SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE Comes to Broadway By the Bay

Broadway By the Bay continues its 2017 Season with SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, the Songs of Lieber and Stoller. SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE runs June 2nd through June 18th at the historic Fox Theatre in Redwood City (2215 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA).

This Tony Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a fast-paced nostalgic trip through 39 of rock-and-roll's greatest hits including "Stand by Me", "Jailhouse Rock", "Spanish Harlem", "Love Potion #9", "On Broadway", and "Yakety Yak." SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE made its Broadway debut on March 2, 1995 at the Virginia Theatre. During the show's milestone run of 4 years and 11 months, the production became and remains Broadway's longest running musical revue, playing 2,036 performances.

"SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE is a refreshing opportunity to celebrate - through music - the shared adventures we all experience in life." says Director, Brandon Jackson. "What I enjoy most about this revue is the diverse collection of musical genres and traditions that are represented. The songs represent some of the greatest hits from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller." Jackson continues, "Audiences will quickly hear the many other musical forms the famous duo were strongly influenced by, such as blues, R&B, swing, jazz, and gospel to name a few."

Jackson returns to BBBay after directing Cabaret in 2013. "I'm very fortunate to work again with Sean Kana (Music Director) and I'm excited to collaborate with Camille Edralin (Choreographer) to present this rich material. Every member of the cast impressed us with their individual connection to the material during the audition process. Leiber and Stoller wrote songs and composed music that everyone could connect to, so whether you grew up with these songs or not, you're in for a treat!"

"We are very excited to bring SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE to BBBay for the first time." says Executive Artistic Director, Alicia Jeffrey. "Lieber and Stoller ushered in the era of rock 'n roll, writing numerous songs that rose to Billboard charts in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Musically their songs were diverse, but as as lyricists, the team became known for their storytelling ability." Jeffrey continues, "Their songs were made famous by rock 'n roll pioneers like The Drifters and Elvis Presley, who alone recorded more than 25 of their songs. Their music is the soundtrack of a generation, and we're thrilled to share it with our audiences."

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE Performance Schedule at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City:

Friday, June 2 at 8PM

Saturday, June 3 at 8PM

Sunday, June 4 at 2:30PM*

Saturday, June 10 at 2PM

Saturday, June 10 at 8PM

Sunday, June 11 at 2:30PM

Saturday, June 17 at 2PM

Saturday, June 17 at 8PM

Sunday, June 18 at 2:30PM

* Post-show Talk Back Session with with ASL Interpreter

the cast and creative team.

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE features Chris Aceves (Michael), JESSICA COKER (BJ), Anthone Jackson (Adrian), Janelle LaSalle (Brenda), Cadarious Mayberry (Victor), Montel Nord (Ken), Anthony Rollins-Mullens (Fred), Majesty Scott (Pattie), Cheyenne Wells (DeLee), with Sean Kana (Conductor/Piano), Danny Min (Bass), Steve Cassinelli (Guitar) Ken Bergmann (Drums), and Larry DeLaCruz (Saxophone).

The creative and production team includes Brandon Jackson (Director), Sean Kana (Musical Director), Camille Edralin (Choreographer), Kelly James Tighe (Scenic Designer), Aaron Spivey (Lighting Designer), Justine Halsey-Martin (Properties Designer), Leandra Watson (Costume Designer), Alexis Lazear (Hair and Makeup Designer), Jon Hayward (Sound Designer), Gerald Frentz (Technical Director), Alex F. Wolf (Stage Manager), and Alicia Jeffrey (Production Manager).

Tickets range from $44 to $66, and may be purchased by phone at 650-FOX-7770, online at broadwaybythebay.org, or in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office located at 2219 Broadway Street in downtown Redwood City. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10AM-1:30PM, 3:00PM-6:00PM. On performance days, the box office is open 60 minutes prior to the start of each show, and remains open for 30 minutes following the start of the performance.