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MANCHESTER, NH – For those new to “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” cast member Jeremy Abram wants you to know, going in, that it’s not a traditional stage show. Rather, it’s a concept show that pays wildly choreographed homage to the mid-20th century musical era. The show features 39 hits penned by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller – foot-thumping, hand-clapping tunes that tell the story of a generation.
“Instead of a traditional play with a storyline, ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ is like a series of unrelated stories, or vignettes, strung together so that they almost become a plot,” says Abram.
Cast members take on personas and perform the songs in various groupings, so as almost to be in character, he says. Songs like “Spanish Harlem,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “There Goes My Baby,” provide mini-storylines that play out in quick-hit song and dance numbers.
When the show first hit Broadway in 1995, producers decided to bring in a rotating cast of well-known stars to perform some of the numbers, a way to sustain a show that wasn’t traditional Broadway fare.
“As a result, ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ became the longest running review on Broadway. Even though was nominated for seven Tony Awards, it didn’t win any, so bringing in singers like Gladys Knight or Lou Rawls was a way to keep the show fresh,” Abram said.
He and Laura Helm are two members of the ensemble cast who will bring ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe to life at the Palace Theater between Jan. 20 and Feb. 11. And make sure you say hello to hometown talent Missy Clayton, who will also be taking the stage as a featured cast member.
In the spirit of the original Broadway production, the Palace Theatre is thrilled to present for the first eight performances The Coasters, who made Billboard-topping hits out of many of songs incorporated in the show, including “Yakity Yak,” and “Charlie Brown.”
Preparing for a show like “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” involves mastering songs that may only be vaguely familiar to a cast of 20- and 30-something performers. Helm is like many of her fellow performers – she credits her grandparents with introducing her to the classic hits featured in the show.
WATCH: Cast interviews, Part 1
“The first time I heard one of these songs I was listening to the radio in my grandpa’s truck, ‘Yakity Yak’ was playing. For me, that song really typifies that era of music,” says Helm. “In this case, I try to pay attention to the stylistic way the songs of that era were sung – it’s not necessarily how I normally sing.”
For Abram, it’s about celebrating the kind of music that never goes out of style.
“It’s music that anyone can appreciate, which is part of what makes it so special. As far as I know, there’s always a theater somewhere doing the show because it makes you laugh, it makes you want to dance – no matter what else I’m listening to, the soundtrack to ‘Smokey Joe’s’ is always on my iPod.”
WATCH: Cast interviews, Part II
For those familiar with the show, expect the unexpected, thanks to the creative direction of the Palace’s Carl Rajotte.
“I know there is a certain expectation of the show, for those who have seen it before, but there will be surprises. Songs that have traditionally been solos done as duets or trios – this production is designed by Carl specifically for the Palace audience, because he knows the audience so well,” Abram says. “Carl’s vision is that he wants to keep it true to the original Broadway version, as much as possible, so we’re referring to a lot of old videos as we prepare.”
Featured songs
Act 1
- Neighborhood
- Young Blood
- Falling
- Ruby Baby
- Dance With Me
- Neighborhood (Reprise)
- Keep On Rollin’
- Searchin’
- Kansas City
- Trouble
- Love Me/Don’t
- Fools Fall In Love
- Poison Ivy
- Don Juan
- I Keep Forgettin’
- On Broadway
- D.W. Washburn
- Saved
Act Two
- Baby, That Is Rock & Roll
- Yakety Yak
- Charlie Brown
- Pearl’s a Singer
- Teach Me How to Shimmy
- You’re the Boss
- Smokey Joe’s Cafe
- Loving You
- Treat Me Nice
- Hound Dog
- Little Egypt
- I’m a Woman
- There Goes My Baby
- Love Potion #9
- Some Cats Know
- Jailhouse Rock
- Fools Fall In Love (Reprise)
- Spanish Harlem
- I (Who Have Nothing)
- Neighborhood (Reprise)
- Stand by Me
Show Dates:
The historic Palace Theatre is located at 80 Hanover St., Manchester, NH. Tickets for “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” range from $25 to $45. Click here now to reserve the best seat in the house.