The Eagle Theatre to Present SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, 8/2

The Eagle Theatre, located at 208 Vine Street in Hammonton, NJ, will premiere Smokey Joe's Café on August 2. Featuring the music of legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller, this musical brings some of the most prolific Rock & Roll, R&B and Pop hits of the 50s and 60s to the stage.

With songs like "Jailhouse Rock," "Stand by Me," "Yakety Yak," and "Love Potion #9," it is unsurprising that the show still ranks as the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history. Even audience members who grew up without Elvis and the Coasters should be able to recognize more than a few tunes.

"Smokey Joe's Café has music that some would consider to be among the best ever written," say Co-Artistic Director Ed Corsi. "It's great for nostalgia, and it's great for parents and grandparents who want to introduce their young ones to the music that defined this era."

Unlike most musicals, the performers in this production play themselves. Don't expect much dialogue either. The show moves seamlessly between 39 hit songs focusing instead on the music. To add to this dynamic, the band will accompany the actors on stage to give off the appearance of a live music nightclub.

The Eagle Theatre sourced talent from throughout the region to compile its nine member cast. Five of the actors hail from Philadelphia, while the remaining four come from Collingswood, Toms River, Vineland and Cherry Hill. Two of the cast members, Marissa Barnathan and Jessica Johnson, are graduates of the Walnut Street Theatre Apprentice Program and have performed with the Walnut Street Theatre recently.

Smokey Joe's Café is directed by Ed Corsi, and will run at the Eagle Theatre on August 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 at 8 p.m., and 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for General Admission and $30 for Front Rows. Tickets can be purchased at www.TheEagleTheatre.com. For more information, please contact the box office at (609) 704-5012.