The Encore's 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' is a Toe-Tapping Good Time

The production of Smokey Joes Cafe: The Hits of Leiber and Stoller is an entertaining night of music, even with no discernable plot.

The show is based on the musical hits of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller who collaborated musically from 1950 to 1982 writing many hit songs including "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "On Broadway," and "Stand By Me."

In 1985 the duo was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 1987 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They won a Grammy award in 1969 for their song "Is That All There Is" and again in 1995 for the cast album of Smokey Joes Cafe, which was also nominated for seven Tony awards.

This ensemble cast includes Encore favorites Steve DeBruyne, Thalia Schramm, Sebastian Gerstner and newcomer Amy Smidebush and is rounded out by Fatima Poggi, Tony D. Owens, Jr., Cara Manor, and a rare onstage appearance by Brian E. Buckner, one of the Encore's musical directors.

The script gives the men more room to shine than the ladies with stronger songs. The ladies show off on "Poison Ivy" for Fatima and "Fools Fall in Love," with Smidebush showing off fantastic control over her voice. Smidebush hits her high point with "I'm a Woman."

The men have many wonderful songs throughout the show, which are highlighted by their cohesiveness as a quartet. They blend together nicely and play off each other well. I especially enjoyed "Keep on Rollin'" and "On Broadway." Buckner stole the show with his performances of "Searchin'," "D.W. Washburn," and "Love Potion No. 9."  Buckner makes every scene he is in so enjoyable with his animated expressions, and unexpectedly great singing and dancing.

Director Barbara Cullen pulls together a really solid show. Some of the choreography is spectacular, especially "Keep on Rollin'," "Searchin'," and "Don Juan."  Leo Babcock's set is well designed to include many locales and areas to play scenes in. It is very simple, yet effective in hiding set pieces in the center.

Matthew Tomich did a great job with his lighting design, with great use of colors make everything interesting to watch while setting the scenes apart from each other. 

Smokey Joe's Cafe' runs through Feb. 26 at The Encore. For ticket information call 734-268-6200 or visit www.theencoretheatre.org.