Maurice Hines
Maurice Hines Tappin’
Thru Life
This show may not be more than a gussied up Las Vegas styled
lounge act, but its centerpiece Maurice Hines is a consummate song and dance
man, an entertainer with a winning personality and an incomparable style that harks
back to an era that has sadly disappeared. Famously/formerly partnered with his
now deceased brother Gregory, Hines, at the age of 72, continues to deliver the
goods that has made him a legend. While his dancing gets a back seat during the
first half of his show - a trip down memory lane - in which he talks of his
family, career, and his experiences/appearances with such stars as Judy Garland,
Lena Horn, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, he segues gracefully into the more
eagerly anticipated and even thrillingly danced portion of the show.
His warmly delivered narrative (written by Hines) is well
constructed and serve as a bridge from one familiar song to the next. Polishing
up the show on the road before landing at the largest of the New World Stages was
a good idea, as there is a slickness to Hines’ delivery and to every musical number,
all standards such as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”
etc. One is easily convinced that Hines is having as great a time performing for
us as the audience is in its response. While giving us glimpses into the racism
that prevailed in all areas of show business, including nightclubs and films during
the mid 20th century, he also uses the show to make peace with aspects of his
past, particularly his 10 year estrangement from his brother.
These are enhanced with some lovely projections (by designer
Darrel Maloney) mainly family photos of brother, mother and father and of the
celebrities with whom Hines has worked. We can credit the show’s director Jeff
Calhoun for the expert pacing and genial ambiance that is created. Bringing a
youthful edge to the show are the 20-something John and Leo Manzari, and whose terrific
routines bring an additional dynamic to the show. An additional treat is a
rotating group of very young tappers. Twelve year-old Luke Spring stopped the
show with his on point tapping at the performance I saw.
Backing up the entire show is Sherrie Marcle (drummer) and the
The Diva Jazz Orchestra (nine female musicians) that revive for us the era of the
big band in full throttle. The band stand and setting by Tobin Ost gives the
show a sense that we are back at the fabled Paramount Theatre on Broadway. A really
good feeling for a really good show.
Maurice Hines Tappin’
Thru Life (through March 13)
New World Stages 340 W. 50th Street
For tickets call (212) 239 - 6200
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