Longest-running review in White Way history takes to Dana’s stage

The Dana College Theater is proud to announce it will offer six performances of “Smokey Joe’s Café,” the first two weekends in March.

The longest running Broadway review in history brings the greatest hits of the ‘50s and 60s to the menu at Smokey Joe’s Cafe, a rockin’ party of a show that will have your hands clappin’ and toes tappin’! Jail House Rock, Stand By Me, Yakety Yak, Hound Dog and more are the electrifying creations of legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the Rodgers and Hammerstein of Rock ‘n Roll. “Smokey Joe’s Café” harnesses the power of this music that changed the world in a raucous night of musical theater that broke records on Broadway and has audiences and critics singing and dancing.

Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock ‘n’ roll and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized ‘50s setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. “Smokey Joe’s Café” songs were made popular by artists such as Elvis, The Coasters, The Drifters, Ben E. King and Peggy Lee. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, “Smokey Joe’s Café” isn’t just great pop music — it’s compelling musical theater.

Guest director Brandon Higdem will lead a talented cast of Dana College students in this retro romp. Higdem has previously directed “Das Barbecue,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “Clue:The Musical,” “Parallel Lives,” and “The Dinner Party." The production is produced by Professor Paul Schneider, professor of English and director of theater at Dana. Last year, Higdem directed an acclaimed versions of “Grease,” “Into the Woods” and “Seussical: The Musical” for Dana College Theater. He said he is excited to be back working with Dana’s talented students.

Michelle Garrity will do the choreography, Clare Cowing will lead the band and Dr. Paul Schneider will produce the show.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on March 4, 5, 11 and 12, and 2 p.m. on March 6 and 13. Tickets are just $5 and can be purchased at the door. Advance ticket sales are available by calling 402 426-9000.

Dana College is a place where all students actively participate. They make things happen — in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through a highly supportive faculty and campus community, Dana students develop interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and other important values and knowledge as they make choices about their future. Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business, education and social work, among others, ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging careers or placement in graduate school.

Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair, Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.

Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge, Build a future — We’re with you all the way.

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For more information contact:
Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
402 426-7216
scavanah@dana.edu