Customer Reviews

Ain't Misbehavin' (1978 Original Broadway Cast)

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I saw this show live on Broadway when it first came out in 1978. During the two years that I lived in New York City, this was the only show that I ever paid full price to see TWICE, and it was worth every penny. That it was never captured on video is the greatest crime of the 20th century. Nell Carter's performance (then in her late 20's)was nothing short of sensational, and now she's gone.

Fats Waller's music is magnificent in its own right. He's one of the greatest musical genuises of the swing era. But this performance brought it to life as it had not been seen or heard in decades, and with all the boldness and cheeky humour that was Waller's trademark.

I have a huge collection of Fats Waller's music, and this was the musical that first turned me on to it nearly 30 years ago.

And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

Let it turn YOU on too.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a crowd pleasing, good times rollin' winner. This recording of the original cast (Nell Carter, Andre Desheilds, Ken Page, Charmaine Woodard and Armelia McQueen) is great in that the cast chemistry seeps through very well...you MUST see this cast in the 80's-ish performance video--I think it may be out there. The show is a no-holds barred, non-stop entertainment, neo-vaudevillian romp thru the tunes of Fats Waller... each song tells a story and assumes a scene...There are moments in "The Viper's Drag/Reefer Song", and "Lounging at the Waldorf" which are best enjoyed "seen", but this CD captures these moments well. "Black and Blue" is simply sublime, the harmonies just melts ya....this is one of the better cast recordings of a Broadway play, period. It is one you must not miss!

I too saw the televised musical of this in the 1980's, and still have it on VHS, and I have been in love with this musical ever since. The cast creates a magic that I don't think can ever be duplicated now that some of them are no longer with us. I have the album and the CD (can you tell I'm a fan!), and recently uploaded the CD to my new MP3 player. If you buy this, you will not be disappointed.

The score to this show is fantastic. Written by the legendary Fats Waller who taught Coun Basie to play piano. You know you're in good hands. I'm a pretty big jazz fun so this album was perfect for me. If you're a fan of musicals or if you've ever enjoyed any sort of jazz pick this album up. You'll be so glad you did.

I had the great good luck to see the show when it first opened on Broadway. Two months later I returned to locate my dropped jaw. Long story short, I fell hard for this show. I was equally as delighted to find that the album (CD) contained all the spunk, fun and irreverance of the origianl show, highlighting the beautiful voices of all five of the performers. ... Dreamgirls was a "book" show, wherein the music drove the story, thus permiting more theatrical highs and lows. Ain't Misbehavin' is a musical review of a man who wrote music for public consumption. This is not your typical Broadway musical, but it is a sharp and fiercly produced cast album, flawless from beginning to end. Anyone who enjoys Jazz, Broadway, or beautiful music expertly sung will enjoy this CD!

I first saw a TV broadcast of the Broadway production of Ain't Misbehavin' (featuring the original cast) sometime in the 1980s. I just loved the verve and style of the performers, and the way they were faithful to Fats Waller's original intentions for the music and yet brought it into the late Twentieth Century with ease.

It's great music to begin with, the performers are wonderful and the arrangements are superb.

I only wish there was a DVD of the performance, as the colour and movement only add to the experience of the music on this CD.

No matter if you buy the cd or see the show, you will fall in love with this musical. After watching the show, more than 20 times, I must have this CD. The soundtrack has every type of music, for any mood you are in. This is the best, recommended for everyone!

This is one of those rare recordings that simply doesn't have a bad moment. In fact, it's the kind of music that will get you up off your chair to hop around the room in rhythm to its many irresistable tunes. It's one of the best (if not THE best) recordings in my collection, and yet I only "discovered" it a year or so ago. The technical quality is superb, the musicality is matchless, and best of all, it shows Fats Waller for the genius he really was. We have it almost permanently installed in the multi-CD player in my car, and we're not sick of it yet. Buy it now, you'll love it!

I have been a big fan of this musical for years and nothing beats the original broadway cast- They are amazing! Someone said it was a shame it was never captured on video, but it was. It was broadcast on NBC in the 80's and it was incredible. I wish they would release it on video I would love nothing more than to see it again. I had taped it but the tape was lost in a fire at my friend's apartment. I would love to see it get released on DVD. Maybe someday, for now this CD will have to do.

Saw the Broadway Revue many years ago on Broadway. Always loved the moving music. Reordered the CD so I could put it on my ipod. Some songs are soulful, like "Black and Blue", but most are just plain fun and funny, like "Your feets too big". This should be brought back to Broadway now!