Delaware Theatre Company embarks on its 37th year in Wilmington with an ambitious new schedule. “DTC continues to be the only theater in the state of Delaware developing and producing new works for Broadway,” says artistic director Bud Martin. The season begins in September with the Delaware premiere of “Maurice Hines is Tappin’ Thru Life,” written and performed by Maurice Hines, and directed by two-time Tony Award-winner Jeff Calhoun.
With song and dance, Hines pays tribute to his brother, Gregory, and the singers who have inspired him, from Frank Sinatra to Lena Horne. To help bring the history of American tap to life, Hines brings The Diva Orchestra, an all-female nine-piece big band. “Get ready to laugh, smile and tap your feet to the infectious song and dance of Maurice Hines,” says Martin, “and catch this performance before Maurice takes his show on the road and ultimately to the great white way.” “Tappin” runs Sept. 16-Oct. 4.
“And that’s just the beginning of our fantastic season,” says Martin. It continues with “Playing the Assassin” by David Robson (a Wilmington native), a gripping new drama inspired by the devastating true story of an NFL star’s career-ending injury at the hands of a player known as The Assassin. The play examines the violence that football demands on the field and the hero worship that plays into a star’s legacy. It is hard to escape the conclusion that some responsibility must be borne by those of us who make professional football the country’s most popular sport, who cheer as grown men try to hurt one another. Directed by Joe Brancato, “Assassin” runs Oct. 21-Nov. 8.
Four other major shows are planned, plus much more. Stay tuned. To purchase a subscription, or for further information, visit Delaware Theatre Company’s website at www.delawaretheatre.org or call 302-594-1100.