Maurice Hines Honored at Amas' 'Broadway Soul' Gala

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 38th year with a Gala evening on November 13th featuring a special "Blast from the Past" performance of "Broadway Soul," a star-studded concert of song and dance in tribute to America's great jazz composers.  Conceived, arranged and directed by Chapman Roberts, "Broadway Soul" salutes the music and lyrics of Alberta Hunter, Louis Jordan, Billy Strayhorn, Fats Waller, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington and many others. 

The November 13th Amas benefit will begin at 7 PM at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street), followed by a buffet dinner at Puttanesca (859 Ninth Avenue, at 56th Street).

The Gala will also honor Maurice Hines (Hot Feet, Uptown...It's Hot!) and Verizon with "The Rosie Award" (named for Amas Founder Rosetta LeNoire). Donna Trinkoff, Producing Artistic Director of Amas Musical Theatre, said "We honor Maurice for his sustained lifetime achievement and incredible career as a dancer, actor, choreographer, director and producer. He has always shared our mission of diversity, inclusiveness and excellence. And we honor Verizon for its continuing leadership in support of diversity in the workforce, strengthening community organizations, and championing literacy in America."

Musical direction for "Broadway Soul" is by Will Barrow, with choreography by Leslie Dockery. It features a cast that includes Freda Payne, B.J. Crosby, Faruma and Floyd Williams, Bertilla Baker, Jean Cheek, Patricia Iacobazzo, Yolanda Graves, Patrick Jude, Mary Louise, Sandra-Reaves Phillips, Raun Ruffin, Steve Ruggieri, Glen Turner and others.

During the benefit evening, the third Rosetta LeNoire Scholarship will also be presented to a deserving college-bound student attending Amas' arts education program, The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy.

Benefit ticket prices are $125 (performance only), $200 (performance, cocktails and buffet dinner) and $500 (premium performance seat, cocktails and buffet dinner). For tickets, call (212) 744-1048 or (212) 563-2565.

"Amas Musical Theatre has been a pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts since it was founded in 1968 by actress and visionary Rosetta LeNoire. Amas ('you love' in Latin) is devoted to the creation, development and professional production of new American musicals and to the training and encouragement of inner-city young people," state press notes.

Ticket prices are $125, $200 and $500.   For additional information and reservations, call (212) 744-1048 or (212) 563-2565.