Misbehavin" lets the company flex its chops.

Hattiloo Theatre has opened its sixth season with the Harlem Renaissance tribute revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” a glorious romp through those vivid days and nights when Fats Waller tunes kept the joints jumpin’.

Hattiloo’s intimate setting works well for the club ambiance, with the six performers and three-piece band generating blasts of upbeat energy with tunes like “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “The Viper’s Drag” and “Mean to Me.”

Director Dennis Whitehead brings savvy to the production, having done it before in Austin, Texas, working with Ken Page, one of the original Broadway cast members. There is no story line, but the production evokes a robust and gratifying sense of place and personality.

The movements are particularly strong thanks to resident company member Emma Crystal, who has choreographed productions around town for years. Crystal’s assured dance direction sustains a welcome sense of constant motion around the stage.

The six performers do a variety of styles and textures to the stage, bringing solid work in solos and ensembles.

Belinda Campbell’s strong, expressive voice is a perfect delight — sultry, teasing, enthralling. In “Find Out What They Like,” Campbell duets with the equally talented Kimberly Hayes, and the two ladies absolutely nail the wit and sass in that song.

Also notable is the gifted AJ Bernard, who, with his zoot suit and expressive face, lights up the stage (and the joint in “The Viper’s Drag”) with extraordinary physical presence.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” isn’t a perfect production — there are some rough spots in the performance — but there are many more terrific moments that exist because of the show’s enormous heart and soul. It’s a winner.

‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’

7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 28. 2 p.m. matinee this Saturday. Hattiloo Theatre, 656 Marshall. Tickets: $5 to $25. Contact the box office at 525-0009 or hattilootheatre.org.

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