NJCU to Present SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, Begin. 3/20

The New Jersey City University Caroline L. Guarini Department of Music, Dance and Theatre will present "Smokey Joe's Cafe," Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 and Thursday, March 26 through Saturday, March 28, in Margaret Williams Theatre of Hepburn Hall, on the University campus at 2039 Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City.

Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. for all Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances; curtain time on Sunday, March 22 is 3:00 p.m.

General admission is $15.00; student, senior citizen, and group admission is $5.00. Tickets are available online at www.NJCU.EDU/MDT.

A musical presented in revue format, "Smokey Joe's Cafe" showcases songs by legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized '50s setting, the classic themes of love won, lost, and imagined blend with hilarious characters and slice-of-life emotions.

The revue is packed with 39 of some of the greatest songs ever recorded, including "Hound Dog", "Love Potion #9," "Stand By Me," "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," "There Goes My Baby," "Jailhouse Rock," "Poison Ivy," and "On Broadway."

After a Los Angeles tryout, "Smokey Joe's Cafe" opened on Broadway in 1995 and ran for 2,036 performances before closing in 2000. The original Broadway cast recording won a Grammy in 1996.

"Smokey Joe's Cafe" will be directed by Marc G. Dalio; musical director is John DiPinto. Designers include Duane McDevitt, set; Maruti Evans, lighting; and Sara Hinkley, costume.

The cast will feature Katherine Acosta of Bayonne as Pattie; Angel Berrios of Hoboken as Ken; Azudei Dubois of Newark as Brenda; Na'jee T. Esmond of Newark as Adrian; Shari Gill of Brooklyn as BJ; Davis Lemley of Cedar Grove as Michael; Ashley Leone of Lodi as DeLee; Sammy D. Olmedo of Jersey City as Victor; and Daraius Phillips of Jersey City as Fred.

The supporting cast will include Anthony J. Bruno of Lodi; Hope Lane of Bayonne; Harold Daniels III and Troy Lopez of Jersey City; Brittany Santos of Union City; Katherine LeFevre of Dover; Miriam Navarrete of West New York; and Paola Perez of North Bergen.

For further information call (201)200-3151.

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