AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' -- Black Box Performance Workshop at City Hall -- June 11,12 and 13.

A non-stop medley of music by American jazz great, Thomas Wright (Fats) Waller, performed with near-professional polish by the cast and superbly backed by a `rhythm band' ensemble, provided an exhilarating and unusual evening of entertainment at City Hall last week.

Ain't Misbehavin', which may best be described as a musical revue in which three couples sing and dance their way through a dizzying 24 numbers, received rave reviews when it opened on Broadway in the late '70s.

Set in a dimly lit New York nightclub during Prohibition, there is no real story line -- merely the customers who react to the melodic and often comic songs that poured from the prolific composer/pianist. As such, a total reliance on performers with technical stamina as well as strong stage personalities to carry a show merely on its music, made producer Patricia Pogson's decision to mount it here something of a gamble.

Happily, the cast, which was obviously hand-picked, came through and Black Box's production proved to be a sheer delight.

This was certainly a show that called for team effort, but the bonus on this occasion was that each member of the cast had the necessary versatility and personality to bring a new freshness and wit to old and tried hit tunes. From the moment they launched into the opening ensemble number that became Fats Waller's signature tune, Ain't Misbehavin', they had the audience with them and in a virtuoso feat, managed to keep them to the very end without the "breather'' of an interval.

Director Suzette Harvey kept the show moving at a cracking pace with contrasting mood changes nicely shaded. Her choreography, while capturing that marvellous era when jazz and rag-time blossomed and the Charleston and tap routine reigned supreme, was kept artfully simple. Although the cast was primarily one of singers, they coped extremely well with dance routines that added an extra fillip to the proceedings.

In a piece of straight type-casting, multi-talented Ron Lightbourne took on the role of Mr. Waller, remaining onstage throughout at his piano, arising only to join Patricia Pogson in a suitably relaxed version of Two Sleepy People. His presence emphasised the casual genius of Fats Waller and lent an air of authenticity to the nightclub venue, further suggested by city sky-scrapers silhouetted against the back of the stage.

Denise Whitter, with a voice made for jazz that slides from plaintive high key to sumptuous low with consummate ease, looked great and revealed a real talent for humour, especially in her solo, I've Got a Feeling I'm Fallin'.

Khalilah Smith, who is only 16 years old and still a student at St. George's Secondary School, already has a voice of impressive range and power. Patricia Pogson's strong background in theatre was always apparent in this production.

Besides producing the revue, she confirmed her abilities as an all-round performer, tackling music and drama with apparently equal ease.

Already well known to BMDS and Gilbert & Sullivan audiences, Edward Christopher gave what was possibly his best performance yet in a dazzling array of numbers, ranging from a tender rendition of Honeysuckle Rose with Khalilah Smith and a hilariously convincing sketch of a reeling, but amiable drunk in How Ya Baby.

Last, but definitely not least in this talented line-up was Danjou Anderson, whose fine baritone voice was in strong competition with his outstanding comedic ability. His Fat and Greasy duet with Edward Christopher was a show-stopper, as was his interpretation of Your Feets Too Big.

Musical director, Gloria McCully, also playing keyboards, led a band that was an integral part of this show's success. Jack Kripl on reeds, Clarence Burrows on bass, Hiram Edwards on trumpet and Kenny Harris on drums, are some of the best musicians Bermuda has to offer and they formed a sympathetic and lively rapport with their colleagues on stage.

With this production, indications are that the Black Box Performance Workshop will provide an exciting new force on the theatre scene. -- Patricia Calnan AIN'T MISBEHAVIN' -- A musical tribute to the art of `Fats' Waller was staged at City Hall. Cast members included, from left: Khalilah Smith, Danjou Anderson, Denise Whitter, Edward Christopher and Patricia Pogson.