American Idol Ruben Studdard
stars in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
By John Mark Rafacz
Ruben Studdard worked hard and experienced a considerable amount of stress in the national spotlight to win the second season of American Idol, but the singer says he had never before had to put forth the kind of effort it took to get ready for his starring role in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’.
“It was difficult at first in rehearsals. I mean it was a lot of hard work,” Studdard says. “I’ve never had rehearsal sessions that were as rigorous as they were from nine o’clock to six o’clock every day — and then having to go home and study my music. I felt like I was back in college. It was amazing, man. I’m really glad that I stuck with it and was prepared for the task at hand.”
The R&B and gospel singer, who jokes that his only previous dance experience was “just my God-given rhythm,” had to learn to dance for the role.
“I think the most difficult thing for me was the endurance that I had to build for singing and dancing at the same time. We do that the whole show. You dance every time you come on stage,” says Studdard, speaking by phone from a tour stop in Fresno, California.
Studdard, who has been on the North American tour of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ since October, stars in the 30th-anniversary production of the Tony Award-winning Thomas “Fats” Waller Broadway show at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, in Eisenhower Auditorium.
“It has been amazing. I have been enjoying every minute of it,” Studdard says. “This is something that I never thought that I would be doing right now in my life, but I’m so glad that I did. I’m very happy that I get a chance to work with this wonderful cast every day. I know people say that a lot, but these people really are amazing artists, and I’ve been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with them.”
The production also features Frenchie Davis, a 2003 American Idol contestant who went on to star in Rent on Broadway, and Trenyce (pronounced TRA-niece) Cobbins, an American Idol finalist in 2003.
Studdard says he has enjoyed being reunited with Davis and Cobbins, with whom he shared the American Idol experience six years ago.
“I gain an appreciation for their artistic abilities every day,” he says.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ opened on Broadway in 1978 and earned three Tonys, including the award for best musical. The show, which features several dozen songs written or co-written by jazz pianist and singer Waller, evokes the comic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem in a rollicking and swinging revue. The show — sometimes sassy and sometimes sultry — includes moments of heartwarming beauty.
Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby Jr. wrote the book for AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’. The original production ran for more than 1,600 performances on Broadway.
Before being cast in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, which takes its title from a song Waller co-wrote and recorded in 1929, Studdard did not know much about the man who inspired the show.
“I knew enough to know who he was. I knew a few of his songs,” he says, “but not as much as I think I should have. And that’s one thing that I regret. Before doing this play I didn’t know as much about him as I think most people should — like he’s one of the most influential jazz pianists of his time or in history. I’m so excited that I get a chance to bring his work to life every day.”
No actor portrays Waller in the musical. Rather, Waller’s larger-than-life personality and humor are evoked through the music and nightclub-like setting.
“His music is amazing,” Studdard says. “His personality on stage, even when people see him [on film] to this day, people can’t believe how good of a performer he is. He’s just great.”
While AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ brims with wonderful songs, one tune stands out for the singer nicknamed during his American Idol run as the “Velvet Teddy Bear.”
“‘Honeysuckle Rose’ is my favorite song in the show,” he reveals, “and that’s because I get the chance to sing a duet with Frenchie Davis.”
Studdard, the youngest son of two teachers, grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned an athletic scholarship to play football at Alabama A&M University, where he majored in voice studies. He was just 3 years old when he sang for the first time at Rising Star Baptist Church.
“My mom was in the church choir,” he recalls. “I just always wanted to do what they were doing.”
No matter what kinds of music he may sing and record, gospel will always be the music that calls him home.
“I grew up singing in a church, and it’s just a part of who I am,” he says. “For me, doing a gospel album is just a part of the person I am. I’ve always loved that particular type of music.”
Studdard’s new R&B album, being released May 19 by Hickory Records, is called Love Is. He begins a concert tour in support of the CD almost immediately after ending the AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ tour.
“I will be on the road two days after the show is over,” he says.
His earlier albums are Soulful (2003) and The Return (2006), both R&B, and I Need an Angel (2004), a gospel recording. His singles include “Flying Without Wings,” “Superstar,” “Sorry 2004,” “What If,” “I Need an Angel,” “Change Me,” “Make Ya Feel Beautiful,” and “Celebrate Me Home.” The first single scheduled for release from the new album is “Together.”
In 2004, Studdard earned a Grammy Award nomination for best male R&B vocal performance for his performance of “Superstar.”
And will there be more theatre roles in the Velvet Teddy Bear’s future?
“I think I will be up for the challenge,” he says. “I won’t turn down any more opportunities to do musical theatre.”
Audio description, which is especially helpful to patrons with sight loss, is available for this performance at no extra charge to ticket holders.
Artistic Viewpoints, an informal moderated discussion featuring AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ cast understudies Seth Diggs and Starr Domingue, is offered in Eisenhower Auditorium one hour before the performance and is free for ticket holders. Artistic Viewpoints regularly fills to capacity. Seating is available on a first-arrival basis.
RUBEN STUDDARD
starring in AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’
The Fats Waller Broadway Musical
also starring FRENCHIE DAVIS
7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
Eisenhower Auditorium
Adult $55, $49
University Park Student $40, $34
18 and Younger $50, $44
