The charismatic stage persona of Harlem Renaissance jazz musician Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller makes him a perfect subject for theatrical treatment. Circle Theatre is reviving its production of Richard Maltby Jr. and Murray Horwitz’s Tony-winning 1978 musical revue Ain’t Misbehavin’, named after one of Waller’s best-known compositions.
In a relatively short career, he became known for live performances full of witty banter and the intense stride piano he had learned from his mentor, James P. Johnson. Waller helped innovate the style during the early swing era when jazz was exploding in popular culture. He wrote and recorded hundreds of songs before dying of pneumonia in 1943. He was only 39.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ doesn’t delve into Waller’s biographical details, instead establishing his importance through songs performed by a cast of five. They play Harlem Renaissance archetypes like the Party Hound, Woman of the World, Innocent Ingenue and Sassy and Confident Diva.
J. Dontray Davis, who portrayed Waller in Circle’s 2025 production, returns in the role. Khira Hailey again directs the show, which moves from the theater lobby to the main stage while maintaining the look and feel of a nightclub. VIP table seating and cocktail service are available.