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HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT THE FLAMINGO HILTON SHOWROOM!

6/1/1999

June 01, 1999
LAS VEGAS, NV - Most recognize the name, Maurice Hines, as an extraordinary tapper and dancer, but a closer look reveals he's much more.

Hines has made history in the entertainment industry as the first African American director and choreographer to appear in the main showroom of the Flamingo Hilton in "The Great Radio City Spectacular" starring the Radio City Rockettes. As special guest star, Hines shares the stage with the lovely high kicking Radio City Rockettes in a multitude of mesmerizing song and dance routines.

"I love performing here! These ladies are wonderful!" Hines comments about returning to the Flamingo Hilton and joining the Rockettes. "The Radio City Rockettes are more than just high-kicking legs," he adds. "The show is filled with style and classic precision dance steps that are truly phenomenal."

At age 56, Hines credits his longevity in entertainment to "learning from the masters." He began his dancing career at age 5, under the tutelage of the famous Henry LeTang. Maurice recalls teaming-up with his brother, Gregory, and opening shows for jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Lionel Hampton. Later, his father joined them and they performed to worldwide audiences as the dance trio, "Hines, Hines and Dad."

In addition to Fitzgerald and Hampton, Hines says he is honored to have performed with other legendary African American entertainers, such as The Nicholas Brothers, Lena Horne, and Sarah Vaughn. Early in his career, Hines performed during a time when racial tensions were high, and African American entertainers entered through the backdoors of establishments at which they could not stay where they performed. Hines says with admiration, "They are all a part of African American heritage. They struggled through racial discrimination, and while persevering through it all, they remained humble."

Hines' career is one to be admired by all. He began his solo career with the National Company, starring as Nathan Detroit in "Guys and Dolls." He went on to star in Broadway hits "Eubie," "Bring Back Birdie" and "Sophisticated Ladies." And, he made his film debut in "The Cotton Club."

Hines enjoys directing and choreographing very much. He is grateful to Frank Hackett, Alvin Alley and Judith Jamison for helping him to see his talent as a choreographer. He discovered choreography while working with Alley and Jamison. They told me, "Maurice, you are a choreographer!" It was then that he was convinced choreography was one of his many fortes.

Hines proved that, when he received a Tony Award nomination for "Uptown ... It's Hot!," in which he directed, choreographed and starred. Continuing his creative mission, he co-directed and choreographed the National Tour of "Sachmo," as well as directed, choreographed and starred in "Harlem Suite." He also played "Jelly Roll Morton" in the Tony Award-winning musical, "Jelly's Last Jam."

Hines sums up his work as director, choreographer, actor and dancer, "I'm very happy and I love what I'm doing." His best advice to the younger generation of dancers is to "Do it because you love it -- not for the paycheck. The money will come soon enough."

Also, Hines advises young people to "get training." He recalls his mother (even though she didn't know much about the entertainment business), instructed Maurice and his brother to learn everything from dancing and singing to juggling. She would tell them, "You never know what you might be asked to do ... that could be your next job."

Audiences can enjoy the creative genius of Maurice Hines in an entertaining evening of sparkle, glitz, and glamour at "The Great Radio City Spectacular" starring the Radio City Rockeftes at the Flamingo Hilton. The Radio City Rockeftes are recognized as the world's best precision dance troupe, and they show it at every performance.

"The Great Radio City Spectacular" includes performances by famed juggler Nino Frediani, who draws showgoers into his "authentically original" juggling act. And, master magician Greg Frewin amazes audiences with his illusionary skill and artistry.

"The Great Radio City Spectacular" starring the Radio City Rockettes plays nightly at the Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas. Show times for dinner are 7:45 p.m. nightly, except Fridays, with a 10:30 p.m. cocktail show on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, call 733-3333.