Smokey Joe's Cafe

Amazing singing and dancing! My 10 year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I highly recommend!

If you like "golden oldies" rock, you will love this show. Great singers, great tunes makes a fun filled evening.

The music is from the 50's, all song written by the same team of writers. Most of the songs were very popular during and after this time frame. Some I had never heard before. The vocalists were outstanding, they could belt out a song and hit the notes as they were written. My wife and I enjoyed the show very much. I think any seat at this venue is a good seat.

This cast is simply terrific and we loved the songs. The choreography is just right in consideration of the small size of the stage. The theatre isn't very big and that enhanced our enjoyment, being so close to everything. I strongly recommend this show. A very enjoyable evening for those who like late 50s/early 60s music.

We really enjoyed the music, those wonderful songs, and the energy and talent of the cast. I was concerned that the venue was too small for this type of show, but they made good use of every inch of the stage and the aisles. It was very fun and intimate.

A wonderfully entertaining afternoon. Love the music and the performers, for the most part, were great. However, the theater is not one for comfort or for clear viewing the stage, small though it is. Fortunately the performers move around into the audience.

What an amazing show done in such an intimate space. Solos were spot on and harmonies are as tight as they can get. Group numbers were filled with pizazz and energy that gets the whole audience singing and clapping along with more than one standing ovation. A musical revue of all Lieber and Stoller songs with a brilliant story line woven into the mix of songs. Wonderfully delivered with a talented cast of 9 non--equity Chicago actors and a 4-piece band that gets more than one opportunity to join in on stage moments. Great for the whole family, friends, neighbors and strangers!!! It's impossible not to join in and smile along with this firecracker of a musical.

I was so let down. I have had this soundtrack for about a decade and was so looking forward to seeing this show. Instead of 3/4 page flashy ads in the newspaper (which I will admit, hooted me) the money would have been better spent on costumes and staging. Beautiful material poorly executed. This is the very definition of a juke box musical (there is next to no dialog spoken outside of the music) however I could barely see the performers as the seating is so tight I mostly saw the back of the head of the man in fornt of me. Pedestrian choreography, so-so vocals and a really bare bones set. I was let down on every level with this production. I found the facebook page and "Liked" it before going to the show. I went home and "unliked" as there was little to really enjoy. I should have just stayed home and listened to the soundtrack. And trust me, I see a lot of shows. I am not just being cranky. Swing and a miss, big time!

The show was exciting and fun. Outstanding casts who could sing, sing, sing. I recommend everyone go and see the show when it return to the Baltimore area.

The show was excellent and the seats were excellent. The buffet was probably equivalent to the "Old Country Buffet" (2 star). Overall it was a great evening out. Good value.

Good food. Good show. Overall, I will do it again!

The show was excellent, the service was excellent, food could of been better

There were some smokin voices in this performance. I was amazed by the powerful singers. Loved hearing the familiar songs and even my wife who is not a theatre buff enjoyed it. Food was good and good variety of choices. The evening was fun just wished things were a little more polished around the edges.

My husband who usually is ready to walk out after the first 10 minutes enjoyed every minute of the show. The music is wonderful. The wide variety of dance was a pleasant surprise. We were sorry to have it end.

Overall, the show was excellent. They should have done a better job with the sound check with some of the singers. Some of the voices were so strong and they should have been toned down a bit for the size of the theatre.

this was very good play loved seating very good. like to see ag

Great show... Bad sound check. Could not hear some of the singers sound check not good.. But Great SHow.. Would see it again.

Very professional. Loved every minute of it. Vocals were great. Orchestra was fabulous. Songs brought us back to wonderful old memories

OMG!! I sat in on a rehearsal of Smokey Joe's Cafe being produced my THE MUSICAL THEARE OF HOUSTON. OMG! I was blown away! The new choreography is GREAT! The singers are GREAT! The director / Choreographer , Aaron Callies,is putting a fresh new look on Smokey Joe's Cafe. This new production of Smokey Joe's Cafe should go to Broadway! I can't wait util opening night. I hope all of Houston Texas will have a chance to see this new and wonderful production of Smokey Joe's Cafe!! This show ROCKS !!

I know this is not Broadway, but when I saw Wicked and Happy Days at Proctors I would give them both 5 stars. The show at Stanley was so far from the original Smokey Joe's Cafe. The sound was beyond awful, costumes disappointing, choreography was totally amature, and the scenery left a lot to be desired. On a good note, three of the singers were of professional caliber, and I'm glad for that, otherwise I would have left during the intermission.

Sound people were terrible. At least two singers were inaudible throughout the first half of the show, piano and sax volume also too low throughout show. The band was adequate at best. Live music should be at least somewhat inspired, but these guys may as well have been a recording. This show requires very little in the way of sets, but in this case, less IS less. The only thing less in evidence than the sets was choreography. The singing was actually good to very good, when audible, but was wasted in a very disappointing production.

This was not a show worth seeing. I'm very disappointed because one of my all-time favorite broadway songs is from this show. Unfortunately, it was completely lackluster, both visually and vocally. The mics were not working properly and the sound board operator couldn't keep up, so that definitely didn't help. But the voices were mediocre, the costumes were extremely drab, and the scenery - oh wait, there wasn't any scenery...unless you count the single curtain that hung in front of the band. To sum it up, we left 3 songs into the second act, which is something I've never done before!

Audio and lighting were very bad and never in sync. Performances reminded me of a high school talent show. Sorry, but you need to use some more creative backgrounds and some songs we could relate to better and have fun with.

What a beautiful theatre - Utica's Stanley Theatre! It's too bad this production of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" didn't match up with the beauty of this theatre. Next to "Lord Of The Rings: The Musical" in Toronto, this was one of the worst productions I have ever seen. It's too bad because the Broadway cast CD is amazing. This tour didn't hold a candle to it. The majority of the problems were the extremely poor sound and lighting. Too many times during this production, the audience members were yelling to the tech crew! It was ridiculous. During one number - the actress doing her number even yelled at the tech crew! I have never thought to ask for my money back for a stale production - ever! Guess what? I am now! Sound and lights were horrible. As for creativity - 2 or 3 of the singers were great (when we heard them) but the others fell short of their greatness. The choreography, staging, blocking and directing was something out of a high school musical or an amateur show. As for bows, this was a group show. No one should have been the first and no one should have been the last to bow. They should have had one big bow, gave the orchestra a bow and bowed once again together. Individual bows were so tacky and uncalled for in a group show such as this one. Very disappointed that we drove 1 1/2 hours for this.

Great tunes, Lieber and Stoller were nearly as prolific as Lennon and McCartney, and this group of players simply oozed with talent. Unfortunately, their professionalism was put to the test by a sound and light crew that was appallingly incompetent. The band mix was horrible, and the cast's headsets were consistently off or inaudible for the first several bars of each song. More than once, some beautiful, close four part harmony was reduced to three parts through the sound system. And when they went into the audience, the spotlight operator couldn't seem to figure out who was singing and who wasn't. To their credit, the cast pressed on with enthusiasm and ignored the audio gaffes. They gave 100% and more to salvage what could have been a disaster, and earned a standing ovation at the end. They deserved better.

The singers were very entertaining and obviously enjoyed doing the show. The Sound problems/ inoperative microphones during the first half of the show made it very difficult to enjoy. It is obvious that they didn't do a sound check on all the mikes before whey went on stage.

This could have been a great show, but unfortunately the sound system was not working well. During the first act, it was difficult to hear the singers as their microphones were not working. Since the whole show is singing, this was a big problem.

it was NOT "smokey joe's cafe" - there was no script, none of the "actors" even spoke - all they did was sing to the audience - i felt more like i was at a concert of 9 unknowns!!!

Best Time Ever! Great performance by all star cast. I had the CD from before but this cast really brought it home. There is nothing better than a live performance. Very proud of the new performers and very happy that they brought Smokey Joes Café back.

My wife and I enjoyed the performance. However, for most of the second half after the intermission there was a low level alarm of sorts going off backstage. It wasn't noticeable when the music itself was loud but when there were soft passages it was very annoying when trying to hear some of the beautiful lyrics and voices.

The Coasters were good, but too little of them singing. The other performers were fair at best and they took too many liberties with the songs they sang, some songs were hard to even determine what they were. I go to these events to hear the music sung the way it was originally done and as I remember them.

My husband and I enjoyed all the great music! The show was awesome and would highly recommend the show to everyone! We had center stage balcony seats with a wonderful view and it made the perfect date night for us.

A fine display of talent. The young performers had a precise energy relaying the songs much older than they were. The Coasters could have had a few more songs, but were good at the ones they performed.

Smokey Joe's Cafe consisted of nonstop music by extremely talented performers. Anyone who appreciates pure talented voices alone should enjoy this show. Also, people who know the music from that time frame would probably appreciate it the most. I would have given it 5 stars, but for me, I didn't know most of the music because I'm younger than that. I usually do know most music I hear at these shows so this surprised me. The other thing that had me lower to 4 stars was because I noticed a number of people having problems with their ears near the front when some of the women sang in their high-pitched shrill.

Great show, amazing talent! Would definitely recommend to others.

As the most critical judge on DWTS says : "A Ten from Len", Can I see it again?

The show seemed to have started a bit slow and I initially thought that I'd bombed on the purchase of the two tickets. Then they warmed up and, so did we! The show was hilarious and the music brought back a LOT of memories. We've gone to some good shows over the last few years and this one was NOT an exception. We'd go again for certain if it ever returned. The show's writers must be commended for putting on such a great show! If it comes near and you don't go you're missing an outstanding show.

Smokey Joe's Cafe had a lot of great classic songs. It is not set with a storyline with a script but more along the lines of a concert. If you see the set list and like some of the songs, this show is for you.

Fantastic show. Singers had excellent voices and amazing ranges in their voices. Band was great - loved the "sax" guy. would definitely see again!

It is was a "FEEL GOOD SHOW " from the minute The show curtin when up, til the closing bow's of the spectacular cast and musicians. Every one was so professional an the music was astronomical!!!!!!! I just wish the show was in a venue had been for more than one night in town. I would have actually paid to see the show again. Which I plan to do if it comes any where near this area again. The cast was the most professional I have seen in a long, long time. and the amazing thing is they all seemed to be havekng a GREAT TIME bringing their respective talents together to entertain for the entire length of the show. NOT ONE DEAD SPOT,.....

That music is timeless - musicians were fabulous - evening was super!

I was a bit confused there was no dialogue singing was great We were told there was a replacement for a leading role. I don't know who that was.

Performers were exelent, lighting and sound system could be improved

High energy show. Choreography was outstanding. Talented singers. Beautiful, powerful voices. Musicians were equally talented. Show flowed along at a good pace. Performers seemed to be enjoying them selves and gave off a positive, fun vibe. A great evening.

I am a big fan of the UTEP Dinner theatre and attended the very first production many years ago. I have been to many GREAT productions but this one does not measure up to what I have come to expect. The meal was good as always, but this play needed 10 singers and only had 3. A couple of the numbers made me cringe and I felt bad for the one trying to perform the number. I hate to be so critical but -not good. I brought 2 guests who had never been to the venue, I hope they return for a better show.

Not knowing what to expect, the performance blew my wife and me away. All the music was great and performed to perfection. The skits that were created for each song added an added pleasure to the performance. All the singers were fantastic. This is a performance that I truly can say is ranked among the top of those that I have attended. Since there have been extra dates added it appears that many others feel as I do.

I loved the intimate setting at the Royal George Theater. It allowed the cast to perform amongst the audience. The cast is very talented. We thoroughly enjoyed the show!

Great voices, up close performance, very enjoyable evening!!

very good, not fabulous-entertaining--no filthy language, you could take anyone

I enjoyed the show although I would not recommend it for the family or children under 16. The performers were wonderful but the music was too loud and where we were seated(far left) we could not hear the singers. I am sure the people in the center enjoyed a wonderful show.

Smokey Joe's Cafe is a fun revue of the music of Stoller and Lieber, a pair of relatively unknown American legends. They wrote many memorable and well known songs of the '60s, '70s and '80s and SJC runs through many of them in a fun and enjoyable manner. The cast of the production is excellent, with a great deal of talent on the stage. The small, intimate theater makes it even more fun, as the audience and the performers are all close together and a part of the show. I am sure that in the next few years, we will be seeing many of the performers in this production on larger stages and in front of bigger audiences. The only caveat was that the audience at the Sunday matinee we attended was skewed toward the geriatric. I am sure that an evening performance would have an even higher energy feel with a more active audience.

What an outstanding group of performers. I left feeling like the little kid on the A t & t commercial. "... More, I want more! . . . "I was so impressed with not only the choreography but with the adults keeping up with the BW sophmores! Great voices, great energy and a truly professional production!

What a great show. The cast is fantastic, the energy level is great, and there is a playful sense throughout. I was impressed at how tight the choreography was. They made great use of a small space, and there was an ease with which the cast did their expert work, which made me feel right at home. The singing was of a very high quality. A few singers didn't have quite the super chops as the rest, but this did not detract much. Sydney and Vasily were the top of the group vocally and in terms of their delivery. You will not be disappointed, and you'll go out with a big smile.

Well done! Great cast and band. Very enjoyable event.

Very enjoyable. Talented , powerful singers with great stage presence!

The cast of Smokey Joe's Cafe is extremely talented and made our top five lists of plays, musicals, and even concerts that we've seen! Loved the intimant setting of the Royal George Theater and highly recommend for all to see!

Didn't expect anything special. Were we ever wrong about that! The cast was incredibly talented and performed with non-stop energy. Loved every minute!

Excellent performance. Great talent Highly recommend!

We thoroughly enjoyed Smokey Joe's Café. The actors/singers were amazing! What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Loved every bit of it. Their voices were just wonderful.

This show was very fun, sweet, uplifting, entertaining & reasonably priced. It was good to hear so many old songs revived. The performers were very talented actors, singers and dancers.

I took two friends, one new to the area, to Smokey Joe. We all loved it. Revisiting music from our teenage years was terrific. The music lifted our spirits and we all left with big grins on our faces. What va glorious afternoon.

Put on your seatbelt and prepare for rollicking fun filled entertainment presented by a superb cast! The superb performances, songs, and staging provide nonstop excitement and fun. A wonderful tribute and blending of vintage rock and roll, blues, and soulful soul music.

This show exceeded my expectations on all levels. The stage set design, lighting, orchestra and segues were top-notch. The casts' high quality of singing and dancing was on par with anything I've seen in downtown Chicago theaters. Donica Lynn stopped the show anytime she appeared onstage. What a gift she is to the theater world!

The songs & characters were good!! We especially liked Pearl.

Was Great strongly recommend The musical. The dancing was also good.

The music was good and the cast did well with the material. The problem is it is like a musical review: no plot; very little story line. It is virtually continuous songs - very little dialogue. It is set on Maxwell Street in Chicago. What does "On Broadway" or "Spanish Harlem" have to do with Chicago? Nevertheless it was enjoyable just for the music.

The cast was great. The music brought me back in time. Plus the writer of the songs was in the audience at the 5:00 sat. show on 10/08.

Fabulous would be an understatement. The cast was just so captivating we were at a loss for words afterwards. We were treated to a performance that was captivating, rhythmic, exhilarating, mesmerizing, emotional, comedic at times, entertaining and sensual! The cast pretty much covered all of our bases!

What an Amazing Show! VERY entertaining and the music was Fantastic. All the singers/actors were incredibly talented. I hope they bring it back again!

Great for everyone!! Great singers with high energy. Fabouloue set design. Band is great.l

My wife and I both loved the show. The variety of music from our past was enjoyable and the renditions of the classic songs was quite refreshing without changing the quality of the songs. Everyone performed in a most energetic and enthusiastic way with the right amount of humor. The diversity, though disappointing I feel the need to mention, was also beautiful to see. Something we need mnore of. I was expecting to hear music and we received so much more. Thank you so much. Paul & Kathy

Hands down this is a must see! The singing, dancing was truly amazing! Don't miss it! We came in from our of town and I'm so glad the distance from Chicago didn't hold us back from seeing it. Only a $30 ride on Lyft to get there. Well worth the money. And the tickets weren't back for such a great performance.

My Goodness..... What a fantastic production! A superbly talented cast---terrific voices coupled with great dancing and choreography. And the band was outstanding as well! The set was a beautiful recreation of Maxwell Street:) It was truly a delightful evening of musical theater!! Kudos to the Drury Lane Family!

The singing and dancing was incredible. Such wonderful enthusiasm from all.

First time we've visited Drury Lane. Lovely venue and Joe's is a "hit" with great voices and memorable songs worked into the theme of the show.

The cast was awesome. Very talented dancers & singers. Two of the ladies especially were fabulous.

Loved the music. Second half much stronger performances from some of the less featured singlers/actors. I Who Have Nothing, was so moving! Weakest singer did a rousing Hound Dog. Interesting setting it in Maxwell Street. Good casting, great voices!!! No bad seats in this theater for this show.

This is a non-stop song-fest of 39 songs (with one intermission) and the cast of 9 and the band of 5 do a wonderful job of singing, playing and acting. Rock meets R&B meets ballads as the post-WWII era of American music and culture are shifting. Very comfortable theater and seats, a lobby bar that serves good $7 wine, nice lunches and dinners available, and loads of free parking right on site. Definitely worth a matinee or evening performance enjoying this show.

This was a great show! The performers were very talented and did a great job!

It was a very nice play, great voices and acting. We called the day of, great seats.

The high energy production is a must see! Entire cast is fabulous; a rousing, non stop production of awesome dancing and amazing vocals. The set is a visual feast of old Maxwell Street.. Do not miss it!

It was funny, serious at times and the singing was fabulous! 50s and 60s tunes brought back to life. Costumes were also fabulous! This is the 2nd time I've seen this play and I will see it again!!

Great show - not your typical musical. The talent was amazing. The stage design was fantastic.

Very well performed musical review. Great voices and lots of onstage dancing. No storyline however that might have given a deeper emotional punch

Excellent production - everything is 1st class with outstanding talent on display. Never a dull moment with endless singing and dancing. What a great show!!

Great show and phenomenal venue. WE loved it. One of the best musicals we have seen.

Performers were top notch. Strong vocals, harmonizations, exuberant acting. Loved all of them. Choreography: good for the shimmy number. Lame for the rest. I can tell there were good dancers trying to make the most of it. They could have been given SO MUCH MORE. And please don't reuse the same choreographer in different numbers. Disappointing. Costumes - some weirdness here. Lots of mishmash. The lead redhead had to wear a solid long sleeved shirt and her armpit stains were distracting. TOtally not her fault! Let her go sleeveless or wear a pattern. The Spanish Harlem number should have the girl in red and black instead of just shortening the dress she had on all night. Very confused about one of the male leads wearing a red crocheted hat through half the sho. I thought it was a religious statement but then he went bareheaded the rest of the show. Very very odd. The talent cannot be undermined. Loved the Little Egypt number, loved the soldier's dance talent, the tall man's vocals. Well worth seeing, even my 22 year old enjoyed it and she only knew 4 songs.