by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Jacksonville’s Alhambra Dinner Theatre is approaching its 40th Anniversary in December. To start off the celebration of this achievement, Director/Producer Tod Booth has revived one of Broadway’s longest running musical revues, Smokey Joe’s Café.
This show by the legendary song-writing duo, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stroller, has 40 of the greatest songs from the 50s and 60s, including ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Yakety Yak,’ ‘Poison Ivy,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock’ and ‘Kansas City.’ It is a high energy show that features eight multi-talented performers. These eight great singers are possibly the best eight singers ever on stage at one time in the long history of the Alhambra, and that is saying a lot.
This musical has been a favorite of Jacksonville Alhambra audiences and two favorite performers from the previous show are back. Conrad De’Andrea returns for the third time and, in addition to his terrific vocals, he is the choreographer. He establishes incredible rapport with audiences, which is probably why he has done nineteen Alhambra Productions.
Karen McClain is the big momma and has the pipes to live up to her name. When she starts singing those high notes in ‘Saved’ and ‘Fools Fall in Love,’ just climb aboard and she will take you straight to heaven. Ms. McClain provides much of the comedy as well.
Crystal Williams is a Jacksonville native and graduate of Jacksonville University. She is in demand all over the country and we are lucky she comes back to town occasionally. She has a powerful voice but can be sexy and sultry. She dazzled us with ‘Don Juan’ and ‘Some Cats Know.’
Michelle Berry and Sara Ruzicka came to this show from the Joey Chancy produced Rocky Horror Show in 5 Points. I am not a real fan of country music, but if Ms. Berry ever becomes exclusively one, I will start her fan club. She is a fabulous singer with great stage presence. Ms. Ruzicka just graduated from the music theatre program of Shenandoah Conservatory but already has an impressive list of musical credits, and when you see her perform you will think she has years and years of experience. I could feel my heart beating faster when Sara shimmied sexily in ‘Teach Me How to Shimmy.’
Rounding out the cast are four young and handsome guys, all making their debuts on this stage. Steve Dorian, Davon Monroe, Mark Fitzgerald Weekes and Kenneth Wilson have extensive musical backgrounds all over the country and each could very easily perform a solo show that would knock you off your feet.
Each of the performers move in and out, doing solos, duets, and matching up for some wonderful harmony. One of my favorites is probably the least known, the old railroad blues song, ‘Keep on Rollin.’ The harmony was wonderful. The ladies each sing a portion of ‘I’m a Woman’ to give you a good picture of their incredible vocal ranges.
The show is done on an open stage, with tables and chairs added for some numbers.
The setting is a night club, with Matt Ward’s lighting designs setting the moods. Costumer Kurt McCall keeps things interesting with a number of changes of clothing, including formal wear and gowns, and some fabulous zoot suits.
This is a great trip down memory lane to the early days of rock and roll. You rarely hear these songs today, much less see them in live performance. The few oldie radio stations that still exist consider music from the l980s “oldies.” (Route 66 on WJCT on Monday nights plays music from the 50s and 60s and is underwritten by EU.) If you like good talent, you are going to love Smokey Joe’s Café, which runs through September 2nd. Call 641-1212, or visit alhambradinnertheatre.com for more details.
In addition to their new floors in the lobby and hallway, I am pleased to announce that the Alhambra now has new chairs for their patrons. They are extremely comfortable and a great addition.
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