AISLE
SAY/Florida
SMOKEY JOE'S CAFƒ
Music
& Lyrics by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
Directed
& Choreographed by Kevyn Morrow
Musical
Direction by Corinne Aquilina
Florida
Studio TheatreÕs Keating Mainstage
1241
N. Palm Ave., Sarasota, 914-366-9000
Oct.
31, 2012 through Jan. 3, 2013
Reviewed
by Marie J. Kilker
Smokey
JoeÕs CafŽ has to be a classic template for all scriptless revues of two
partnersÕ songs crossing all genres. It is certainly the best of Florida Studio
TheatreÕs past offerings of its kind and seems even more lustrous in this
reissue. Designer April SorokoÕs
blue-lit backdrop of a full-sounding four piece band elevated behind a
scrim, fronted by a series of panels picturing a city alive at night, sets the
Act I scene. Though not particularly colorful, the effect is to show off the
nine toe-tapping singers costumed by Lynda Salsbury in all shades and textures
of splash with shiny accessories.
The panels also slide to change parts of the scene and, with Jeffrey
CadyÕs appropriate lighting, sometimes serve to narrow it or permit
choreographic variations. Act II opens up the upstage space, with the titled
sign in neon just over the bandstand and a few cafŽ tables and chairs flanking
the central and downstage area.
Performers
present drama in the revue solely through gesture and their interpretation of
lyrics. If there are stand-outs,
itÕs due to the quality of the lyrics or demands of vocalization and
choreography in individual numbers. Particularly impressive with all three is
Arthur W. Marks. HeÕs unbeatably romantic singing to and with Allyson Kaye
Daniel. Impressive belting out
solos: Lianne Marie Dobbs. I particularly liked the guys ÔÔStanding on the
CornerÔÔ and putting down the gal ÒPoison Ivy.Ò Besides Marks, they are James Harkness, Jason Veasey, Devin
Roberts, and Thomas Rainey. Brittany Avey does a mean Shimmy, while no one can
drape herself around a red feather boa,
song and corresponding movement like Karen Burthwright. Among the few nice
surprises are variations on Elvis Presley hits, Country favorites, and
Soul. Ryan KilcourseÕs sound
design, however, is typical of FSTÕs loud mic-ing. Lynda SalsburyÕs costuming,
I repeat, is sumptuous. Keeping on-track the many changes adds to Production
Stage Manager Kelli KarenÕs typical accomplishments over a full two hours.
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