Ain't Misbehavin' Opens July 22

City Park Players presents the Broadway revue Ain't Misbehavin' in a production that highlights the vigor, optimism, strength, and heart of the music and souls that combined to create the Harlem Renaissance. Expressions of the passion, pleasure, hope, and despair of the people of this time - and all times - are embodied in the music, harmonies, voices and dancing in the show. The music of Fats Waller - including such classics as "Honeysuckle Rose," "A Handful of Keys," "This Joint is Jumpin'," and the title song "Ain't Misbehavin'" - is universal in its appeal and timeless in its message. 

Director, Laine Berry Miller, has chosen to cast a core group to represent the original 5 Broadway cast members. The Featured Cast includes Octavia Jackson Williams as Armelia, Marilyn Long as Charlaine, Karen Riley Simmons as Nell, Sherman Desselle as Ken and Julian Anderson as Andre.

They will be joined by an ensemble that consists of Leading Ladies, Andrea Martin, Rodessa Metoyer, Rosa Ashby Metoyer, & Linda Cooper - Dapper Dans, Charles Anderson, Ty Cedars, and CJ Anderson, & Dancing Chorines  - Jane Albright and Caroline Randall.  All will have the opportunity to share their amazing talent and incredible heart with the audiences in a celebration of the music of Fats Waller.

*Some mature themes

Performances will be on July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, and 31.  Fridays and Saturdays the show begins at 7:30 and on Sundays at 2:30 in the afternoon.  The Hearn Stage – located in Downtown Alexandria, 1102 3^rd Street is in the Rapides Foundation Bldg. Tickets are available online at TicketLeap.com or in the lobby an hour before the show begins. Ticket prices:  Adults $12 – Seniors (over 65) $10 - Students $5.  Reservations are urged, just call 318-484-4478 and leave a message or send an email to cityparkplayers@gmail.com

Our Community Connection Partner for this show is the Arna Bontemps African American Museum.  The mission of the Arna Bontemps Museum is to further knowledge of the legacy of Bontemps and to promote awareness of African American history and culture through programs in the humanities and arts that include preservation of artifacts, mounting exhibits, and educational programs. The Museum is the restored childhood home of Arna Bontemps - poet, author, anthologist, and librarian - who was considered the leading authority of the Harlem Renaissance. The period - sometimes referred to as the "New Negro" movement - is when young Black writers went to Harlem to share the Black experience through their writing.

A special partnership with The Diamond Grill offers theatre patrons an opportunity to dine on a set 3 course menu before the show for $25.80 including tax and gratuity.  Call 448-8989 for details & reservations.