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Smokey Joe's Café is the hottest joint in town. This Tony Award-winning tribute to legendary songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a fast-paced nostalgic trip through 39 of rock-and-roll's greatest hits from "Stand by Me" and "Fools Fall in Love" to "Spanish Harlem" and "Yakety Yak." Award-winning Director Robert Barry Fleming more...

Replacement
(Standby)
David Bedella, who has an illustrious thirty-year career in theatre, brought his extensive experience to the cast of *Smokey Joe's Cafe*, having previously garnered acclaim for his roles in productions like *Jerry Springer - The Opera* and *The Rocky Horror Show*. more...

James Delisco Beeks, who has an impressive Broadway resume including a role in "Smokey Joe's Cafe," recently completed his run on Broadway in the award-winning musical "Kinky Boots" and is currently starring in the 50th anniversary North American tour of "Jesus Christ Superstar" as Judas. more...

Matt Bogart, who previously showcased his talents in "Smokey Joe's Café" both on stage and in its TV and DVD adaptations, has an extensive career on Broadway, including notable roles in "Jersey Boys," "Aida," and "Miss Saigon." more...
(Standby)
Felicia Finley made her Broadway debut in "Smokey Joe's Cafe," showcasing her versatile talent that would later see her originating roles in shows like "The Life" and "The Wedding Singer." more...

Gladys Knight, the "Empress of Soul," who has achieved remarkable success across multiple music genres and entertainment mediums, graced the Broadway stage in 1999 with her starring role in the smash musical hit "Smokey Joe's Café." more...

Robert Neary made his Broadway debut in 1996 with "Smokey Joe's Cafe," where he not only showcased his talent but also met his future wife, Natasha. more...

Billy Porter, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning actor, showcased his remarkable talent in the Broadway musical Smokey Joe's Café, adding to his extensive list of theatrical achievements. more...
(Standby)
Paige Price, born on July 6, 1964, in Middlesex, New Jersey, is an accomplished actress and producer, recognized for her roles in "Ed," "All the Right Moves," and "The Equalizer," and was a standout performer in "Smokey Joe's Cafe." more...
(Standby)
Peggy Taphorn, who played in the Broadway production of Smokey Joe's Café directed by Jerry Zaks, is now in her twelfth season as the Producing Artistic Director of the Temple Theatre. more...
(Standby)
Carla Renata Williams, a Howard University alumna, graced the stage in Smokey Joe's Cafe, bringing her Broadway experience from shows like HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING and AVENUE Q. more...
(Standby)
Virginia Ann Woodruff, known for her dynamic performances on Broadway in shows like The Color Purple and Smokey Joe’s Cafe, has also graced the stage in national tours of The Who’s Tommy and Once on This Island. more...

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Awards and Nominations


1995 Tony Awards
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Victor Trent Cook was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Brenda Braxton was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: B.J. Crosby was nominated but did not win.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: DeLee Lively was nominated but did not win.

Production Team

Timothy Hunter Lighting Designer
Heidi Landesman Scenic Designer
William Ivey Long Costume Designer
Steve Margoshes Orchestrator
Joey McKneely Choreographer
(Musical Staging)
Tony Meola Sound Designer
Randy Houston Mercer Hair Designer
Make-Up Designer
Jerry Zaks Director

Videos