Four-time Tony Award nominee It Ain't Nothin' But the Blues will struts its stuff in the Geffen Playhouse from Nov. 21-Dec. 19. The rousing musical review of the history of the blues comes to L.A. from its successful run in New York with a cast featuring original members Ron Taylor, Eloise Laws and Dan Wheetman. The show's director once again is Randal Myler, the choreographer Donald McKayle.

Written by Charles Bevel, Lita Gaithers, Myler, Taylor and Wheetman, the musical was originally produced at the Denver Center Theatre Company in 1994, moving to the San Diego Repertory Theatre before transferring to New Jersey's Crossroads Theatre. Broadway was the next step; the show is still running there.

Among the numerous blues numbers on tap are "St. Louis Blues," "I Put a Spell on You," "The Thrill Is Gone," "Walkin' After Midnight" and "Fever."

New cast members include Jewel Tompkins, Billy Valentine, Janiva Magness, Kingsley Leggs and Mark Leroy Jackson. The Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Ave. For tickets and information call (310) 208-5454.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent