Maurice Hines, whose tap dancing expertise enhanced many Broadway, television and movie productions as a dancer, choreographer and star, passed away Friday, numerous of his long time pals revealed.
Debbie Allen, who starred together with Hines in the all-Black cast of the 2001 trip of “Guys and Dolls,” verified Hines’ death in a homage post on social networks on Friday, stating “I will constantly treasure our journey together. My tears are for my failure to talk with you or to hold you. I will constantly speak your name.”
Best understood for his efficiency in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Cotton Club,” Hines’ Broadway credits consist of “Eubie!,” “Sophisticated Ladies” and “Bring Back Birdie,” along with “Uptown … It’s Hot!” and “Hot Feet” which were both developed, choreographed and directed by Hines. In 1986, he made a Tony award election for finest star in a musical in “Uptown … It’s Hot!”
Hines initially appeared on Broadway at 5-years-old, when he and his bro Gregory (who passed away in 2003), debuted their tap dancing act– similar to that of the well known Nicholas Brothers– in the 1954 production of “The Girl in Pink Tights.”
Debuting the act as the Hines Kids, the brother or sisters were then understood as the Hines Brothers before including their daddy, Maurice Sr., into the act, which was then called Hines, Hines & & Dad. The trio carried out in clubs throughout the nation and in Europe, ultimately ending up being routine entertainers at New York City’s Apollo Theater and appeared on “The Pearl Bailey Show” and “The Tonight Show.”
While the household chose to pursue solo professions, Maurice and Gregory reunited for a 1979 Broadway production of “Eubie!” and played siblings Clayton Williams and Sandman Williams in 1984 movie “The Cotton Club.” In the film, the Williams siblings fix up after a falling out and carry out tap number “Crazy Rhythm!,” which Hines exposed was finished in 2 takes in a 2008 interview
The siblings’ functions in “The Cotton Club” mirrored their real-life fractured relationship following a decade-long disagreement, which the brother or sisters ultimately healed. Maurice commemorated Gregory in 2016 program “Maurice Hines Is Tappin’ Through Life,” specifying that he didn’t desire his bro to be forgotten after he died years previously in 2003 after a fight with cancer.
As a choreographer, Hines helmed “Harlem Suite,” which he likewise starred in, Louis Armstrong musical “Satchmo” in addition to “Havana Night in Cuba.”
Hines is likewise the topic of documentary “Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back,” which was executive produced by Allen.