"A singing, dancing showman extraordinaire, Mr. Hines is in very fine form, but he is, after all, 72. 'Tappin’ Thru Life' is cleverly constructed, almost variety-show-style, to let its star catch his breath once in a while...What makes 'Tappin’ Thru Life' more than a vanity piece is its willingness to speak of pain. Mr. Hines can be an amusing storyteller, and he wows us with his footwork as he sings classic song after song."
Read more
"If this sounds like 90 minutes of sweet, unfocused nostalgia, it is (not that there's anything wrong with that)...While director Jeff Calhoun attempts to shape the material into a full-fledged show, there's no discernable structure, and Hines rarely drops his ain't-life-grand persona...Hines prefers pizzazz to introspection, and why not? For 72 years, it's gotten him 'Thru Life' with happy feet and feelings."
Read more
"Tap dancing is about joy and you can feel his joy when Maurice Hines steps onstage. He hits every mark with high energy and style in a seamless performance that transports the audience to his world for 85 toe-tapping minutes."
Read more
"Under the fleet direction of Jeff Calhoun, and to the accompaniment of the Diva Jazz Orchestra, 'Tappin Thru Life' is another tonic for the winter blues. Hines proves himself a thoughtful singer with a light baritone, and his tapping is undiminished by age…What makes ‘Tappin Thru Life’ positively soar is the brilliant arrangements played by the gifted Divas on such standards as 'I’ve Got You Under My Skin' and 'I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face'...Don't miss it.'"
Read more
"The show has its problems. Despite its title, it features more music than dance...Although he has a swinging vocal delivery and easy way with a tune, singing is not really the performer's strong suit...And despite the plethora of anecdotes about the many stars with whom Hines has worked, the evening is surprisingly short on dish...But for all its awkward or routine moments, the evening is still terrific fun, thanks to Hines' prodigious energy, enthusiasm and winning personality. "
Read more
"It features celebrity-filled anecdotes, classic tunes accompanied by a fabulous all-female band, and of course, that thing that put them on the map...Under Jeff Calhoun's excellent direction, the show moves beautifully with songs that complement the stories, both poignant and funny."
Read more
"One of the most delightful and ego-free evenings of theater, straight from the golden age of entertainment. Don't be mistaken, 'Maurice Hines Tappin' Thru Life' is exactly what it sounds like: A musical revue of old-timey tunes coupled with virtuosic tap breaks, and stories from the now 72-year-old Hines...But, aside from his God-given charm, ageless body, and finely tailored suits, the thing that sets this memoir apart from the rest is its intangible air of class."
Read more
"Scrapbook photos flash before the audience in director Jeff Calhoun's high-energy production. And oh, how he dances. The clean, rapid-fire taps are presented with a sleek, panther-like gracefulness...It's also a show about helping other performers get a break...Watching the young talents wrap up their acts, Hines can be seen beaming like a proud poppa. 'That's our future,' he reminds the audience...With mentors like Maurice Hines around, the future looks very bright, indeed."
Read more