Two Brother Duos Set for Arena Stage's MAURICE HINES IS TAPPIN' THRU LIFE Tonight

Lifelong performer and Tony Award nominee Maurice Hines (Broadway's Sophisticated Ladies and Eubie!) captivates audiences with stories, songs and smooth choreography for his return to Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater with Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life. Under the direction of Tony Award nominee Jeff Calhoun (Broadway's Newsies and Grey Gardens), Hines, who started performing at five years old, brings the history of American tap to life and pays tribute to his brother Gregory and the singers who inspired him, from Frank Sinatra to Lena Horne. A co-production with ALLIANCE THEATRE at the Woodruff and Cleveland Play House, Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life runs tonight, November 15-December 29, 2013 in the Kreeger Theater.

In a nod to the future of tap, Hines showcases the talents of two local sets of tap-dancing brothers: D.C. favorites John and Leo Manzari and newcomers and 13-year-old twins Max and Sam Heimowitz, who burst onto the scene after being plucked by Hines to make their professional debuts from recent open call dance auditions held at the Mead Center. The Heimowitz Brothers, seventh-graders at Alice Deal Middle School and members of Capitol Tap, embody the next generation of tapping talent together with John and Leo, now 21 and 18, respectively, who reunite with their mentor Hines after their whirlwind run performing alongside him in Arena Stage's record-breaking Sophisticated Ladies, which earned them each a Helen Hayes Award nomination.

"We couldn't be more enthusiastic to welcome Maurice back to Arena Stage, as he is an important member of our tribe," shares Artistic Director Molly Smith. "He dazzled us with his charm, charisma and flair in Sophisticated Ladies, and we expect nothing less this time around as he gives us an intimate look at his childhood growing up with his brother Gregory and their sizzling career in show business."

Hines will be backed by nine members of the internationally renowned DIVA Jazz Orchestra, an all-female powerhouse ensemble. Voted one of the best big bands in the world by DownBeat Magazine, DIVA is led by music director, drummer and longtime Hines collaborator Sherrie Maricle and features D.C.-area natives Janelle Gill (piano), Jennifer Krupa (trombone), Leigh Pilzer (baritone sax), Amy Shook (acoustic bass) and Liesl Whitaker (lead trumpet), along with Sharel Cassity (lead alto sax), Jami Dauber (trumpet) and Camille Thurman (tenor sax).

"Having begun my career at the age of 16 tap dancing with Ann Miller, you can imagine what an honor it is to be working with Maurice Hines," says Calhoun. "Maurice is not only one of the finest song and dance men of our time, but his firsthand experiences with American racism of the 50s and his hobnobbing with the likes of Pearl Bailey, Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Marlene Dietrich, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra (just to name a few) make him a treasured raconteur for any stage. He is that rare breed whose tongue is as facile as his tapping feet. Maurice is a first-rate life-enhancing entertainer!"

"This show started with my wanting to celebrate my brother Gregory. I read an article on tap a few years ago and his name wasn't mentioned- so wrong! But now I get the chance to honor properly what a fabulous tap dancer he was," adds Hines. "This show also gives me the opportunity to thank the fantastically effortless performers who influenced me, from Judy Garland to Lena Horne to Nat King Cole."

Hines dedicates this show to his mother, Alma, who he speaks of as "a truly remarkable lady who supported and nurtured our love of performing. Whenever I am on stage I always follow the advice she told Greg and I, 'No matter what you do on stage and in life, always do it with class!' She still is the reason why I cannot wait to hit the stage at Arena eight times a week!"

Jeff Calhoun (Director) makes his Arena Stage debut. No stranger to Washington, Jeff is an associate artist at the Ford's Theatre where his production of Violet opens in January 2014. Jeff is currently represented on Broadway by Disney's Newsies, for which he earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Director. Some of Jeff's other Broadway credits include Jekyll & Hyde, Bonnie & Clyde, Grey Gardens, Deaf West's Big River, Brooklyn, Annie Get Your Gun, Grease, Tommy Tune Tonite and The Will Rogers Follies. On tour and internationally, Jeff directed Dolly Parton's 9 To 5 and Disney's High School Musicals 1 & 2. Jeff began his career as a tap dancer, working with the likes of Tommy Tune, Ann Miller, Ken Berry, Arthur Duncan and the Nicholas Brothers. The highlight of Jeff's performing career was tap dancing with the legendary Charles "Honi" Coles on Broadway in My One and Only.

Maurice Hines (Creator, Choreographer, Performer) last appeared at Arena Stage in Sophisticated Ladies and Guys and Dolls. Broadway credits include Eubie!, Bring Back Birdie with Chita Rivera and Donald O'Connor, Sophisticated Ladies, conceived/directed/choreographed/starred in Uptown...It's Hot (1986 Tony Award Best Actor nomination) and collaborated with Maurice White to choreograph/direct the hip-hop musical Hot Feet featuring the music of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Along with his brother and father, he performed in Hines, Hines, & Dad in New York, Las Vegas, and Europe and also performed in Uptown...It's Hot! (Atlantic City); choreographed Hairspray (Santo Domingo); and choreographed/starred in Dance, Dance, Dance Snap and Cool Papa's Party (Metro Stage, Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Choreography). He starred in the national tour of Guys and Dolls, directed/choreographed/starred in the national tour of Harlem Suite with successive leading ladies Jennifer Holiday, Stephanie Mills and Melba Moore and starred in the national tour of Jelly's Last Jam. Film credits include Francis Ford Coppola's The Cotton Club. At the age of five, Maurice studied tap at the Henry LeTang Dance Studio in New York City. He created the Dance Company Ballet USA with Mercedes Ellington. Maurice has directed and choreographed many music videos, including I'll Be Good to You, the first release off of Quincy Jones' Back on the Block albuM. Maurice became the first African-American director for Radio City Music Hall when he directed The Radio City Spectacular. Maurice's latest album on Arbor Records To Nat 'King' Cole, With Love was released to critical acclaim.

The Manzari Brothers previously appeared in Arena Stage's production of Sophisticated Ladies starring Maurice Hines at the Lincoln Theater. John and Leo were also seen in the 50th Anniversary of the 35th President of the United States at the Kennedy Center, Ellington Songbook and Sacred Concert at the Strathmore Theater and Great American Songbook at The Palladium in Indiana. They each received a Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Resident Musical 2010 for Sophisticated Ladies. Their TV credits include Mo'Nique Show, special guest on So You Think You Can Dance, Jerry Lewis Telethon and PBS NewsHour. They are graduates of the Field School and proud members of Actors' Equity Association.

The Heimowitz Brothers began dancing at the age of four (Sam) and five-and-a-half years old (Max) and are students at Knock on Wood Tap Studio and members of Capitol Tap. Specific performances include Chloe Arnold's Tap City Student Showcase in New York City, Jersey Tap Fest in Bloomfield, N.J., Beantown Tap Fest in Cambridge, Mass. and numerous performances with Capitol Tap in the D.C. area. Sam was a featured performer in Lucky's Tap Dancing Feet at the Atlas Theater. Max and Sam have been greatly influenced by Lisa Swenton-Eppard, founder/artistic director of Capitol Tap; Baakari Wilder, assistant artistic director of Capitol Tap; Yvonne Edwards, co-founder of Knock on Wood Tap Studio; Hillary-Marie, founder/director of Jersey Tap Fest; and Chloe and Maud Arnold, founders of DC Tap Festival. They take piano lessons and have competed in gymnastics in addition to being seventh grade honor students at Alice Deal Middle School.

The creative team for Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life includes Set Designer Tobin Ost, Costume Designer T. Tyler Stumpf, Lighting Designer Michael Gilliam, Sound Designer Carl Casella, Projection Designer Darrel Maloney, Stage Manager Kurt Hall and Assistant Stage Manager Marne Anderson.

Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life is generously sponsored by Susan and Steven Bralove, Linda and John Derrick and Virginia McGehee Friend.

Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life Special Events
Tappin' Thru Style - A Showcase of Italian Fashion
During the run of Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life, on the occasion of 2013 - The Year of Italian Culture in the United States, the Mead Center's lobbies will be graced by an exclusive collection of haute couture garments and accessories on loan from the Italian Embassy. This special Living Lobby display, enriched by videos produced by Vogue Italia with the support of the Italian Trade Commission, is inspired by Maurice Hines' desire to honor his late brother Gregory, and their mutual love of fashion. Gregory's favorite suit was a design by Giorgio Armani, and this special collection of artfully tailored pieces includes items from that designer, among many others.

Piano Bar-Wednesday, November 20, 2013 following the 7:30 p.m. performance
Following the success of last season's post-show piano bars, Arena Stage continues the popular piano bar tradition this season by hosting a free event during the run of Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life. Grab a drink and gather 'round the piano for show tunes hosted by Joshua Morgan with special guests in the Grand Lobby. No ticket necessary.

Post-Show Discussions with Artists and Staff
Connect with our shows beyond the performance at a post-show conversation. December 4 and 11 following the noon matinee; December 4, 10 and 17 following the 7:30 p.m. performance.

CAST:
Maurice Hines
John & Leo Manzari
Max & Sam Heimowitz

ORCHESTRA:
Sherrie Maricle
Sharel Cassity
Jami Dauber
Janelle Gill
Jennifer Krupa
Leigh Pilzer
Amy Shook
Camille Thurman
Liesl Whitaker

CREATIVE TEAM:
Director: Jeff Calhoun
Set Designer: Tobin Ost
Costume Designer: T. Tyler Stumpf
Lighting Designer: Michael Gilliam
Sound Designer: Carl Casella
Projection Designer: Darrel Maloney
Stage Manager: Kurt Hall
Assistant Stage Manage: Marne Anderson

Tickets for Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life are $50-$99, subject to change and based on availability, plus applicable fees. For information on savings programs such as student discounts, Southwest Nights, Pay-Your-Age tickets, Family Fun Packs, HOTTIX and Hero's Discounts, visit arenastage.org/shows-tickets/single-tickets/savings-programs/. Tickets may be purchased online at arenastage.org, by phone at 202-488-3300 or at the Sales Office at 1101 Sixth St., SW, D.C.

Sales Office/Subscriptions: 202-488-3300
Group Sales Hotline for 10+ Tickets: 202-488-4380
TTY for deaf patrons: 202-484-0247
Info for patrons with disabilities: 202-488-3300

PERFORMANCE DATES:
Sunday, Tuesday & Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Weekday matinees at noon on Wednesday, 12/4; Wednesday, 12/11 & Tuesday, 12/17
Full calendar: tickets.arenastage.org/single/psDetail.aspx?psn=15892

Open-captioned performances: 11/27 at 7:30 p.m. & 12/26 at 8:00 p.m.
Audio-described performance: 12/14 at 2:00 p.m.

CATWALK CAFÉ: Prix fixe meals are now available at the Catwalk Café and include a choice of soup or salad, main entrée and dessert. Pre-ordered meals are only $21 ($23 if purchased that day). To pre-order and see the menu, call 202-488-3300 or visit arenastage.org/plan-your-visit/the-cafe/. The Catwalk Café opens two hours before the show, and reservations are recommended.

To pre-order drinks from the Catwalk Café for up to 50% savings ($5 house wine and beer), visit tickets.arenastage.org/cart/precart.aspx?p=1007.

METRO: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is only one block from the Waterfront-SEU Metro station (Green Line). When exiting the station, walk west on M Street toward Sixth Street, and the main entrance to the Mead Center is on the right.

PARKING: Parking is available in Arena Stage's on-site garage. Subscribers may purchase parking in advance for $16. Single ticket buyers may purchase parking in advance for $18 or on the day of the performance for $20 on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited handicapped parking is available by reservation. Advanced parking must be reserved by calling 202-488-3300. The entrance to the Mead Center garage is on Maine Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets, and the garage closes one hour after the day's last performance ends. Patrons can also park at the Public Parking Garage at 1101 Fourth Street, one block from the Mead Center, for $11. Street parking is also available along Maine Avenue and Water Street.

VALET PARKING: Arena Stage offers valet service at no additional cost to patrons with accessibility needs who call 202-488-3300 in advance to request valet parking. On days when valet parking is being used for accessibility, it is also available to general patrons one hour prior to show time for $25, based on availability. To use valet parking, pull up to the main entrance on Sixth Street.

Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is a national center dedicated to the production, presentation, development and study of American theater. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Molly Smith and Executive Producer Edgar Dobie, Arena Stage is the largest company in the country dedicated to American plays and playwrights. Arena Stage produces huge plays of all that is passionate, exuberant, profound, deep and dangerous in the American spirit, and presents diverse and ground-breaking work from some of the best artists around the country. Arena Stage is committed to commissioning and developing new plays through the American Voices New Play Institute. Now in its seventh decade, Arena Stage serves a diverse annual audience of more than 300,000. arenastage.org

Follow Arena Stage on Twitter @arenastage or twitter.com/arenastage and mention Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life with #Tappin. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/arenastage.

Pictured: John Manzari, Maurice Hines and Leo Manzari in Maurice Hines is Tappin' Thru Life at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater November 15-December 29, 2013. Photo by Tony Powell.

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