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Enjoy the music of the '50s at 'Smokey Joe's Cafe'

May 10, 2005|JENNIFER BRUMMETT

HARRODSBURG - Ready to twist again like ya did last summer? Ragged Edge Community Theater's production of "Smokey Joe's Cafe" is just the place to get in the spirit.

Director Andrea Daniels says the musical revue is for any age.

"People need to come wanting a great family night out or even a date night. Expect to laugh, feel love, and move to the music."

Additionally, audience members are encouraged to wear 1950s attire to the performances.

Music and dance are the main elements of the production, which boasts a 20-strong cast, ages 10 through adult. It is set in the 1950s through early 1960s, at Smokey Joe's and the "Neighborhood," Daniels notes.

She adds, "Since 'Smokey Joe's Cafe is a musical revue, there really isn't a plot other than the singers on stage taking you back in time to enjoy early rock-n-roll. As an audience member, you feel what the singer is feeling. You fall in and out of love, learn about true friendship, and, of course, laugh out loud."

Daniels says she loves the steady stream of great songs that permeates the show.

"Those audience members who love Elvis, The Drifters, The Coasters and more are going to love the show."

As director, the challenge has been learning all the music, Daniels says.

"It is not a typical musical where you have dialogue to split up the music," she explains. "There is no dialogue and the songs are back to back. The cast has had to learn 38 songs, with choreography. Some never get a break. But it is awesome to watch in rehearsals."

She doesn't have just one favorite song in the show.

"The music is so well-arranged that I have fallen in love with them all. When you rehearse six days a week, the music becomes a part of you."

If You Go

"Smokey Joe's Cafe" will be performed at 8 p.m. May 13-14 and 20-21 and 3 p.m. May 15 and 22 at Ragged Edge Community Theater in Harrodsburg. Cost: $10/adults, $9/senior citizens, $7/children. Tickets: (859) 734-2389.

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