Dionne D. Figgins, Emma Degerstedt,Max Sangerman

 

Dwayne Cooper, Kyle Taylor Parker, John Edwards

 

Theater Pizzazz’ Magda Katz was on the scene at the sneak peek of the Off Broadway revival of Smokey Joe’s Cafe: The Songs of Leiber & Stoller.  The show begins performances at Stage 42 on July 6 and opens on July 22.  Hear some of the songs and interviews here!

Directing and choreographing is Joshua Bergasse with cast members Dwayne Cooper, Emma Degerstedt, John Edwards, Dionne D. Figgins, Nicole Vanessa Ortiz, Kyle Taylor Parker, Jelani Remy, Max Sangerman and Alysha Umphress.

With a powerhouse nine-member ensemble, this new production of  SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE will bring new life to more than 30 classic songs including “Stand by Me,” “I’m a Woman,” “Hound Dog,” “Fools Fall In Love,” “On Broadway,” “Yakety Yak,” “Pearl’s a Singer,” “Treat Me Nice,” “There Goes My Baby,” “Love Potion #9,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Spanish Harlem.”

 

Joshua Bergasse

 

The GRAMMY Award winning and Tony Award® nominated smash broke records, becoming the longest running revue to play on Broadway, and was followed by nationwide and international tours. The musical celebrates the songs of the legendary song writing duo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, which provided hit after hit for icons like Elvis Presley, Ben E. King, The Coasters, and The Drifters.

Featuring a wide-ranging catalogue, from joyous anthems (“Saved”) to comedic romps (“Charlie Brown”) to songs of yearning (“I Who Have Nothing”), the storytelling aspect of Leiber and Stoller’s songwriting paired perfectly with the theatrical medium. With soulful ballads rooted in blues, their songs illuminated the wide range of the human experience, celebrating the humor, passion, and heartbreak that infuse everyday lives. Classics such as “Neighborhood” and “Stand by Me” celebrated the power of community and friendship and deeply resonated with the African American community just as much as they did with rebellious suburban teenagers. Now, this classic show returns to NYC to thrill a new generation of theatergoers with its enduring themes and searing emotions.