PREVIEWS intricate artistry of Ortiz and Strangemen & Co., as well as enjoy the retelling of a familiar tale. www.newworldstages.com
MAURICE HINES TAPPIN’ THRU LIFE
New World Stages Until March 13 This Thanksgiving, I took a long break from real life and spent my quiet, work-free hours reading about the art of tap dancing. Aside from jazz, it’s (arguably) the only other fully American artform. While its roots can be traced to Irish jigs and West African Juba dance, the tap style we know today found its heart on American shores. Sit back and take a day to appreciate the incredible dance style with a performance by Maurice Hines. Along with his brother Gregory, he’s a well-known master of the artform and will introduce newbies to tap with a virtuosic flare – but he’ll also leave dance aficionados with dropped jaws thanks to his mastery. www.newworldstages.com
IMAGE: MATT URBAN
“You’ll laugh your face off and be touched by tender moments. That is, if you can get tickets before all of the theater nerds snatch ‘em up first!”
Above: Maurice Hines taps it out. Left: Comedy gold with Old Hats. Below: The Woodsman. Opposite: Moondrunk.
OLD HATS
Signature Theatre January 26 through March Old Hats: one of those shows that will likely sell out among theater-lovers thanks to the star power alone. While the larger public might not be familiar with the names Bill Irwin and David Shiner, once you see the grimaces on these two, you’ll instantly recognize the physical comedians from shows like Sesame Street, or movies like Man of the House. If someone you know has ever uttered the abominable words: “I hate clowns,” buy tickets for Old Hats pronto and show them what a real clown can do. You’ll laugh your face off and be touched by tender moments. That is, if you can get tickets before
DIGITAL EDITION
all of the theater nerds snatch ‘em up first! www.signaturetheatre.org
SMART PEOPLE
Second Stage January 26 through March 6 Smart People takes place in the nottoo-distant past, on the eve of Obama’s first election in 2008 – a day when most of us New Yorkers can recall audible celebrations outside our windows and parties in Times Square that marked a tangible shift in our country with the election of our first black president. In the play, four Harvard intellectuals debate the role of race in our identities and personal stories. Backed by enormous talent on the creative team – written by Lydia R. Diamond (Stick Fly), and helmed by Kenny Leon (The Wiz), the Tony Awardwinning director of the 2014 revival of A Raisin in the Sun – this one’s sure to be a provocative, thoughtful review of race in our current climate. www.2st.com
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