If you have older children and teens who love music, dance, or history, don’t miss Maurice Hines at the Alliance Theatre through May 4th. In song, dance, and photography Hines tells the story of his career as a tap dancer and singer with his brother Gregory Hines, who died of cancer in 2003. You may remember the two brothers in the movie The Cotton Club or in the acclaimed Broadway show Sophisticated Ladies about the music of Duke Ellington.
In Tappin’ Through Life, there are lots of fascinating tales about encounters with Lena Horne, Pearle Bailey, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and many more show-business legends. Hines’ story also teaches about the dramatic changes in cultural attitudes toward African Americans from the 1950’s to now, and how it felt to be a child in the days of Jim Crow when even Las Vegas was segregated. This show is part night-club, part Broadway. The content is family friendly, but the pace is not for the youngest set unless they are jazz fanatics.
Hines is accompanied by a fabulous, all-female band, The Jazz Divas. Although in his late 60’s, Hines can still kick up his heals. He also has some talented, tapping brothers, John and Leo Manzari to illustrate the future of tap, along with local child-tapper Leilani Negron (who steals the show). But Tappin’ Through Life is mostly Hines and his rich voice and agile feet. Hines draws the audience in with his heart-felt story. You’ll feel you’ve made a friend.
The most affordable tickets are offered on Tuesdays, starting at $30. It’s a Broadway experience at an Atlanta price. If you haven’t been to the Alliance, it’s a mid-sized theater, providing a more intimate experience than the enormous Fox or Civic Center. And your children will be able to say, “I saw the legendary Maurice Hines in person!” Don’t miss it!
Show Dates:
April 2 - May 4, 2004
Location:
Alliance Theatre
The Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta, GA
Ticket Info.:
Tickets start at $30
Call 404.733.5000
or visit www.alliancetheatre.org/tappin.
Disclaimer: Macaroni Kid received complimentary tickets to this show to help facilitate this review. No other compensation was received.
