(Sarasota, FL) — Due to popular demand, Florida Studio Theatre announces an extension of the hit musical revue Smokey Joe’s Café, featuring music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. This toe-tapping celebration of a changing American music scene will continue to run in FST’S Keating Theatre. Tickets can now be purchased through January 12, 2012 online at FloridaStudioTheatre.org, by phone at (941) 366-9000 or by visiting the Box Office.
Additional performances:
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Tuesday, January 8 at 8PM
Wednesday, January 9 at 8PM
Find out what's happening in Sarasotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Thursday, January 10 at 8PM
Friday, January 11 at 8PM
Saturday, January 12 at 2PM & 8PM
Smokey Joe’s Café opened to an electric audience on Friday, November 2 in the Keating Theatre at FST (located at 1241 North Palm Avenue, Sarasota FL). Critics and audience alike have been excited by the powerful production and performances of this Broadway hit. Audiences have been raving about Smokey Joes Café: “Best I have seen in years,” “The talent up there. Wonderful!” “Why did it have to end?” “Definitely going to tell my friends!” Critics have agreed. Sarasota Magazine thought the show was “Full of verve, upbeat.” Jay Handelman of the Herald Tribune stated “The production soars on the energetic performance of a lively cast of nine” and SCENE Magazine called Smokey Joe’s Cafe “A treat of the highest order.”
Smokey Joe’s Café features music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and brings together songs that helped change the face of the American music scene. The show – which ran for over 2000 performances on Broadway – features 39 songs by the prolific songwriting pair. The music contained in this swinging revue crosses tones as well as genres. Expect infectious melodies, romantic ballads, swinging dance numbers and soulful tunes - spanning styles such as R&B, Soul, Country, and Rock & Roll. Audiences have been humming along to classic favorites such as “Hound Dog,” “Stand By Me,” “There Goes My Baby” and “Love Potion #9.”
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The show is directed by returning FST artist Kevyn Morrow. Mr. Morrow has appeared in the Broadway productions of A Chorus Line, Dreamgirls, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Dream, as well as numerous international and regional theatre, film and television credits. He also appeared in the Broadway production of Smokey Joe’s Café, providing him with deep insight and familiarity to the show.
The cast includes returning Florida Studio Theatre favorite Arthur W. Marks, as well as many new faces. New York actor Arthur W. Marks returns to FST after his appearances in That’s Life (where he earned raves for his performance of the song “Mr. Bojangles”) and That’s Life, Again. His Off-Broadway credits include Sidd at Dodger Stages and The Screams of Kitty Genovese among others. His regional credits include Honk, Aida, Chicago and Songs for a New World.
Jason Veasey has previously appeared onscreen in American Gangster, as well as in the National tour of The Lion King. James Harkness has appeared on Broadway in such shows as The Color Purple, Guys and Dolls and Dreamgirls. Devin Roberts is a New York-based actor who has appeared on TV’s Smash. Thomas Rainey is an actor who has worked on Disney Cruises, among other credits. Brittany Avey has appeared in regional productions of A Chorus Line, Hair, Ragtime and many other shows. Karen Burthwright appeared in Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway, as well as in various regional productions, national tours, film and television. Lianne Marie Dobbs has most recently appeared in the National tour of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and in an Off-Broadway production of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Allyson Kay Daniel is also a veteran of Disney Cruises.
Smokey Joes Café Musical Director Corinne Aquilina worked on National tours and Broadway shows including Menopause The Musical, as well as FST’s own 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. April Soroko returns as Scenic Designer. Jeffrey Cady is back as Lighting Director along with Lynda Salsbury as Costume Designer. The band features David Nelson on synth/piano and Tony Bruno on drums, as well as other musicians to be named later.
Smokey Joe’s Café will continue to be performed in the Keating Theatre through January 12, 2013. Single tickets are $19 - $42 and may be purchased from the FST Box Office in person, by calling (941) 366-9000 or online at FloridStudioTheatre.org.
About Florida Studio Theatre
Known as Sarasota’s Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman’s Club building – now renamed the Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its four theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret, the Gompertz Theatre and the John C. Court Cabaret.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.
