Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show

For its thirtieth year, Penumbra is staging an entire season of musical productions—returning to what, we think, is the company’s strength. The setting for its first offering is, appropriately, the Harlem Renaissance, and is built around the twenty-nine songs composed by ace stride pianist Thomas “Fats” Waller at the height of his Jazz Age stardom. The rollicking title song, originally recorded in 1929, showcased the composer’s wit as well as his formidable piano chops, and helped cement his place in the music pantheon. With a standout cast of singers, including Aimee Bryant, T. Mychael Rambo, and Jevetta Steele, Penumbra aims to recapture the boisterous spirit of an era, as well as the playful virtuosity of a legendary artist. 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul; 651-224-3180;
www.penumbrattheatre.org”