What on New York – What in on New York

619 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY (map)

Set in the year 1980, much of the action in this new musical comedy takes place at “Maxie’s,” a popular jazz nightclub. Maxie, the club’s proprietor, narrates the story of a young black woman and a young white man who meet at his nightclub and whose mutual love of jazz blossoms into a clandestine romance.

When the couple decide to marry, their parents unite in opposition. But they may have met their match.

Hal Schaefer (Music): A celebrated jazz pianist, composer and Hollywood music director–his musical mentor was Duke Ellington. Mr. Schaefer was music director of the iconic film, “A Star Is Born” starring Judy Garland. He was also a renowned vocal coach to the stars, who taught Marilyn Monroe to sing in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.”

Bob Larimer (Book & Lyrics): He wrote the Broadway musical, “But Never Jam Today” directed by Vinette Carrol and many Off-Broadway musicals. His songs have been recorded by Cher, Burl Ives, Jerry Orbach, The Osmonds, and Marlene Dietrich.

Maurice Hines (Director): In addition to his impressive credits as a stage director and choreographer, (”Satchmo. “Uptown, It’s Hot,” “Radio City Spectacular”) he is a well known star of stage, screen and television. Mr. Hines made his screen debut in Francis Coppola’s“Cotton Club,” and starred in the musicals “Eubie,” “Sophisticated Ladies” and “Jelly‘s Last Jam.” He was the first African-American director for Radio City Music Hall. He began his career at an early age, joining his brother and father in their act, “Hines, Hines & Dad, which played to rave reviews in New York, Las Vegas and Europe.

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