Smokey Joe’s Café at Players by the Sea

Smokey Joe’s Café is in production at Players by the Sea through Oct. 8. Don’t miss seeing this upbeat show, which is a wonderful evening of musical theater.

Smokey Joe’s Café is a collection of iconic hits of the 1950s and ‘60s written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The show follows a true revue format without narration or a storyline. Smokey Joe’s Café is the longest running revue in Broadway history and the original Broadway cast recording won a Grammy award in 1996.

Players’ production is brilliantly directed by Jereme Raickett. His energy and commitment is evident in every aspect of this engaging and inspiring production.

The cast is marvelous, both individually and collectively. The talented cast includes Jazz Zamor, Theo Canty, Andrea Adams, Clayton Riddley, David James, Milton Threadcraft III, Tiffany Lake, Andrew Sardoni and Linzy Lauren. They sing with pure passion and move in harmony. As the song themes extend from heartbreak to love to festivity and celebration, the cast expertly creates the mood for the audience

Smokey Joe’s Café credits include musical direction by Anthony Felton, who leads an exceptional five-piece band, sensational choreography by Samuel Hills III and stylish and colorful costumes by Amy Hancock. The lighting design by Daniel Dungan and videography design by Will Darden delightfully complements the action on stage. The production team also includes vocal coaching by Tina Wilson, sound design by Nate Cimmino and scenic design by Aisha McBurnie. Ashely Macko is the stage manager and Summergrace Grable is the assistant manager. The stage crew also includes Jocelyn Geronimo and Hunter Steinke.

Smokey Joe’s Café continues through Oct. 8 at Players by the Sea. Curtain is 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For reservations, visit www.PlayersbytheSea.org.

Players’ annual fundraising celebration, The Curtain Call, is Saturday, Oct. 7, from 7 to 10 p.m., at the Jacksonville Beach community theater. The event will celebrate eight honorees who have contributed so much to the Jacksonville cultural arts scene. The evening will feature a cocktail hour, entertainment, live band, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and live and silent auctions. Proceeds will benefit Players by the Sea’s scholarship program for its Performing Arts Studio. For ticket reservations, visit http://bit.ly/TheCurtainCall.