The kickoff production of the Great Performances Theater Series’ spring season promises to be one of the most energetic and nostalgic of the year.
“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” features the creations of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, the songwriters responsible for such hits as “Jail House Rock,” “Hound Dog” and “Stand By Me.”
Deb Fiscella, tour representative for “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” said the performance is a musical revue with a series of vignettes showcasing the musical talents of Lieber and Stoller.
Fiscella said that when the show debuted, the idea for a music revue was new to Broadway, but it met with great success.
The show ran nearly five years on Broadway and was nominated for seven Tony Awards. It features a ‘50s settings with electric, rock ‘n’ roll music.
“One of the things about the music of Lieber and Stoller is almost everyone knows songs by them,” said Fiscella. “I defy anyone to sit through this show and not tap their feet or clap their hands or get up and dance.”
Fiscella also said because of the type of music showcased, the youthfulness of the cast and the energy of the performance, college-aged students are going to relate to and enjoy “Smokey Joe’s Cafe.”
Rhonda Dunaway, Lively Arts Committee adviser, said the success and appeal of the musical was a big reason for bringing it to the University.
Dunaway also said ticket sales are doing very well, and with only 150 seats left, they expect to sell out.
Season ticket sales for the 2004-2005 season numbered 735, so the bulk of the attendees will be season ticket holders, she said.
Dunaway also said the season ticket sales are capped at 900 in order to assure students and others who do not get season tickets have a chance to see individual shows.
“About 19 percent of our season ticket sales are students,” she said.
The show will come to the University on Sunday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. in the Union Theater for one night only.
Dunaway said for all of the shows in the series, only one performance is usually offered. For special shows such as “Rent,” which has a larger following, sometimes multiple shows are available.
“We’d like to do two shows of everything,” Dunaway said. “But the shows get really expensive.”