The Encore's 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' is a Toe-Tapping Good Time

The 1950s hits of Leiber and Stoller come to life on the Encore's stage in Dexter.

The Encore Musical Theatre's production of Smokey Joes Cafe: The Hits of Leiber and Stoller is an entertaining night of music, even with no discernable plot. The show is based on the musical hits of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller who collaborated musically from 1950 to 1982 writing many hit songs including "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "On Broadway," and "Stand By Me." In 1985 the duo was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 1987 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They won a Grammy award in 1969 for their song "Is That All There Is" and again in 1995 for the cast album of Smokey Joes Cafe, which was also nominated for seven Tony awards. This ensemble cast includes Encore favorites Steve DeBruyne, Thalia Schramm, Sebastian …

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Weekend Planner: Take in a Musical in Dexter

Looking for fun things to do over the next few days? Let us help.

It's Friday, and there are plenty of fun events going on this weekend, so we're offering up a planner to give you a head start. Let's begin our countdown of things-to-do: For other weekend (and beyond) things-to-do, be sure to pay a visit to our events page.

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'Smokey Joe's Cafe' Opens at the Encore Musical Theatre

The show highlights the musical collaboration of 1950s hit songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

Grab your dancing shoes and join the party this weekend as The Encore Musical Theatre brings the classic show, Smokey Joe’s Café, to Dexter beginning today. The show, which debuted in the early ’90s on Broadway, is a musical revue showcasing 39 pop standards written by songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. “It’s a nonstop musical extravaganza,” director Barbara Cullen said. In a stark departure from last season, the Encore has moved back to its roots and is doing what it does best: smaller shows with a smaller cast. “I love working on shows like Smokey Joe’s Café,” Cullen said. “It gives me the ability to really do some cool things with choreography.” The cast of eight will present the songs — including hits like “Charlie Brown,” “…

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Rock and Roll Comes to Life in The Encore's 'Smokey Joe's Cafe'

The show opens on Feb. 2 in Dexter. Tickets are on sale now for all shows.

Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock and roll music, and in The Encore Musical Theatre's upcoming production of Smokey Joe’s Cafe, their songs provide the basis for an electrifying night of entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized 1950s setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious choreography and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 classic rock hits, Smokey Joe’s Cafe isn’t just great pop music – it’s compelling musical theatre. The show features some of the best songs ever written, including favorites like “Stand By Me," “Jail House Rock” and “On Broadway” to name a few. And, as if the music weren’t enough, the cast at …

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Dexter's Encore Theatre Provides Behind-the-Scenes Look at Upcoming 'Smokey Joe's Cafe'

The 1950s come alive in the Encore's upcoming 2012 season-opener featuring a cast of veteran actors.