Theater Review: ACT’s ‘Smokey Joe’s Café’ Simply Stunning
RIDGEFIELD — Smokey Joe’s Café is up and running onstage at ACT of CT. This gorgeous arrangement of music and words by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller is a simply stunning production.
This café is a gathering place for the rendition of songs you may have known Leiber and Stoller to have written, as well as a multitude of others they collaborated on over the years. Their collection is rich and covers a broad range that this show-stopping cast delivers one after another.
Stringing together more than 30 numbers from the Leiber and Stoller songbook, these amazing actors don’t so much tell a story as they generate feelings from deep within by way of their vocal skills and physicality. The music and lyrics alone are dreamy; in hands of this cast, they are magic.
Three sultry and amazing women — Keyonna Knight, Courtney Long, and Kelly MacMillan — give performances that are utterly thrilling. Long held a perfect note for what seemed like forever as she dove into “Hound Dog.” The opening night audience cheered as she ripped through that familiar tune. She then broke hearts with her version of “Fools in Love.”
MacMillan shimmied and shook her way through “Shimmy,” working up quite the frenzy. This singer-dancer gives every one of her numbers the full treatment.
Knight captures the element of seduction in “Trouble” as well as the loneliness of “Pearl is a Singer.” She demonstrates a vocal capacity that was superb.
Their combined treatment of “I’m a Woman” was powerful.
Smokey Joe’s Café is also frequented by a number of men seeking friendship, romance, and a drink. The men in this cast bring their best game, with boundless energy and skill.
Albert Guerzon reveals his solid vocal chops while also serving as dance captain for the exciting choreography, which is nonstop movement. The choreography, created by director Stephanie Pope Lofgren, is executed with precision and flair.
A deep and soulful voice emanates from Arnold Harper II. Along with castmates Avionce Hoyles and Juson Williams, Harper took the opening night audience to harmonizing nirvana with “Keep on Rolling.”
Hoyles gave a heartfelt rendition of “I (Who Have Nothing),” which was moving in the best way. This actor conveys a wealth of emotion with his remarkable voice.
Williams is a hoot in “There Goes My Baby.” The comedy he captures in this piece is in addition to his substantial vocal talent.
Rounding out the cast, Jordan Fife Hunt gives a full-throated performance throughout. His version of “Loving You” is beautiful.
Under the skilled direction of Pope Lofgren, this lively and fun musical, blessed with this excellent cast, made the opening night audience stand and cheer. Only live theater can do that, and this production earned every last clap. The final number, “Stand by Me,” was delivered with joy and promise. Such a gift.
Performances continue through October 24, Thursday through Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Visit actofct.org for performance details, tickets, directions, and additional information.
The theater is at 36 Old Quarry Road in Ridgefield.