On & Off Broadway

‘Tappin' Thru Life’

Review by Elyse Trevers

Posted

You have to be of a certain age to remember the tap-dancing trio Hines, Hines and Dad, consisting of brothers Maurice and Gregory Hines and their father Maurice Sr. During the brothers’ heyday, they toured Las Vegas and made several appearances on The Johnny Carson Show. Later Gregory starred in movies and Maurice appeared in musicals throughout the country.

The other two men are now gone but Maurice Hines, now 72, is still entertaining. In his Off-Broadway show, Tappin' Thru Life, Hines recounts his life and career through old photographs and music. It can be boring looking though other peoples’ family albums, but the dancer’s photos include pictures of many of the celebrities of the time, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Lena Horne. Hines and his brother encountered racial discrimination but the show refers to it quickly without any political statement. He tells of the time they went swimming at a Las Vegas pool. When they get out, the hotel’s staff emptied the pool. He tells the story straight faced and lets the audience react.

What makes the show charming and reminiscent for one age group may be a yawner for a younger audience who won’t recognize Hines’ references or even his choice of music. Hines’ singing is pleasant and his manner quite genial.


What’s more appealing about the show is his backup group called The Diva Jazz Orchestra, an all-female big band. Most of the nine young women get to showcase their considerable musical skills in the musical introduction and later with solos.

It’s Hines’ life and show, but someone was wise enough to realize that he needed a younger element to attract large audience. Another highlight of the show is the Manzari Brothers, a pair of dancers. At first Hines “competes” with them and then leaves the stage to let them do some impressive dance moves. Hines, at 72, is willing to share his stage and make room for the next generation of dancers.

Once inside The New World Stages theater, younger people will find the show entertaining. In the meantime older audiences will find the show a tap-dance through memory lane.