A decade after doing his first show with The Drama Group, Cordaro Johnson directs “Ain’t Misbehavin’” from Feb. 16 to 25 at Chicago Heights’ Milord Studio Theatre.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16-17 and Feb. 22-24; 2 p.m. Feb. 18 and Feb. 24-25.
“I wanted to have my directorial debut be a show that can show Black music at its best,” said Johnson of Chicago’s Bronzeville community.
“We have turned the entire lobby into a speakeasy. They’re going to have the experience of the show from the moment they walk into the lobby all the way up until they leave.”
Conceived by Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” features music by Thomas “Fats” Waller and lyrics by various artists.
The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including best musical.
“One of the key composers of the Harlem Renaissance and (the song) ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musician named Fats Waller,” said Johnson, a Chicago Heights native.
“Fats Waller contributed a lot of music during that time. ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ is a musical revue of a lot of his music plus a lot of other composers, music and songs that are in the style of what Fats Waller’s music was.”
Songs include “Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-ness If I Do,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Squeeze Me,” “Handful of Keys,” “Your Feet’s Too Big,” “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now,” “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter,” “Two Sleepy People,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie.”
“There’s no dialogue. The music tells the story. Be prepared to enjoy and listen to some amazing voices, some amazing stories being told and some amazing dancing,” said Johnson, who added that the show’s musical styles include jazz and swing.
“‘Black and Blue’ is my favorite song. ‘Black and Blue’ describes a period of police brutality and injustice for Black people during the time. ‘Black and Blue’ sheds light on that time and ‘Black and Blue’ literally describes Black bodies turning blue from being murdered.
“It’s a deep song. It sits at a very interesting part in this show.”
Production staff for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” includes Chicago, Chicago Heights, Homewood, New Lenox, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Richton Park, South Holland and Tinley Park residents while the cast features residents of Chicago, Chicago Heights and Hammond, Indiana.
“The sound is unique. You have to have that perfect sound for this show. It’s divine that I was able to do this show with this particular cast,” said Johnson, who also is co-founder of Griot Theatre Collective.
First cast in the ensemble for The Drama Group’s “Ragtime” in 2014, he most recently appeared onstage for the group in 2019’s “In the Heights” and was assistant director and did some choreography for 2022’s “Crowns.”
“As a Black queer man, I’m excited to be able to showcase not only this Black art but also my talents as a director. Hopefully this is the first of many opportunities I will have to be able to direct shows,” Johnson said.
As part of Chicago Theatre Week, tickets for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” on Feb. 16 and 17 are $15 via phone.
‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’
When: Feb. 16-25
Where: The Drama Group’s Milord Studio Theatre, 330 W. 202nd St., Chicago Heights
Tickets: $25 adults, $23 ages 65 and older, $19 students
Information: 708-755-3444; dramagroup.org
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
