Photos: MAURICE HINES TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE at New World Stages

Maurice Hines. Photo: Carol Rosegg

At the stage door after a preview performance, Maurice Hines said his new show, MAURICE HINES TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE, is a love letter to his mother, who worked, sacrificed and guided her two sons on their life and professional paths.

Helmed by Jeff Calhoun (Newsies, Deaf West’s Big River, Grease), previews began on December 23rd at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street), and the show opens tonight.

I had the best time and you will too. Maurice began working when he was five years old and his brother Gregory was three. The show is a swinging, song and dance musical that celebrates the astonishing showmanship of one of the last great tap dancers of a by-gone era still working today and whose collaborators were a jaw-dropping, who’s who of theatre, music, film and television.

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE kicks off with the all female vivacious Diva Jazz Orchestra onstage, led by drummer Sherrie Maricle. Maurice is an eloquent storyteller. Over the course of the evening, he shared family photos, funny and heartbreaking experiences about his life with Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Tallulah Bankhead, Pearl Bailey, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Judy Garland and many others, which were punctuated by songs. The show is a tribute to his loving family, both on stage and off. Co-starring in the show are two of Maurice’s discoveries, John and Leo Manzari, a pair of fierce tap dancing siblings reminiscent of a young Maurice and his brother Gregory, and 12-year-old Luke Spring.

Leon Manzari, Maurice Hines and John Manzari. Photo: Carol Rosegg

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE has set design by Tobin Ost (Newsies, Jekyll and Hyde), sound design by Michael Hahn (Two Gentleman of Verona, Hamlet), lighting design by Michael Gilliam (Bonnie and Clyde, Brooklyn), and projection design by Darrel Maloney (Allegiance, On Your Feet!).

Visit www.TappinThruLife.com for additional information.

Maurice Hines. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Maurice Hines. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Maurice Hines. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Maurice Hines. Photo: Carol Rosegg

Maurice Hines. Photo by Carol Rossegg

Leon Manzari, Maurice Hines and John Manzari. Photo: Carol Rosegg

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Lia Chang is an award-winning filmmaker, a Best Actress nominee, a photographer, and an award-winning multi-platform journalist. Lia has appeared in the films Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and Hide and Seek. She is profiled in Examiner.com, Jade Magazine and Playbill.com.

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