Revel in the swinging sounds of the 1920s and 1930s American jazz with San Jose Rep’s snappy production of Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Mar 13-Apr 11). Named after the spirited 1929 hit song by jazz great Thomas Wright “Fats” Waller, this freewheeling revue pays homage to the sights and sounds of the Harlem Renaissance in New York City. During this seminal era in American history, African-American art, music, theater and cultural pride flourished. Soon, the movement became synonymous with such nighttime hotspots as the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, as well as the evolution of swing dancing and the Harlem stride style of piano-playing.

Based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr., the 1978 Tony award-winning musical features five talented artists and a vibrant live band that transport the audience to this golden age of jazz with an evening full of Fats Waller classics that encapsulate the era’s many moods: “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Black and Blue,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” and “I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Falling.” Between the vintage-fabulous costumes, the performers’ musical talent and the irresistible jazz numbers, it will be hard for audiences to keep from tapping their feet and dancing in their seats.

Beginning Mar 25, after each Thursday and Saturday evening performance, audiences are invited to the Curtain Call Patron Lounge to relax and listen to live music while sipping fine wine and discussing the performance with others.

PICTURED ABOVE: Aurelia Williams, Christopher L. Morgan, Angela Grovey, Rebecca Covington and Ken Robinson in San Jose Repertory Theatre’s Ain’t Misbehavin’.  Photo by Tim Fuller.

When: Mar 13-Apr 11
Where: San Jose Repertory Theater, 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
Times: Mar 13-Apr 11: Tues, 7:30pm; Wed, 8pm (11am shows Mar 24 & 31); Thurs-Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3& 8pm (no 3pm show Mar 13), Sun, 2pm (7pm shows Mar 14 & 21).
Info: 408/367-7255; www.sjrep.com