D. Woods Leads AINÂ'T MISBEHAVIN At The Strand, Opens 2/17

Atlanta Lyric Theatre today announced the casting for "Ain't Misbehavin'." The Fats Waller Musical Show opens February 17, 2012 at The Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. The company will host twelve performances that play through March 4, 2012.

Directed by Lyric Artistic Director Brandt Blocker and choreographed by Ricardo Aponte, the "Ain't Misbehavin'" cast stars D. Woods, a celebrated recording artist and former member of the girl group Danity Kane. Woods successfully auditioned in 2005 on the second season of the MTV reality television program "Making the Band 3," produced by recording artist Sean "Diddy" Combs. Danity Kane's first album subsequently debuTed August 22, 2006 at No. 1. Danity Kane, along with the Pussycat Dolls, toured as an opening act for Christina Aguilera's 2007 Back to Basics Tour. Before joining Danity Kane, Woods toured as a background dancer with several major recording artists, such as Bow Wow, Lloyd Avant, Snoop Dogg and Letoya Luckett. She also performed in off-Broadway theatre productions and theatre festivals, including the National Black Theatre Festival and Windybrow Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. Woods worked as an intern with Spike Lee's 40 Acres and a Mule Production Company and has appeared in music videos by Jay-Z, Ludacris and Lil' Wayne. Her solo album, "The Gray Area" was released in July 2011 by Woods' own label, Woodgrane EntertainmenT. Woods holds a BFA in musical theatre from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Also starring in the Lyric cast is contemporary gospel recording artist Eric Moore. Moore was recently seen on the ALLIANCE THEATRE stage in "Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel" and "I Dream," and at Theatrical Outfit in "Big River," "Godspell" and "To Kill A Mockingbird." He is a 2008 Suzi Bass Award winner as best featured actor in "Godspell."

In addition to Woods and Moore, "Ain't Misbehavin'" features local talents Jevares C. Myrick, last seen in the Lyric's hit productions of "Hairspray" and "Smokey Joe's Café;" Kenya Hamilton, who was featured in the Lyric's "Rent" and "Smokey Joe's Café;" and Kayce Grogran-Wallace, who starred in the Lyric's "Rent," "Leader of the Pack" and "Hairspray."

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a Tony Award-winning revue that pays tribute to the life and music of one of America's true originals – the charismatic songwriter, singer, pianist, and superb entertainer from the 1920's and 30's, Thomas "Fats" Waller.

About the show: The fun-filled musical brings the audience into the world that Fats Waller helped make famous – the world of places such as The Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, of honky-tonk dives along Harlem's Lenox Avenue, of rent parties, stride piano players and, most importantly, of that jumpin' new beat – swing.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" includes 30 songs, all presented with the zest for life and cheeky humor for which Waller was known: "The Joint is Jumpin'," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Mean to Me," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," "Two Sleepy People," "'T Ain't Nobody's Bizness," "Your Feet's Too Big," "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," "Black and Blue," "Ain't Misbehavin'" and more.

The production features lighting and set design by Bradley Bergeron, costumes by Lindsey G. Paris, sound design and production management by Bobby Johnston, wig design by George Deavours and stage management by Kaitlyn Bergeron.

All performances are held at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre located at 117 N. Park Square on the historic Marietta Square. For tickets and information call 404-377-9948 or visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com.

Performance dates and times are:
Feb. 17, 18, 19 Friday and Sat. @ 8:00 PM, Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Feb. 23, 24, 25, 26 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00 PM, Sunday @ 2:00 PM
Mar. 1, 2, 3, 4 Thurs., Fri. & Sat. @ 8:00 PM, Sat. & Sun. @ 2:00 PM

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