An all-star cast, including American Idol winner Ruben Studdard, brought 1930s swing to Eisenhower Auditorium Tuesday in the performance Ain't Misbehavin'.
Studdard, as well as Frenchie Davis and Trenyce Cobbins, entertained more than 2,300 people as they performed the historical Broadway show that won a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1978.
The five total performers brought a comical flair through their lyrics and body language.
Jamila Beale (senior-aerospace engineering) said she enjoyed how the performers interacted with the audience by winking and waving.
Dance choreography remained basic for most of the performers, although the music continuously had catchy beats.
Swing-style song and dance influenced the performance and was purposefully brought to stage to portray the early 1900s American nightlife scene.
The show alterternates fast and slow paced songs, but frequently has quick, witty lyrics.
"They all have very strong and unique voices," Shavese Green (freshman-biology) said.
She said the best way to describe the performance was by comparing Ain't Misbehavin' to the musical The Color Purple.
The set was basic, yet professional. Costumes were simple, but also full of sparkle on the three female singers. Studdard and Marks wore classic suits with stylish '30s hats.
"As far as the set and scene, I feel like I'm reliving the '30s and '40s," Beale said. "The glitz, the glamour, I feel a part of the story. Although some people might have a hard time without a strong storyline."
Songs strung the performance together, and there was no dialogue like typical musicals.
"It feels like it is just song after song, instead of having a storyline," Jewelan Cleveland (freshman-theatre) said. "It's not boring, but monotomous. It's good, but it needs more. I need a storyline and it doesn't feel like there is one."
Green said she didn't know the performance was going to be all song and said she expected more acting.
But others thought that method offered something else -- voice and song.
"I love the dancing and singing, it gives me chills," Jasmine Plummer (sophomore-biobehavioral health) said. "I love seeing two American Idols up close and personal. It's different than seeing them on TV."
The performers added attitude to the stage making the performance more entertaining.
For those seeing the performance in the future, Plummer said, "you'll definitely be dancing in your seat. If I knew the words, I'd be singing along."
