Oldies, but goodies – ‘Smokey Joe’s Café’ musical revue comes to Logan
For those who have never heard of Smokey Joe’s Café, songs featured in the production, such as Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” The Coaster’s “Yakety Yak” and The Drifters’ “Stand By Me” might ring more familiar.
Smokey Joe’s Café is Broadway’s longest running musical revue and won a Grammy award for Best Musical Show Album in 1996. It was also nominated for seven Tony awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreography.
The New York Times called Smokey Joe’s Café “An electrifying work of art.”
Smokey Joe’s Café’s unique presentation includes about 40 songs from the ’50s and ’60s written by rock ‘n’ roll icons Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The one-of-a-kind mix resulted in a Time magazine review describing it as an “exuberant, colorful celebration.”
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are considered among the most important songwriters and music producers of the early rock ‘n’ roll era.
The name Smokey Joe’s Café comes from the title of one of Leiber and Stoller’s songs recorded by the Robins in 1955. Like many of their popular hits, the song tells a story of unrequited love.
The original Broadway production of Smokey Joe’s opened in 1995.
Gloria Gaynor, made famous by her performance of the 1979 hit song “I Will Survive,” was one of the performed in Smokey Joe’s Café.
With a mix of singing, dancing and humor, this performance has a perfect recipe for entertainment. Even though older generations might know more of the songs, the show is made for people of all ages.
Smokey Joe’s Café will be at Ellen Eccles Theatre for the first time on Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $20, $29 and $35. USU students receive a 25 percent discount. Tickets can be bought at the USU ticket office in the TSC or the box office at Ellen Eccles Theatre.
-sdobson@cc.usu.edu