Gregory Hines News

Triple-threat entertainer Ben Vereen's legendary performances transcend time and are woven into the fabric of this country's artistic legacy with his on stage, screen and television appearances continuing to inspire and influence artists of all ages. Vereen is currently continuing to tour the world with his one-man show STEPPIN' OUT WITH BEN VEREEN which has received rave reviews internationally. On July 19th and 20th, he is bringing the show to the Catalina Jazz Club and shared with me how much he is looking forward to entertaining his loyal fans in the Entertainment Capital of the World once again.

Ford Theatres presents Rennie Harris Funkedified on Saturday, July 20 at 8:00 pm as part of its IGNITE @ the FORD! series. Celebrating the funk music and street dance of the 1970s, Funkedified challenges stereotypes and invites the audience to view hip-hop through a new lens.

The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce the final casting for the Ordway Original production of '42nd Street' which begins performances on July 23 and continues for 24 performances through Aug. 11.

With this year marking a milestone 35 years in show business, legendary tap virtuoso, choreographer, director and actor Savion Glover brings his extraordinary musicality and footwork to The Joyce Theater with the world premiere of his innovative new work Lady5 @ Savion Glover's BaRoQUe'BLaK TaP Café for a limited run from Tuesday July 2nd through Saturday, July 6th.

Ford Theatres presents Rennie Harris Funkedified on Saturday, July 20 at 8:00 pm as part of its IGNITE @ the FORD! series. Celebrating the funk music and street dance of the 1970s, Funkedified challenges stereotypes and invites the audience to view hip-hop through a new lens.

 Giants of jazz and the next generation of stars highlight New Jersey Performing Arts Center's (NJPAC) spectacular jazz performances for the 2019-2020 season. This year will mark the eighth annual TD James Moody Jazz Festival which will consist of diverse performances from Nov. 9 - 24.

Brooklyn College will celebrate its 94th Commencement on Thursday, May 30. More than 4,300 graduating students-3,097 undergraduate students, 1,183 master's candidates, and 61 students receiving advanced certificates-makes the class of 2019 one of the largest among Brooklyn higher education institutions. The ceremony will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Students in the graduating class come from more than 125 countries and speak over 80 languages. Fifty-three members of the class are veterans or currently enlisted in the U.S. military and approximately 98 members identify as having a disability. 

Playhouse on Park's education department, Playhouse Theatre Academy, is thrilled to welcome back Stephanie Pope for another Fosse Adult Master Class on Monday, June 17 from 6:30-8:30pm at The 224 Ecospace! All performers (ages 16 and up!) who have a vested interest in the performing arts are encouraged to attend this amazing class.

VIOLETA ANGELOVA, YVES DE BOUTEILLER, KEITH LEE AND IAN POULIS will be members of the faculty for the Shreveport Dance Academy's Summer Intensive in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ms. Angelova and Mr. de Bouteiller will be teaching from June 3-7, 2019, and Mr. Lee and Mr. Poulis will be teaching from June 10-14, 2019.

The nationally regarded Fulton Theatre, in association with Maine State Music Theatre is proud to present the dance and music-filled Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies, May 2 through May 25, with Previews April 30 and May 1. Three acclaimed choreographers, Broadway's Mark Stuart, Broadway's Kenny Ingram and Lancaster's own Marc Robin, have joined to make this one memorable celebration! 

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and M&T Bank are proud to announce the 2019-2020 M&T Bank Dance Series. The series features a diverse, international array of multicultural, groundbreaking performers and dance companies, beloved productions, and unique and inspiring works. The dynamic program is the result of an innovative partnership between two community-focused organizations:NJPAC, the Newark-based, world-class cultural venue; and M&T Bank, whose superior dedication to its customers and communities includes consistent support for the arts.

Playwright Jon Klein will join the director and members of the cast of the current hit comedy Resolving Hedda for a post-show talkback on Saturday, March 30. The talkback, free to ticket holders, will begin at 5:00 pm, immediately following the Saturday matinee performance. 

The WYO Theater is pleased to present the only full-time, repertory tap dance company in North America, Tapestry Dance Company in residence April 18 and 19 with a public performance of Saturday, April 20 at Passing it Forward – The American Dream 7:30pm.  Tapestry takes a diverse and dynamic look at “The American Dream” presenting a rhythmic journey based on a concept and definition of “taking that first step in changing the world for the better – one step at a time.” Through historical traditions and new works of tap dance set to a diversified musical score of spoken-word poetry, hip-hop, jazz and American classics, Tapestry sets a rhythm of communication, hope and healing in our “what's politically correct?” world.

Playwright Jon Klein will join the director and members of the cast of the current hit comedy Resolving Hedda for a post-show talkback on Saturday, March 30.  A resounding hit with critics and audiences, Resolving Hedda invites audiences to play along with a Hedda Gabler who breaks out of Ibsen's well-made play and wreaks comic havoc while her fellow characters struggle to adapt to their heroine's newfound rebellion. The talkback, free to ticket holders, will begin at 5:00 pm, immediately following the Saturday matinee performance.

The McCallum Theatre presents Tony Award-winning choreographer and tap dancer Savion Glover in "ALL FuNKD' UP In Concert" on Saturday, March 30, at 8:00pm. This new thrilling show will highlight tap dance superstar Savion Glover's mesmerizing interplay of percussive genius as he and his six-piece band and a company of dancers illuminate original grooves and compositions as only a percussive master could. "ALL FuNKD' UP In Concert" marks Savion Glover's newest innovative expression that continues to procure tap as sound and sound to music. Glover dances to an eclectic soundtrack that includes new age to John Coltrane, in a tribute to his personal experiences with dance greats and the forefathers of tap.

It's not easy being one of the most influential characters in modern drama, especially knowing you have to die at the end of every performance. What would happen if you simply refused to play along? And what would the other characters do? The Washington Stage Guild invites audiences to play along with a Hedda Gabler who breaks out of Ibsen's well-made play and wreaks comic havoc. Resolving Hedda, by Jon Klein promises laughter to all. Even those new to the story of Hedda, along with the most devoted lovers of the classic play, will delight to postmodern antics. Resolving Hedda opens Thursday, March 21 and runs through Sunday, April 14. Press opening performance will be on Sunday, March 24 at 2:30 pm.

The art of tap dancing is taken to new heights…literally…in the high octane, high energy worldwide sensation known as Tap Dogs. Not only do the eight male performers do traditional tap routines in this 80-minute industrial extravaganza, they take it to places tap hasn't gone before incorporating, water, scaffolding blowtorches, and more.

Roundabout Theatre Company's new Broadway production of the musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate, starring Tony Award winner Kelli O'Hara, begins preview performances today. Get to know the cast below as they begin Broadway performances!

Luna Stage and The United Tastes of America (formerly Syria Supper Club) have teamed up to co-host a memorable evening includes a full Syrian dinner and live entertainment on Sunday, March 3, from 6-9pm. This first-ever Luna Dinner is one night only, launching an annual fundraiser and community dinner series. Held at Luna Stage in West Orange, the March 3 event featuring jazz headliner Suzzanne Douglas, and supports both newly immigrated local refugee families and cutting-edge local theatre.

According to Associated Press, Gregory Hines will be honored on a Black Heritage Series stamp.