MANCHESTER, NH – Tony Award-nominated “Smokey Joe’s Café” is coming to the Palace Theatre January 20 through February 11, 2017. This show, billed as ‘the hottest joint in town,’ features the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of fame group, The Coasters!
“Smokey Joe’s Café” is a superb tribute to legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who ushered in the era of rock ‘n’ roll, by penning numerous songs that rose to Billboard charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Stylistically, their songs ranged from humorous high-energy tunes, to more somber ballads – all grounded in rhythm and blues. As lyricists, the team became known for their storytelling ability and wit, as well as their depictions of teenage life during the era.
“Smokey Joe’s Café” made its Broadway debut on March 2, 1995 at the Virginia Theatre. During the show’s milestone run of 4 years and 11 months, the production became Broadway’s longest running musical revue, playing 2,036 performances.
“Smokey Joe’s Café” features nearly 40 songs made famous by rock ‘n roll pioneers like The Drifters and Elvis Presley. Throughout his career, Presley recorded more than 20 Leiber and Stoller hits. Show songs include “On Broadway,” “Hound Dog,” “Fools Fall in Love,” “Spanish Harlem” and the show stopping “Jailhouse Rock.” The musical’s soundtrack recording won a Grammy Award in 1996.
As an added bonus, for the first eight performances (Jan. 20- 29) the Palace Theatre features beloved rock ‘n roll ensemble The Original Coasters, who also recorded over twenty Leiber and Stoller songs from “Dance with Me,” “Searchin,” “Poison Ivy,” “Yakety Yak,” “Love Potion #9” and the ever popular “Charley Brown.” They were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 fittingly, alongside Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The full “Smokey Joe’s Café” cast of professional singers and dancers perform to a live on stage musical ensemble.
Tickets are available at palacetheatre.org or by calling the Box office at 603-668-5588. Tickets range from $25 to $45. Flex Subscriptions and Group Rates are available.
