Drury Lane Theatre is pleased to announce the all-star cast for its production of Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show, celebrating the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller and the vibrant spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. Set in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, this production highlights the area's music and history. The Tony Award-winning musical revue is directed by E. Faye Butler and runs June 26 – August 18, 2024, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. Single tickets are on sale now and available by phone at (630) 530-0111 or online at www.drurylanetheatre.com.
The cast of Ain’t Misbehavin’ features Sharriese Y. Hamilton, James T. Lane, Alanna Lovely, Alexis J. Roston, and Lorenzo Rush Jr. with standbys Micah Mixon, Austin Nelson, Jr., and Aeriel Williams.
Fats Waller’s own words best describe this production: “One Never Knows, Do One!” Lose yourself in the irresistible rhythms and soulful melodies that define an era of musical brilliance. From sultry ballads to upbeat swing numbers, come to Ain’t Misbehavin’ for an evening of unparalleled entertainment where you'll find yourself irresistibly swaying and humming along to the enduring melodies from the legendary Fats Waller. Featuring over 30 favorites including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint Is Jumpin’,” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”
The creative team for Ain’t Misbehavin’ includes E. Faye Butler (Director), MzFlo Walker-Harris (Choreographer), William Foster McDaniel (Music Director), Andrew Boyce (Scenic Designer), McKinley Johnson (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Stephanie Farina (Sound Designer), Kevin S. Foster II (Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Designer) and Larry Baker (Production Stage Manager).
The press opening is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, at 7:00 p.m.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ is rated PG-13.
About the Artists
E. FAYE BUTLER (Director) is excited to return to Drury Lane, where she was last seen in Chicago as Mama Morton for which she received the Jeff Award for Supporting Actress in a Musical. Her career spans over 40 years of performing and directing both musicals and plays nationally and internationally. After years of standing in front of the footlights she now enjoys passing forward all the pearls of wisdom given to her during her fruitful acting career. Directing credits include: One Mo’ Time at Anacostia Playhouse, Marie and Rosetta at Northlight Theatre which will transfer to Milwaukee Rep. (Fall 24’), The Wiz at Fulton Theatre, The Color Purple at Maine State Music Theatre, (Best Direction) BroadwayWorld, and Vickie Award, Goods at Artemisia Theatre (nomination Best Direction Stream) BroadwayWorld, Ain’t Misbehavin at Portland Stage, Beyond The Door withTender Touch productions (Fall24’), Ain’t Misbehavin at Michigan Ensemble Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe at Beverly Arts Center. E. Faye cultivates new works and directs solo performances, cabarets, staged readings. Recipient of nine Jeff, two Helen Hayes, Barrymore, After Dark, three Black Theatre Alliance, Ovation, R.A.M.I., Sarah Siddons, Excellence in Arts, Kathy, Rosetta LeNoire, Guy Atkins, Heller & Hover, two Black Excellence, E.P.I.C. awards. Accommodations Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, inducted into Women in The Arts Museum in Washington D.C., RPS Fine Arts Hall of Fine, Chicagoan of the Year, NewCity Stage Player. For upcoming projects www.e-fayebutler.com
SHARRIESE Y. HAMILTON is excited to be back at Drury Lane. Tour credits include: Come from Away (Broadway National/Australian). Regional credits include: Rock of Ages, James and The Giant Peach (Drury Lane), The Nacirema Society, Wonderful Town (Goodman Theatre), It Came from Outer Space, Pericles (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) A Gentleman's Guide To Love and Murder, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying , Pal Joey, Ain’t Misbehavin, A Class Act, (Porchlight Music Theatre) Thaddeus and Slocum (Lookingglass Theatre) Rock of Ages (Mercury Theatre) Emmet Otter’s Jug-band Christmas (Studebaker Theater) Passing Strange, See What I Wanna See, The Wild Party, (Bailiwick Chicago)The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Working (Timberlake Playhouse).
JAMES T. LANE From Philadelphia. West End: The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line - Revival (Palladium Theatre). Broadway: Chicago (Billy Flynn and Amos Hart) Kiss Me, Kate (Paul), King Kong the Musical ,The Scottsboro Boys (Ozie Powell/Ruby Bates), Chicago and A Chorus Line (Richie Walters). Tours: Jersey Boys, Cinderella, Fame the Musical. Regional Theatre: Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely) Virginia Stage Company, Mary Poppins (Bert) Drury Lane Theatre, The Wiz (Tin Man), Broadway at Music Circus,The Old Globe, The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) The Muny, A.C.T and Dallas Theatre Center. Encores/Off Center:Promenade,Grand Hotel, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope Concerts: Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, Ottawa Symphony and many more. James is the creator of and the 2023 Audelco Award winner for Best Solo Performance for “Triple Threat” that played Off Broadway to great acclaim at Theatre Row in New York City. Mr. Lane teaches music theatre dance when and wherever anyone will let him! Instagram: @jamestlane www.jamestlane.com
ALANNA LOVELY is thrilled to return to Drury Lane Theatre! Chicago credits: Guys and Dolls (Drury Lane Theatre); Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Drury Lane Theatre); Shrek The Musical (Drury Lane Theatre); Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical (The Studebaker Theatre); The World Goes Round and The Wizard of Oz (Marriott Theatre); The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Lookingglass Theatre Company); Nina Simone: Four Women (Northlight Theatre); Merrily We Roll Along (Porchlight Theatre); Ragtime (Griffin Theatre); Bare: A Pop Opera (Refuge Theater); and A Christmas Story: The Musical (Paramount Theater). Regional Credits: The Wanderers (Forward Theatre); Nina Simone: Four Women (Merrimack Rep); Mother Divine and The Music Man (Western Playhouse). Recent recurring TV credit: “Empire” (Fox). Other TV credits: “Power Book IV: Force” (STARZ); “Chicago Fire” (NBC). Many thanks to her family and Gray Talent Group for their support! @lannalynette
ALEXIS J. ROSTON returns to Drury Lane, after last being seen in The Color Purple as Doris. She is an award winner (Jeff, Black Excellence and Black Theatre Alliance) for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar And Grill (Porchlight). She just recently portrayed Nina Simone in Nina Simone: Four Women (MRT). Other Chicago credits include: Sister Act (Mercury), Hair (Paramount), Crowns (Goodman), For Colored Girls… (Court), What I Learned In Paris, (Congo Square) and Company, (Writer’s). Her T.V. credits include The Chi and Chicago PD. Alexis is a proud member of Congo Square Theatre, Actor’s Equity and Sag-Aftra, represented by Paonessa Talent.
LORENZO RUSH JR. is excited to return to Drurylane Oakbrook. Regional Credits: Drury Lane Oakbrook (Little Shop of Horrors, The Color Purple), Marriott Theater, Paramount Theater, Porchlight Music Theater (Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies, Jeff Award – Performer in a Revue; Memphis, Black Theater Alliance Award – Best Featured Actor in a Play), Fulton Theater, Skylight Music Theater, Goodman Theater, Metropolis Performing Arts Center. TV/film: Chicago Fire, Fargo, Sirens, Chicago P.D., The Chi. Voiceover:Chicago Cubs, Amazon, VISA,Chicago Blackhawks, and Dreamworks. Represented by Stewart Talent. Phoebe is my motivation. Proverbs 18:16.
MICAH MIXON(Standy for Alexis & Sharriese) is a recent graduate from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in musical theater and a minor American Sign Language. This is her first professional musical theater experience and she is incredibly grateful to be here. She is thankful to God, her loving parents, notable educators (especially Grace Jeong), and her extremely supportive friends for getting her here. She hopes to continually make them proud. You can find her on instagram @micahmixon.
AUSTIN NELSON JR. (Standy for James & Lorenzo) is so excited to be back at Drury Lane with Ain't Misbehavin’! Previous theatre credits include: Guys and Dolls, Cinderella, Shrek the Musical (Drury Lane Theatre); Dreamgirls (Paramount Theatre); Godspell (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); New Faces Sing Broadway 1947 (Porchlight Music Theatre); Bachelor: The Unauthorized Parody Musical (Apollo Theater Chicago); Sister Act (Mercury Theater Chicago); The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, Elf the Musical (First Stage Theatre). TV/Film: Dark Matter (AppleTV+). Austin is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent. Much love to his family and friends for their undying support. @austinnelsonjr
AERIEL WILLIAMS (Standy for Alanna, Dance Captain) Excited to make her Drury Lane debut! Last seen as Antigone in Tony award winning Court Theater’s productions of Antigone, The Gospel at Colonus and Oedipus Rex. National tour: The Color Purple. Off-Broadway: Trevor: The Musical. Regional credits include: Million Dollar Quartet, Memphis, Black Pearl: A Tribute to Josephine Baker, Women of Soul, Dreamgirls, A Winter’s Tale, and Seven Guitars. TV Credits: The Chi, & Empire. Aeriel would like to thank God for every opportunity, her family and mentors, and her reps at Stewart and Kreativ Media. Psalms 91. IG/TikTok: @MonAerie.
Fact Sheet / Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show
Title: Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical Show
Music by: Thomas "Fats" Waller
Created and Originally Directed by: Richard Maltby, Jr.
Conceived by: Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Original Choreography and Musical Staging by: Arthur Faria
Musical Adaptations, Orchestrations & Arrangements by: Luther Henderson
Vocal & Musical Concepts by: Jeffrey Gutcheon
Musical Arrangements by: Jeffrey Gutcheon and William Elliott
Directed by: E. Faye Butler
Featuring: Sharriese Y. Hamilton, James T. Lane, Alanna Lovely, Jr., Alexis J. Roston, Lorenzo Rush, Jr., Micah Mixon, Austin Nelson, and Aeriel Williams
Creative Team: MzFlo Walker-Harris (Choreographer), William Foster McDaniel (Music Director), Andrew Boyce (Scenic Designer), McKinley Johnson (Costume Designer), Lee Fiskness (Lighting Designer), Stephanie Farina (Sound Designer), Kevin S. Foster II (Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer), Cassy Schillo (Properties Designer), and Larry Baker (Production Stage Manager)
Dates: June 26 – August 18, 2024
Press Opening: Sunday, June 30, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Schedule:
- Tuesdays: 7:00 p.m. (July 2 only)
- Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m.; 7:00 p.m. (July 3 only)
- Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. *No performances on July 4
- Fridays: 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
Tickets: Tickets start at $52.95* *Including taxes and fees
Group discounts available to groups of 10 or more
Dining and show packages available
Box Office:
100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
(630) 530-0111
Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com
2024/2025 Season and Subscription Information
The remainder of the 2024/2025 season includes Ain’t Misbehavin’ (June 26 – August 18, 2024), celebrating the music of Fats Waller; the masterful intimate portrait of Queen Elizabeth II The Audience (August 28 – October 20, 2024); the spellbinding Disney’s The Little Mermaid (November 6, 2024 – January 12, 2025); and the inspiring true story Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (January 29, 2025 – March 23, 2025).
Drury Lane Theatre’s performance schedule for the 2024/2025 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Three and four-show subscriptions are now on sale with packages starting at $187 - over 50% savings compared to single ticket prices. This includes priority theatre seating, great dining discounts at Lucille Restaurant, exclusive presale opportunities, and much more. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com/Subscribe.
Group tickets start at $50.05 and Student group tickets start at just $35.35. On-site dining is available at Lucille Restaurant with convenient pre-show or post-show prix fixe menus. To book a group of 10 people or more, call Group Services at 630-570-7272 or email Groups@DruryLane.com.
Excellence isn’t limited to the stage at Drury Lane! Before or after the show, theatergoers can indulge in delicious onsite dining at Lucille Restaurant featuring seasonal pre-fixe menus and an elevated atmosphere to complete their experience. Exclusive to subscribers is a pre-paid dining subscription at Lucille. Boasting over a century of collective expertise in hospitality, the dedicated team ensures that you will be cared for with freshly prepared meals, handcrafted cocktails, and exceptional service. At Drury Lane, everything is in one place, so you will never be late for your performance.
About Drury Lane Theatre
Built from scratch. Built in Oakbrook. Built for you.
Founded by Anthony DeSantis over 70 years ago, Drury Lane remains a family-run organization under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis. Drury Lane Theatre continues as a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, producing world-class theatre in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, directors, and creative minds. Drury Lane Theatre produces the highest quality theatrical experience that immerses and supports our artists and audiences in the exploration of what it means to be human and to experience the transcending power of the performing and visual arts. Drury Lane strives to create an environment in which every individual or group is welcomed, respected, supported, valued and able to fully experience and participate in this transformative art form.
The theatre has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for over 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane proudly employs thousands of professional actors, musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members and counting.