FREEZE FRAME: Maurice Hines Previews TAPPIN' THROUGH LIFE!

He's going to put a smile on your face and song in your heart.

MAURICE HINES TAPPIN' THRU LIFE 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. Co-starring the fierce tap dancing Manzari brothers and the all female vivacious Diva Jazz Orchestra, the show is directed byJeff Calhoun (Newsies, Deaf West's Big River, Grease). Performances begin Wednesday, December 23rd at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street), and opening night is Monday, January 11th.

Maurice began working when he was five years old and his brother Gregory was three. He shares funny and heartbreaking experiences about his life with Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Judy Garland and many others. The show is a tribute to his loving family, both on stage and off.

"My interest is in the today and tomorrow of life and popular culture. I love discovering and mentoring new talent as well as performing and telling stories about the greats," said Hines.

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!).

Co-starring in the show are two of Maurice's discoveries, John and Leo Manzari, a pair of tap dancing siblings reminiscent of a young Maurice and his brother Gregory. The Diva Jazz Orchestra is led by drummer Sherrie Maricle.

Maurice Hines: Tappin' Thru Life will play at New World Stages, (340 W. 50th Street) beginning Wednesday, December 23rd. Opening night is Monday, January 11th. Performances are Wednesday at 8pm, Thursday at 2pm and 8pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, Sunday at 3pm, and Monday at 8pm. Tickets, priced at $95, are available at Telecharge.com, 1-212-239-6280 Visit www.TappinThruLife.com for additional information.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

Maurice Hines during the 'Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life' Press Preview at New World Stages on December 18, 2015 in New York City.