Broadway鈥檚 longest-running musical revue Smokey Joe鈥檚 Caf茅 will return to the New York stage this summer. The revival, from the show鈥檚 original producers Steven Baruch, Marc Routh, Richard Frankel, and Tom Viertel, will play Off-Broadway鈥檚 Stage 42 beginning July 6. Opening night is set for July 22.
Tony nominee Joshua Bergasse will direct and choreograph the production, which will first play Maine鈥檚 Ogunquit Playhouse May 16鈥揓une 9.
The show, conceived by Viertel, celebrates the music of songwriting duo Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller and features such tunes as "On Broadway," "Jailhouse Rock," "Hound Dog," and "Love Potion #9." It premiered on Broadway in 1995 and earned seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical. The production went on to play over 2,000 performances at the Virginia Theatre (now the August Wilson).
The creative team will feature set designer Beowulf Boritt, costume designer Alejo Vietti, lighting designer Jeff Croiter, and music director Sonny Paladino.
The producing quartet first revealed plans for a revival in 2015. A developmental reading took place with a cast that included current Kinky Boots star Wayne Brady, Alysha Umphress, Emily Padgett, and Chester Gregory.
Casting for the Maine and New York bows will be announced at a later date.
