April 21, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES I, II, III & IV • Page 17 Jukebox musical features sparkling performances by Dennis Seuling A jukebox musical is a show staged to present a medley of songs connected in some way -- by time period, style, performing artist, or composer and lyricist -- in an engaging and exciting fashion. Some examples are “Jersey Boys” (The Four Seasons), “Movin’ Out” (Billy Joel), “Good Vibrations” (The Beach Boys), and “We Will Rock You” (Queen). “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” which premiered on Broadway in 1995 and ran for 2,036 performances, showcases the songs of Jerry Lieber and Mike Stoller, who started collaborating in 1952, when they wrote “Hound Dog.” Millburn’s Paper Mill Playhouse has given the show a dazzling revival. When a young singer named Elvis Presley decided to record his own version of “Hound Dog,” the songwriting team of Lieber and Stoller was on its way to creating an impressive collection of pop-blues hits. The Beatles, Joni Mitchell, The Rolling Stones, Genesis, and The Monkees all recorded Lieber and Stoller songs. The problem with a jukebox musical is figuring how to incorporate a catalogue of great songs. They can be forced into a plot concocted to fit the songs. They can be given elaborate production numbers with all sorts of razzledazzle, or an exceptional cast can be assembled to perform the songs brilliantly with some sharp choreography and first-rate musical accompaniment. Director Mark S. Hoebee has wisely chosen the last approach. “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” features 39 pop standards performed by nine singers. There is no story, per se, though the staging presents little vignettes to match the lyrics with the performers handling some fancy footwork, choreographed From left to right: Eric LaJuan Summers, Dennis Stowe, Maia Nkenge Wilson, Bernard Dotson, and E. Clayton Cornelious in ‘Smokey Joe’s Café.’ by Denis Jones, for additional pizzazz. The songs range from Top-40 fluff (“Poison Ivy”) to blues (“Kansas City”) to novelty tune (“Little Egypt”) to ballad (“Loving You”) to an ode to the Great White Way (“On Broadway”). Standout performances include Maia Nkenge Wilson’s Act I gospel closer “Saved” and her suggestion of Big Mama Thornton on “Hound Dog;” Eric LaJuan Summers’ heart-wrenching rendition of “I (Who Have Nothing)” and his silky delivery of “Treat Me Nice;” Andrew Rannells’ unrestrained joy in “Jailhouse Rock;” Dennis Stowe’s bass refrain of “Why’s everybody always pickin’ on me?” from “Charlie Brown;” a bluesy duet of Carly Hughes and Bernard Dotson on “Spanish Harlem;” Jackie Burns’ solo on “Falling;” and E. Clayton Cornelious and Felicia Finley’s clever duet, “Love Me/Don’t.” I loved the four women taking turns with “I’m a Woman,” as they sing their pride in their ability to multitask. Each performer gives her part a different interpretation, from resigned to sassy to defiant to blasé. Wilson is one of the best things about this production. Her beautiful smile, self-assured swagger, and occasional coyness make her an endearing part of the ensemble. Summers, the shortest of the singers, is certainly not short on talent as he connects instantly with the audience and conveys a combination of devil-may-care, innocence, and tons of pure charm. Finley knows how to command the stage and get the most out of a song. Her performance skills really sell the songs. The singers are also actors and dancers. It’s not enough merely to sing well. There must be a sense of drama, and this is readily provided by the cast. The cast’s exuberance and unbridled energy make this (continued on page 19) �������� ������� ��������� �������� ������������ �������� ���� ������� ������� ��������������������������������������������� Join us for Join us on Mother’ Day Sunday, May 9th ������������� ��������� ������������������������� ���������� ���������� �������������������� ���������� ������������� ������������� ������ ������ ������������������ ����������������� HAPPY HOUR ������������������������ �������������������� ������������� ���������������������������� ������������������ �������������������� Lori Landau ��������������������� ������������� ������������������ ��������� ��������������������� �������������� ��������� ���������������� � ���������������������� except holidays �������������� �� �������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������ 4-21-10 LegendsSteakhouseMothersDay(4-21-10)