Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at Stage Door Theatre

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller - not necessarily household names in today's pop music or theatrical worlds. But for decades - especially from the mid 1950's to the mid 1960's - Leiber and Stoller were one of America's most successful songwriting teams. Stage Door Theatre will honor this iconic duo when they present Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller, a compendium of some of their greatest hits, in the popular Margate venue's intimate Theatre 2 from December 15th through January 14th. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in character below!

Lieber and Stoller wrote together for over 60 years, creating enduring classics in a variety of genres including R & B, Pop, Jazz, Cabaret, and most notably, Rock & Roll. Among those who recorded their songs were Ben E. King ('Stand By Me', 'I (Who Have Nothing)', 'Spanish Harlem'), The Drifters ('There Goes My Baby', Dance With Me', 'On Broadway'), and the Coasters ('Searchin', 'Young Blood', Yakety Yak', 'Charlie Brown'). Elvis Presley recorded over 20 Lieber and Stoller songs, including some of his greatest hits: 'Hound Dog', 'Jailhouse Rock', 'Loving You', 'Santa Clause is Back in Town', 'She's Not You', and 'Treat Me Nice' were all their compositions.

Smokey Joe's Café features 39 Leiber and Stoller songs - some of their greatest, instantly recognizable hits, along with a few that won't be quite as familiar, but are nonetheless fine examples of the duos' extraordinary talent and versatility.

Director and choreographer Kevin Black's cast includes Kat Gold, Stephanie LoVerde, Austin Rivers, Andre Russell, Michael Schneider, Charisse Shields, Aili Venho, and Nethaneel Williams. Smokey Joe's Café Musical Director is Michael Friedman, and the Technical Director is Paul O'Donnell. Lighting Design is by Ardean Landhuis, Set Design is by Michael McClain, and Costume Design is by Jerry Sturdefant.

Smokey Joe's Café - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller will run from December 15th through January 14th at Stage Door Theatre. The theatre is located at 8036 Sample Road, in Margate. Tickets for Smokey Joe's Café are $48. (Student prices are also available with valid ID). Tickets may be purchased at the Broward Stage Door Theatre box office at 954-344-7765 or on line at www.stagedoorfl.org.

Photo Credit: Carol Kassie

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