Smokey Joe's Cafe Planning Broadway Return in 2016
(© Joan Marcus)
A production of Smokey Joe's Café may be on its way back to Broadway, according to an Actors' Equity casting notice. The notice suggests that the musical will begin performances in July 2016 and open in August. Tony winner Jerry Zaks, who helmed the original Broadway production of Smokey Joe's Café, appears to be signed on to direct. No venue has been announced so far.
Smokey Joe's Café opened on Broadway on March 2, 1995, and closed January 16, 2000, having run for 2,036 performances. The show features hit songs from the writing duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller including "Stand by Me," "Love Potion #9," and "On Broadway." The original Broadway cast included Ken Ard, Adrian Bailey, Brenda Braxton, Victor Trent Cook, B.J. Crosby, Pattie Darcy Jones, DeLee Lively, Frederick B. Owens, and Michael Park.
According to the notice, the production is looking to fill the roles of Fred, Ken, Adrian, Victor, Michael, Delee, Brenda, Pattie, and BJ. Choreography will be by Warren Carlyle with musical direction by Sonny Paladino.
