Producers , Steve Baruch, Tom Viertel and , who ushered the show to Broadway in 1995, are reviving the long-running hit, which is slated to begin rehearsals on or about May 31 for an Aug. 18 opening night. Previews would begin on July 19.
, 鈥� who was Tony-nominated for his direction of the 1995 production 鈥� is again at the helm of the New York City revival. Tony Award winner () will choreograph with musical direction by Sonny Paladino. Frankel Green Theatrical Management will general manage with casting by .
Additional details, such as a Broadway home, have not yet been announced.
The revue features some of Leiber and Stoller's best known songs including "Kansas City," "Searchin'," "On Broadway," "I'm A Woman," "Poison Ivy," "Yakety Yak," "Charlie Brown," "Jailhouse Rock" and "Hound Dog."
Cast members from the original production reunited Feb. 9, 2014 鈥� exactly 19 years following its first performance on Feb. 9, 1995 鈥� for a concert production at Feinstein's/54 Below under the direction of Tony nominee . . Smokey Joe's Caf茅 was eagerly embraced by audiences despite initial skepticism in the press when it opened. The show ran 2,036 performances; Smokey opened March 2, 1995, and closed Jan. 16, 2000.
The longest-running musical revue to play Broadway, it welcomed a slate of high-profile guest stars during its run, including , , Gloria Gaynor, Tony Orlando, Ben E. King, Pam Tillis and Lou Rawls.
It was nominated for seven 1995 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography (), Best Direction (Zaks), Best Featured Actor (), Best Featured Actress (Lively, Braxton and ) and Best Musical.
