Sasha Lucas
InMotion Staff Writer
Mike Curb’s College of Music, Entertainment and Art delivered Broadway-style performances to six full houses of audiences in the Gillespy Theater at the News Journal Center of Dayton State College. Director of Theatre at DSC and director of “Smokey Joe’s Café” Samantha Stern, helped to infuse New York City’s Broadway in the News Journal Center with the popular 1950’s and 60’s music of Leiber and Stoller. “Smokey Joe’s Café” filled the Gillespie Theater inside the News Journal Center for six shows over two weekends with energy and laughter the whole way through. A non-advertised performance was given to students of Ivy Hawn Charter School of the Arts on the Friday morning of March 4th. Students of the Lake Helen Charter School clapped, laughed, and danced in their seats throughout the show. Students and chaperones had the opportunity to ask questions as well as meet the cast while everyone enjoyed pizza together for lunch after the show.
Smokey Joe’s Café is a 7-time Tony-nominated and Grammy Award winning musical revue written by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. It is the longest-running musical review in Broadway History. The popular song, “On Broadway” was the opening number for the 1995 Tony Awards performed by the original cast. In 1994 the “Smokey Joe’s Café” 20th Anniversary Tour featured The Coasters.
Various songs in “Smokey Joe’s Café” were originally recorded by famous quartets such as The Coasters The Drifters and The Monkees. The performing quartet in DSC’s “Smokey Joe’s Café” consisted of Jamonté Bruten (Victor), Kerry Alce (Adrian), Dwight Davis (Ken) and Gabriel Hannans (Fred). “On Broadway” piece by the quartet were so powerful that the audience clapped enthusiastically and cheered along the fellas as they danced. The smooth voices, energy, and choreography were superb. The choreography by Kim Ball kept the energy flowing throughout the whole show. Ball is a well-known and recognized dance instructor and choreographer in Volusia County.
Jamonté Bruten (Victor) amazed audiences with his delightful tone and control with his solo of “I Who Have Nothing.” Bruten owned the stage with his cat-like dance moves in “D.W. Washburn” and “Treat Me Nice.”
Kerry Alce (Adrian) wowed audiences with his powerful voice and animation in “There Goes my Baby” and “Love Potion #9.” Alce swooned with his piano based solo “Stay A While.”
Gabriel Hannans ‘(Fred) smooth sonorous voice wooed the crowd and had them slapping their legs in laughter with “Little Egypt and Charlie Brown.
Dwight Davis (Ken) gave an engaging rendition of “Dance With Me” and charming solo with “Loving You.”
James Harrington (Michael) kept audiences singing along with his Rock N’ Roll swagger in “Ruby Baby” and “Kansas City.”
Alexa Miles (Pattie) gave emotional standing ovation provoking performances in “Pearl’s a Singer,” and “I Keep Forgettin’.”
Rebekah Tyson (BJ), floored the audience in amazement with her seemingly effortless vocal power in “Dance With Me,” “Fools Fall in Love” and “Hound Dog.”
Brittany Nicole Lewis (Brenda) turned the heat up with her voice in the sassy numbers “Trouble,” and “Don Juan” and “You’re the Boss.”
Liara Iler (DeLee) sweet serenade “Falling” captivated the band member, “Paul,” and whole audience. Her duet with Lewis “Trouble” a crowd favorite.
“Paul” is actually Paul Yanochko who is part of the live band playing on stage along with fellow DSC musicians Yanni Moraites, Daniel Lunde, Pat Gallo, Tim Dunn, alumni and professional pianist Niki Mousikos, and Guitar Instructor Professor Abe Alam.
All four female powerhouse performers came together for “I’m a Woman,” and earned a standing ovation.
After the March 4th performance, a chaperone from Ivy Hawn Charter School gave a compliment to the entire cast by saying, “I saw “Smokey Joe’s Café” on Broadway, and any one of you could do it.” Appropriately, all of the cast members raised their hands when asked by one of the students, “Who wants to perform professionally?”
For those who missed out on this production, “Smokey Joe’s Café” is planning a Broadway return in July 2016 with previews and official opening August 18th, according to Playbill.com.
For information about upcoming performances or to purchase tickets for future shows please visit www.daytonastate.edu/thearts