Smokey Joe's Cafe to Close Up Shop in November

The off-Broadway revival of Smokey Joe's Cafe has announced that it will play its final performance at Stage 42 on Sunday, November 4. At the time of its closing, it will have played 20 previews and 121 performances.

With soulful ballads rooted in blues, legendary songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller's songs are described as illuminating the wide range of the human experience, celebrating the humor, passion, and heartbreak that infuse everyday lives. Smokey Joe's Cafe features more than 30 classic songs including "Stand by Me," "I'm a Woman," "Hound Dog," "Fools Fall in Love," and more. The show was co-conceived by Stephen Helper and Jack Viertel.

This new production is directed and choreographed by Joshua Bergasse. The nine-member ensemble features Dwayne Cooper (Motown), Emma Degerstedt (Desperate Measures), John Edwards (Jersey Boys), Dionne D. Figgins (Hot Feet), Nicole Vanessa Ortiz (Spamilton), Kyle Taylor Parker (Kinky Boots), Jelani Remy (The Lion King), Max Sangerman (Blue Man Group), and Alysha Umphress (On the Town), with standbys Shavey Brown (Dreamgirls off-Broadway), Antoinette Comer (Mammia Mia!), Dan Domenech (Rock of Ages), and Bronwyn Tarboton (A Chorus Line international tour).

Smokey Joe's Cafe features musical direction by Matt Oestreicher, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Alejo Vietti, lighting design by Jeff Croiter, sound design by Peter Fitzgerald, original vocal arrangements by Chapman Roberts, and orchestrations by Steve Margoshes and Sonny Paladino.