Review: SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at New Village Arts

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ at New Village Arts is a fantastic musical revue that celebrates the music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller that you don't want to miss! Playing through March 17th, this musical has a lot of classic hits that would make you want to feed your quarters into a jukebox (or maybe a playlist on Spotify?) , but seeing it performed live by this amazing cast raises the roof and reminds everyone why you go to the theatre.

This show of popular songs including classics like Jailhouse Rock, Love Potion Number 9, and Stand By Me and more, it could be easy to let the songs run as a revue covering love, loss, and friendship. In the talented hands of Director by Tony Houck this show becomes a fully integrated show about community, and love. Usually revues don't have much of true story lines, but through his direction the stories of these couples and friends in this neighborhood become distinctly detailed and poignant.

It also helps that the cast is an insanely talented cast of nine fine singer/dancers, all backed by a strong stage band. All together this team performs 37 songs enhanced by choreography by Michael Mizerany.

The entire ensemble is fantastic; Jasmine January has personality and sass for days, Eboni Muse has vocals that soar, Phillip David has a rich bass that you'll feel down to your toes, and Trevor Park adds in his own dance flair along with vocals. I could keep naming people but honestly, I'd just be listing the cast list as they're all so infectiously fun and entertaining.

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ is a fun and frothy night at the theatre you don't want to miss.

SMOKEY JOE'S CAFÉ is paying through March 17th at New Village Arts. For ticket and show time information call (760) 433-3245 or www.newvillagearts.org

Photo Credit: Daren Scott

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