Millikin University will welcome the acclaimed musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’” to the Kirkland Fine Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2025–26 Kirkland Fine Arts Center Artist Series. Tickets are now on sale.
Named after the iconic song by jazz legend Fats Waller, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a high-energy tribute to the Black musicians of the 1920s and 1930s whose work helped define the Harlem Renaissance. The Tony Award–winning revue brings to life the spirit of an era when the Cotton Club and Savoy Ballroom buzzed with swing, style, and creativity, and when piano players filled Lenox Avenue with a new sound that reshaped American music.
“This production is the kind of experience that brings people together through music, laughter, and shared history,” said Bryan Diver, Director of the Kirkland Fine Arts Center. “We’re proud to welcome ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’ as part of our Artist Series and to offer our audiences an unforgettable night of swing, soul, and storytelling.”
Featuring five dynamic performers, the show delivers an evening of joyful, humorous, and soulful songs that capture the many moods of the time and reflect Waller’s belief that life is meant for pleasure and play. Audience favorites include “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “The Joint Is Jumpin’.”
The Irving Street Rep touring production is produced and directed by A. Curtis Farrow. The cast includes Dawn Marie Driver, Tony Perry, Melvinna Rose, Ron Lucus, and Famecia Ward.
Tickets are priced at $40, $35, and $30, with $12 children’s tickets available.
Discounted tickets for seniors, veterans, Millikin faculty and staff, and Richland faculty, staff, and students can be purchased at the ticket office in person, Tues-Fri, 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Accessible seating is available by calling the ticket office directly at (217) 424-6318.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit millikin.universitytickets.com.
To arrange media coverage, contact Matt Flaten, Millikin University Assistant Director of Public and Media Relations, at 217-420-6636 or mflaten@millikin.edu.
About Kirkland Fine Arts Center
Kirkland Fine Arts Center is located on the Millikin University campus in Decatur, Illinois. Since opening in 1970, Kirkland has played an integral part in continuing the arts in Decatur and central Illinois. The center boasts a 1,903-seat auditorium and houses music and choral facilities, lecture halls, art galleries, and other multipurpose rooms. Kirkland Fine Arts Center has hosted nationally acclaimed musical tours, including Rent, Grease, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita and Cats. World-renowned entertainers such as Trace Adkins, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Little Richard and Vicki Lawrence have also performed at the center.
