Smokey Joe’s Café Comes to the Capital City 6/17-7/23

While Vista patrons will undoubtedly be hearing the latest Britney Spears and Katy Perry tunes blasting from speakers in bars and clubs this summer, Trustus Theatre will be opening their doors on a new production that will be inviting entertainment-seekers into a rocking evening that gives them the most extraordinary "night on the town" they can imagine. The songs of hit-writers Leiber and Stoller are the fare at Trustus as Smokey Joe's Café sizzles and pops onto the Main Stage. The show opens June 17th at 8:00pm, and runs through July 23rd, 2011.

It's sometimes hard to fathom the sheer volume of the pop-rock songs written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. For those who don't know who this dynamic duo of songwriting is, they might remember some of the artists who had hits after recording their songs. They began by writing for Elvis Presley, the Drifters and the Coasters in the early '50s, and their fame carried them well into the '60s as they penned songs and music for Aretha Franklin, Ruth Brown, Peggy Lee, Lavern Baker, Steve Lawrence and Perry Como, to name a few. Current television pop vehicle American Idol even aired a show this season using the tunes of Leiber and Stoller for the competition. Their music still stands today as shining examples of good American rock music as evidenced by their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Leiber and Stoller's songs were not only finely crafted; they captured the essence of a wide variety of rock subgenres, from close-harmony guy and girl groups to doo-wop, rhythm-and-blues, gospel, Motown, bubble- gum, country Western and romantic ballads. Smokey Joe's Café showcases Leiber and Stoller's talents, with 42 of their songs, which offers the audience a sampling of some of their underexposed numbers, along with hits like "Stand By Me," "Poison Ivy," "Fools Fall In Love," "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Potion #9" and "On Broadway." The show, subtitled "The Music of Leiber and Stoller," is billed as a revue. There is no commentary and practically no dialogue, keeping the emphasis on the songs themselves, as well as the song-and-dance skills of the cast. As such, Smokey Joe's Café is really more of a Leiber and Stoller concert. With Vibrations Dance Company Artistic Director and Trustus Company Member Terrance Henderson at the helm, it is also a tribute to the songwriters' place in rock and roll history.

When Trustus Artistic Director Jim Thigpen decided that the theatre would produce Smokey Joe's Café this summer, he knew that he wanted Vibrations Artistic Director Terrance Henderson (RENT, Hair, Sista Girl and the Soldier) at the head of this project. Henderson has won awards nationally for his work as a dancer and choreographer with Vibrations Dance Company, a Columbia-based contemporary dance troupe. Under Henderson's direction, Smokey Joe's Café is sure to entertain and awe the audience. After agreeing to direct the summer musical, he brought music director Walter Graham onto the project. The creative team was assembled, and Henderson and Graham had the daunting task of finding eleven incredible singers and dancers to allow this show to explode onto the stage this summer. They certainly did.

"This cast is an exciting collection of talent," said Director Terrance Henderson. The show introduces new faces and voices: Joseph Scott, Katrina Garvin, Cody Lidge, and Arischa Conner. Heading the cast are legendary performers Valdina Hall (Mahalia, Crowns) and Bobby Craft (Guys and Dolls) along with some of today's hottest performers in Columbia's musical theater scene: Director Terrance Henderson, Walter Graham (RENT), Jocelyn Brannon (RENT), Daryl Byrd (Hair, RENT), and Linda Posey (Assassins, RENT). "Working with such gifted musicians and performers has made the rehearsal process very exhilarating," said Henderson. "The songs are full of life and our cast brings so much of their own lives and experiences to the table that each musical moment is full of honesty and life."

While the cast is already stacked with great talent, Henderson is also collaborating with the Vibrations Dance Company to bring thrilling dance numbers to the Trustus stage. "Adding professional dancers to this project opens the choreography to a whole new level full of great possibilities within the movement in particular," said Henderson, "but also with the transitions and the rhythmic flow of the show." Henderson is enthusiastic about bringing his unique approach to contemporary choreography to these iconic rock numbers, and is confident that theatre-goers will experience a unique performance. "Smokey Joes Café is sure to have you tapping your feet and rocking in your seats," said Henderson. "You are going to be humming the tunes and practicing your shimmy long after you've left Trustus."

Smokey Joe's Café: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller comes to the Trustus Main Stage on Friday, June 17th at 8:00pm. The show will run through July 23rd, 2011. There will be no shows on June 19th, 26th, & July 3rd. Tickets are $25 for all performances. Half-price student rush tickets are available Fifteen Minutes PRior to every curtain with valid student I.D.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. and on Pulaski St. The main stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building. Shows start at 7:30pm on Thursdays, 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3:00pm on Sundays.

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season info.

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