By Sasha Lucas
In Motion Staff Writer
“Smokey Joe’s Café” is a musical revue featuring 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded by Stoller & Leiber, including “Jailhouse Rock,” “Stand By Me” and “Hound Dog.”
This two-act, energy filled musical takes to the stage in the Gillespy Theater in Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center for a remaining two shows on March 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m.
“I am amazed at the talent in this cast,” says director and professor of theater arts, Samantha Stern, who is obviously excited about the performances.
While every one of the cast members is a talented singer, they also have the challenge of dancing, including up and down stairs. Music major and assistant director John Perez says, “There will be a pianist, Professor Richard Butler, on stage, as well as a full orchestra on stage behind the props.”
Admission is free to Daytona State and Volusia and Flagler County students; all others are $8 per person or $15 for two. Online ticketing is available at DaytonaState.edu/TheArts or in person at the News-Journal Center Box Office, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Box Office hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Music featured in the show are all works of the dynamic duo songwriting partners Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, known for their work with the Coasters, Ben E. King, Elvis Presley and the Drifters. The duo was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Broadway musical based on their extensive song list was nominated for multiple Tony awards, including Best Musical in 1995. “Smokey Joe’s Café” won a Grammy in 1996 for Best Musical Show Album. The songs of Leiber and Stoller are classics that audiences want to sing and dance along with. Among their other greatest hits from the 1950s and ’60s, including “On Broadway,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Why Do Fools Fall in Love,” “Love Potion #9,” “Yakety Yak” and “Ruby Baby.” This rocking musical lit up New York City for five years and hopes to illuminate crowds for its last weekend run at DSC.
For additional information, visit www.DaytonaState.edu/TheArts or call 386-226-1927.