Maurice Hines on His Love of Lena Horne and Bringing Guys & Dolls to 54 Below

Ring in the holiday season with Tony nominee Maurice Hines (Uptown…It’s Hot, Sophisticated Ladies ) and his new show Tap’in Through Life at 54 Below. In the new concert, Hines will perform standards like “Come Fly Away” and “Luck Be a Lady” backed by the acclaimed Diva Orchestra (a big band group composed of nine women). Below, Hines takes us on a musical journey that includes Lena Horne, Chita Rivera and Elaine Stritch.

What record/album was your favorite growing up?
Lena Horne’s At the Waldorf Astoria.

What concert most influenced you as a performer?
Elaine Stritch on Broadway.

What song are you most excited to perform in your show?
“Luck Be a Lady” from Guys & Dolls.

What song gets you in the holiday spirit?
“The Christmas Song.”

What musical theater track is the most played on your iPod?
The cast recording of Dreamgirls.

If you could invite any performer onstage for a duet at 54 Below, who would it be?
Chita Rivera.

What musical theater performer from the past do you wish you could collaborate with?
Lena Horne.

What album was the soundtrack to your 20s?
Johnny Mathis’ Open Fire, Two Guitars.

What is your favorite workout track?
“The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson.

What’s your favorite love song?
“This Heart of Mine.”

Favorite break-up song?
“How Insensitive.”

What song most makes you smile?
“Smile.”

When this song plays, I can’t help but dance:
Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”

Check out Maurice Hines’ Tap’in Through Life at 54 Below December 26 through 29. Below is a video of Hines performing “Too Marvelous For Words.”