Arts

July 26, 2010 at 4:55 AM

'Smokey Joe's' brings takes audience back in time

By Kathleen Loughran
Collegian Staff Writer

Audience members of "Smokey Joe's CafÃ©" were transported back to the 1950s with pop and rock n' roll songs sung by actors from the Pennsylvania Centre Stage this weekend. A neon sign, staircase and lit-up stars decorated the stage as the male actors came out in classic 1950s wear -- converse shoes, suspenders, bow ties and pastel colors. The female actors also fit the part with swing dresses, high heels and headbands. The performance was entirely vocal and instrumental, with a small band off to the side accompanying all the songs. "Smokey Joe's CafÃ©" Stage Manager Kevin Paulsen said the performances thus far have been "fantastic." "This is one of the most talented group of people I've ever seen perform on stage together," Paulsen (senior- stage management) said. Paulsen said two of his favorite songs that the group performs are "On Broadway," originally by George Benson, and "Don Juan." During the first act, the songs mainly focused on the prospects of love. The actors performed songs such as "Ruby Baby," "Dance with Me" and "Fools Fall in Love." In the second act, "Smokey Joe's CafÃ©" transitioned into a fancy, romantic nightspot where the men wore suits and the women wore sparkly dresses. As some of the actors began to fall in love, songs such as "Loving You," "Love Potion #9" and "Charlie Brown" were performed. Judy Davis attended Thursday evening's performance. "I like it a lot," she said. "They're very good." Though Dave Davis, her husband, said he enjoyed the performance, he said he had one request. "I thought maybe a little more oldies for myself," he said. "I enjoy their dancing and singing, though." At the end of the show, the audience gave the performers a standing ovation. But Paulsen said that was not the first time the group has received one. "We have had standing ovations from every show so far, and every night we sell over 100 tickets," he said. "I was part of the original 'Smokey Joe's CafÃ©' done here at Penn State two years ago, [but] it was only a workshop piece then, and to see it grow and morph into this beautiful show has been a truly wonderful experience." "Smokey Joe's CafÃ©" runs at the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center, 146 S. Allen St., until July 31. Tickets for the show range from $24 to $35.

Arts

July 26, 2010 at 4:55 AM

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