By NINA LAING

FN Intern

Ain't Misbehavin', officially opened last Friday, jumpin' and swingin' its way on to the Regency Theatre stage.

Not your typical Regency production, Ain't Misbehav-in', neglects a traditional story-line to present a musical-revue reminiscent of the historic Harlem Renaissance during the 1920s and '30s.

The show, which made its original debut in 1978, pays tribute to Thomas "Fats" Waller, among other black musicians of this era, and, over the years, has starred big name entertainers like Nell Carter, Debbie Allen, and Irene Cara.

Even American Idol fa-vourites Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis joined in on the fun for a 2008/9 30th anniversary tour.

Borrowing its title from a "Fats" song of the same name, Ain't Misbehavin' takes you back to a time when Manhattan night clubs were rockin' to a new sound called "swing," and all the worries and cares in the world melted away once you hit the door.

If you're a fan of Elden/Mc-Glone productions, then you'll be pleased to know that the pair, responsible for the widely-received Regency production of Dreamgirls, is at it again, this time introducing Grand Bahamian audiences to the sassy and sultry Ain't Misbehavin.'

With a total of 30 songs, this show calls for a group of dynamic performers to take on the roles of Andre, Ken, Nell, Charlayne and Armelia.

Answering this call, with no hesitations (or reservations) are Javan Hunt and Tony Lowe (double casted as Andre); Alessandro Major and Kenton Pinder (as Ken); Heather McDonald and Georgia Taylor (as Nell); Dora Brown (Armelia) and Faye Thompson (Charlayne), a group of young and vibrant Bahamian entertainers who truly bring this Tony-award-winning musical to life.

Producer/Director team Ivy Elden and Gloria McGlone struck gold with this talented batch that portray their characters in such a genuine and effortless fashion that they couldn't have done it better if they had been born at the heart of the Renaissance.

Bursting with charismatic energy, the cast invites you to sit back and lounge at the Waldorf as they present an evening of rowdy, raunchy, and humorous songs that reflect life's ups and downs.

(Though, even when they're down, you get the sense that life's never that bad for this high-spirited bunch.)

The ensemble cast is accompanied onstage by a live band which, try as the band members might to blend in with the background, constantly reminds you, through irresistible jazzy tunes that they are major contributors to the overall ambience of the show.

From the actors down to the dapper stagehands (who pass themselves off as dancing waiters), they all work together seamlessly to produce an experience so vivid, you might believe you've stepped out of a time machine.

If you find your toes tappin' and fingers snappin', it's okay, because you're not alone; one simply can't sit still when this gang is "Spreadin' Rhythm Around."

Laced with feel-good songs and amusing double-entendres, Misbehavin', is an absolute delight.

This show has something for everyone.

Songs like "Fat and Greasy," "Yacht Club Swing" and "Find Out What They Like" – inclusive of Brown's giddy gyrations – may tickle your fancy (and funny bones) while the chilling "Black and Blue" will haunt you.

Get lifted, if you dare, with "The Viper's Drag," an amusing tune about a marijuana cigarette sung in heavily-slurred euphoria.

"The Joint is Jumpin," with its colourful choreography, by Lois Seiler, creates an atmosphere so exuberant that you will want to jump out of your seat and join in the controlled chaos.

If theatre productions continue on this path, the Regency's future is considerably bright.

Misbehavin', is so charming and infectious, you may want to see it again, and you probably will.

"One never knows... do one?"

Ain't Misbehavin continues on Friday and Saturday, February 26-27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Seventeen Shop downtown and Island Java in Port Lucaya for $20.