‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ returns to Fairview

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

When “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” opened on Broadway in 1995, the infectious music and lyrics of hit makers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller earned the musical seven Tony Awards. It would go on to become the longest-running musical revue in Broadway history.

Repeated requests from previous cast and audience members have persuaded Top Hat Productions President Brian Palumbo to bring the musical to its stage once again.

“‘Smokey Joe’s’ has been our most raved about production since we first staged it in 2009,” said Palumbo. “Most of the cast from that production are returning because it is such a fun show to be a part of. We are excited about opening our 2017-18 season with it.”

Top Hat newcomers Mikayla Moore and Trevail Smith join James Major Burns, Marlene Figley, Nikita Jones, Bill Marr, Julie Palumbo, Brian Palumbo and Anthony Villa to bring comedy, romance and nostalgia to life with 39 memorable rock ’n’ roll and rhythm and blues numbers.

Dinner-theater performances begin at 6:30 p.m., Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14 and 21 at the Fairview Arts and Outreach Center, 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road.

For reservations, go to brownpapertickets.com or tophatproductions.org, or call 800-838-3006.