Benjamin Cruz
City Times
The theater department will present “Ain’t Misbehavin”, a musical play, at the Saville Theatre, beginning Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.
“We are featuring a cast of almost 40 students. We have students from San Diego High School as well as students from our drama and dance program. I think our show is far more interesting than the show currently running at the Rep due to our large cast, the staging, dancing and fabulous singing talent at City College,” Show Director June Richards said.
Many of the performers said during rehearsal that they have worked very hard for this musical and are excited to be a part of the show. Richards said her students have been rehearsing since Sept. 10.
The show will feature two performers who originally starred in Richards’ first show at City College “The Wiz”, Tandy Ward, who is now a counselor at City College, and Shurren Dupree, a nursing student. It also includes first time performers like Patricia Reyes.
“It is a very intense musical, I felt it is a nice show to be a part of, being my first one,” Reyes said.
Another student, Isaac Jackson said the musical is an opportunity to perfect his talent in singing and dancing. He wants to turn it into a hobby.
Richards said all students who are a part of “Ain’t Misbehavin” are enrolled in her course, drama 250 and 251, including the high school students.
“This musical doesn’t really have a story, its has an ensemble cast” performer Nana Kim said. “Everybody sings different songs, group songs, and dances. I’m doing a lot of dance parts.”
Kim is originally from Korea, where she studied art. She later found her way to City College, where she changed to musical theather.
“I’ve learned many styles, jazz, modern, ballet, ballroom, and mime,” Kim said about her dancing abilities.
“We are celebrating the Harlem Renaissance with our presentation of the great Fats Waller’s ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Richards added.
Beverly Ringgold, another performer said she saw an advertisement in the Reader about auditioning for the musical. She says she’s performing as a dedication to her father.
“This musical is a part of my life, my dad. He was a musician during the ’40s, so I’m dedicating this to him,” Ringgold said.
“Ain’t Misbehavin” is a musical and dance revue featuring the music and story of Fats Waller. Waller is one of the best of blues-derived “stride” school of jazz piano. He has composed some of the greatest hits of his era.
The musical play will run for three weekends, including Sunday matinees. For dates and times, visit their homepage at www.sdcity.edu/savilletheater/events.asp
