North Shore Music Theatre's 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' is a Night of Musical Fun

Let’s go out to Smokey Joe’s Cafe and listen to music.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe is the first show of the season at North Shore Music Theatre. A revenue of 40 different rock and roll and blues songs are performed.

Before seeing Smokey Joe's Cafe, I didn't know what it was about. Everyone in the NSMT audience was having a fantastic time. The show does not follow a basic story, but in each of these blues song numbers, the performers found the moral behind the music.

The cast includes nine performers. Embellishing ranges of amazing vocals, the cast developed fun chemistry. They each had the chance to showcase their range of talents, whether singing, acting, or improvising.

In theater, you are allowed to be as silly as you want to be. Spawning upbeat energy, the cast unearthed the message in each song. The best part was the genuine connection. It’s like watching a group of friends have a fun evening.

Two familiar NSMT faces are brought back to the stage. Audiences will recognize Andres Acosta who played Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys. After playing Nikki Maron in The Bodyguard in 2019, Nicole Henry is back performing a rich song number. If you are lucky, she may find you in the audience to sing you a little song.

Shoutouts go to Mariah Lyttle and Korie Lee Blossey. I was blown away by their astounding vocal ranges. Blossey had commendable comedic timing in any scene that he was in, particularly ‘Yakety Yak’.

A few song numbers to name are ‘Dance with Me’, ‘Poison Ivy’, ‘Jailhouse Rock’, and my favorite, ‘Stand By Me’. Theatergoers will recognize the list of blues riffs. I wasn’t all too familiar with some of the songs. Multiple generations sat in the theater. Upon witnessing the excitement from each song, it made the night worthwhile. We’re all sharing this experience.

Audience reaction is my favorite part of any show. Excitement illuminated the whole theater. During song numbers, we applauded, happily cheered, and sang along. I think some audience members wanted to get up on stage and join in. My favorite part of the night was when cast members joined the audience in song.

Although the songs span several different meanings, one theme that I picked up on was friendship. I liked this one scene in act 2 when the characters sit around having a music session. Nobody is trying to upstage anybody but I interpreted it as a fun night of karaoke. Singing is an important part of the entertainment world.

Stephanie Pope Lofgren and the cast of Smokey Joe’s Cafe found a connection, sparking passion. I am most impressed by her direction of the cast. Lofgren did a fabulous job with the direction of each song number. The choreography was also excellent.

Upon being stuck inside with no entertainment for a year, Lofgren recognizes the value of friendship, theater, and being together again.

No show is ever put on its feet by itself. Smokey Joe’s Cafe has minimal sets and a few props. The floor had a beautiful design. When sitting in a cafe, only a few chairs and tables were set up. It’s the lighting that deserves its own shoutout. Creating sets of colorful bright lights all around the theater, I loved the array of colors.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe is a must-see at North Shore Music Theater. It is an outstanding opener for the season. The two hours go by in the blink of an eye. Get the word out and go see this entertaining show with friends or family.