The show first hit Broadway March 2, 1995 and ran 2,036 performances. It originally starred Ken Ard, Adrian Bailey, Brenda Braxton, Victor Trent Cook, B.J. Crosby, Pattie Darcy Jones, DeLee Lively, Frederick B. Owens and Michael Park.
A parade of songs spanning the 50's through the 70's, Smokey Joe's Caf was a toe-tapping foray into nostalgia for Neapolitans. The non-stop revue showcased some of the area's most impressive talent including Jarrod Bowens and Kate Phillips.
According to the show's official Web site (www.smokeyjoescafe.com), it is the longest-running musical review in the history of Broadway. It has toured extensively throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Turkey, the U.S. and Canada. In Naples, the show will run through July 29.
The music of Leiber and Stoller retains a special place in the hearts of Americans, and Neapolitans showed their appreciation with a standing ovation at curtain close.
The Sugden Theatre is located at 701 Fifth Avenue South. For more information or to purchase tickets call 434-7340 or visit www.naplesplayers.org.