PRESS CONTACT: Mike Ceceri
(978) 232-7222 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

THIS JOINT IS JUMPIN’!

‘AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’TAKES THE STAGE AT NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE

The award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) continues the 2006 Musical Season with a sizzling production of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, the Tony® Award-winning “Fats” Waller musical revue. The unique jazz infused comic and musical soul of 1930’s Harlem lives on in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway’s best. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ plays the renovated arena theatre from May 30 – June 18, 2006. Press Night is scheduled for June 1, 2006 at 7:30pm. Comcast is the presenting sponsor of the 2006 Musical Series.

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will have NSMT jumpin’ with the help of director and choreographer Kent Gash, who recently created acclaimed productions of this sassy and sultry musical revue at Hartford Stage and Providence’s Trinity Rep. As the Associate Artistic Director of the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta, GA, he has directed productions of Jelly’s Last Jam, tick, tick...BOOM!, Five Guys Named Moe, Topdog/Underdog, King Hedley II, and Pacific Overtures. Other regional credits include productions of Guys and Dolls, Godspell, Twelfth Night, Beehive!, Steel Magnolias, The Wild Party, Private Lives, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Harriet’s Return starring Debbie Allen.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’ is not only a show I know our loyal audiences will love, but it is also an excellent opportunity for me to work with Kent Gash once again,” said Jon Kimbell, NSMT’s Artistic Director and Executive Producer. “Kent’s multi award-winning production of Pacific Overtures was one of NSMT’s greatest artistic successes. His unique vision will give NSMT audiences a production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ that is smart, fresh and ultimately a very entertaining night at the theatre.”

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ evokes the delightful humor and infectious energy of Thomas “Fats” Waller as a versatile cast struts, strums and sings the songs he made famous in a career that ranged from uptown clubs to downtown Tin Pan Alley to Hollywood and concert stages in the U.S., Canada and Europe. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is one of the most popular, well-crafted revues of all time – sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry, with moments of devastating beauty. Songs include “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”

The talented cast of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ will feature Monique Midgette, Ken Robinson, Idara Victor, NaTasha Yvette Williams, and Joe Wilson Jr.

The creative team for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ also includes Darryl G. Ivey (Musical Director), William H. Grant III (Lighting Designer), Austin Sanderson (Costume Designer), Emily Beck (Scenic Designer), John A. Stone (Sound Design), Gerard Kelly (Hair and Wig Design), Bethany Ford (Production Stage Manager), Byron Easley (Assistant Director), Alicia D. Reece (Assistant Stage Manager), and Matt Schreiber & Alison Franck (Casting).

Tickets for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ are priced from $70 to $35: Senior & Youth Discounts and Rush Tickets are Available. Performances are May 30 – June 18, 2006: Tue – Thurs at 7:30pm, Fri & Sat at 8pm, matinees Wed at 1:30pm, Sat and Sun at 2pm. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly, MA 01915. AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ is sponsored by The Boston Marriott Peabody .

Free Audience Enrichment events: 6/6: Meet the Theatre, post show audience discussion with the artists; 6/11: Spotlight on History, a free pre-show discussion focusing on historical issues related to the performance; 6/15: Out at the North Shore, an evening for the Gay and Lesbian Community with a post show reception; 6/17: Meet the Theatre after the 2pm performance, post-show audience discussion with the artists.

Operating since 1955, NSMT has evolved into the largest non-profit producing theater in New England, with approximately 350,000 patrons annually. NSMT has gained a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, specifically in the areas of developing new works and providing outstanding theater arts and education programs. NSMT has received numerous industry awards including IRNE Awards, the Elliot Norton Award, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors’ Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT annually produces a six musical subscription series, a production of A Christmas Carol and an acclaimed concert series. With its celebrated Theater for Young Audiences program, a school touring program, and year-round classes for children, NSMT has become one of the region’s leading providers of theater arts and education.