Here in Milwaukee we're all rooting for local boy Danny Gokey to become the next American Idol, but in the meantime, former 2003 idol Ruben Studdard makes his way into town, starring in "Ain't Misbehavin'."
The Broadway musical hits The Milwaukee Theatre for three shows in two days: Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, April 25 at 2 and 8 p.m.
The show brings to life the world that the legendary pianist Fats Waller lived in and largely represented: Harlem in the 1930s -- the "Golden Age" of places like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom, of honky tonk dives along Lenox Avenue, of rent parties, of stride piano players and that new beat, swing.
Studdard plays the role of jazz legend Thomas Wright "Fats" Waller and we caught up with him to chat about his experience on stage.
OnMilwaukee.com: Was your transition from studio recording into live theatrical performances difficult for you?
Ruben Studdard: It was a lot of work. I don't know if it was the most difficult thing I've ever done, but it was up there.
OMC: In "Ain't Misbehavin'" you play Fats Waller. Were you a fan of his work?
RS: I am a fan of his work and I didn't know that I knew as many of his songs as I did prior to doing this performance. I'm a huge fan of jazz music and I have been for a while, so I was familiar with him.
OMC: Which is your favorite song to perform in this musical?
RS: My favorite is a song I perform with Frenchie Davis called "Honeysuckle Rose."
OMC: That's pretty cool that you get to work with other former "American Idol" contestants.
RS: It's more cool to me that I get a chance to work with people that are friends of mine.
OMC: Were you and Frenchie friends prior to "American Idol?"
RS: No, but after the show, yes. We remained close.
OMC: Are you still a fan of "American Idol?"
RS: Of course. I haven't had the opportunity to watch this season because I've been so busy with the show.
OMC: So, you're not rooting for Milwaukee's Danny Gokey like the rest of us here?
RS: I got a chance to perform with the cast, but I didn't get to talk to all of them and get to know them like I normally would have.
OMC: Now that you've embraced this role in a musical, do you think there are more in your future?
RS: I would love to do more musicals, if time permits.
OMC: I suppose you're pretty busy right now with your new album coming out soon, right?
RS: Right. The record is called "Love IS" and it'll be out May 19. It's a great compilation of love songs that I got a chance to co-write and I've got a few covers on there, too.
OMC: Can you give us any teasers?
RS: I'm not going to give you all of them, but I'll give you some. I do a cover of Bryan Adams' "Heaven" with Boyz II Men. I did "The Long and Winding Road," which is a Beatles song. OK, I don't want to spill the beans any more.
OMC: Who are some other artists that your respect musically?
RS: Right now, new artists that I really love are Michael Bublè, John Mayer, and an independent artist named P.J. Morgan. And there are a lot of greats. I love Motown music, Luther Vandross and gospel groups that I kind of learned my chops from.
OMC: And was it your love of music that prompted you to take on the role as Fats Waller?
RS: I think it was my love of jazz music.
OMC: Did you ever envision yourself doing that type of work?
RS: I never thought I'd be doing this particular musical at this point in my life but I'm really happy that I am because it's been fun. We've been out since October and we're on the home stretch now was we're about to close up, so I have to savor every moment.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
