Ain't Misbehavin'
Virginia Stage Company and
Norfolk state university theatre company PRESENT
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Created and originally directed by Richard Maltby, Jr.
Conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz
Directed by Professor Anthony Mark Stockard
September 3 - september 21, 2025
The Joint is Jumpin’—and you’re invited!
Virginia Stage Company and Norfolk State University Theatre Company kick off the season in high style with Ain’t Misbehavin’, the toe-tapping, finger-snapping celebration of Fats Waller’s music and the Harlem Renaissance. This Tony Award-winning musical revue isn’t just a concert—it’s a full-on party where five powerhouse performers light up the stage with songs like “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint is Jumpin’,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and more.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ bursts with sass, soul, and swing. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or brand new to Waller’s world, the show is a joyful tribute to the rhythm, romance, and rebellious spirit of 1920s Harlem.
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Run Time: 1 hours and 45 minutes with one 15-minute intermission
Audience Recommendation: Ain’t Misbehavin’ is recommended for ages 10+.
Content Advisory: The production contains the use an artificial cigarette, a fake gun, a strobe light, sexually suggestive lyrics and references to drugs and alcohol. There is, contrary to the title, some harmless misbehavin’!
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Septeber 3-5 | Preview Performances
September 6 @ 7:30PM | Opening Night Performance
September 7 @ 2:00PM | Post Show Talkback
September 13 @ 2:00PM | Audio Description & Open Captioning*
September 13 @ 7:30PM | ASL Performance*
September 14 @ 2:00PM | Joint is Jumping Dance: Class at 1PM, Show at 2PM, Dance Party to follow the show
September 14 @ 7:30PM | Pay What You Choose
September 21 @ 2:00 PM | Theater for Everyone*Seating for Audio Description & Open Captioning is provided in the Orchestra Left. Please use promo code “AccessVA” on checkout for proper booking.
*Seating for ASL is provided in the Orchestra Left side of the House. Please use promo code “ASL” on checkout for proper booking.
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Directed by ANTHONY MARK STOCKARD
Scenic Designer ANTHONY MARK STOCKARD & RACHAEL N. BLACKWELL
Costume Designer ANTHONY MARK STOCKARD
Sound Designer BRIAN PETERSON
Music Director DARIUS FROWNER
Choreographer KAIYA PRINCE
Assistant Choreographer KASHI SMITH-JONES
Resident Casting Director EMEL ERTUGRUL
Stage Manager CHANDALAE NYSWONGER
Assistant Stage Manager TAJLEED HARDY† Member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers Inc., an independent labor union.
§ Member of United Scenic Artists, local USA-829 of the IATSE
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
cast
Learn more
When the house lights dim and the first notes of the overture ring out, you know you’re in for something special. At Ain’t Misbehavin’, our incredible band isn’t just background—they’re the heartbeat of the show.