The music of the 50s and 60s takes center stage in

The music of the 50s and 60s takes center stage in Applause Community Theatre’s ‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’

Posted: 2/8/08
by Brooke Walsh
Thisweek Newspapers

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” is the theatrical equivalent of a jukebox loaded with music from the ’50s and ’60s. Actors from the Burnsville-based Applause Community Theatre bring to life “Love Potion Number Nine,” “Yakety-Yak” and “Hound Dog” in the upcoming dinner theater show.

“It’s a full evening of entertainment. You know you don’t have to go and find someplace to eat and walk a mile to the theater,” director Doug Dally said.

The two-hour show runs Feb. 8-17 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center.
“It starts off with this idea that there’s a group of people who have gathered for a class reunion,” Dally said.

From there the production utilizes the songs of popular writers Leiber and Stoller to show the emotions each of the reunion attendees have attached to the songs of their youth.

Dally, who’s previously directed dramas, comedies and outdoor theater, said he’s enjoyed the change of pace dinner theater has brought him.

Whereas in traditional theater, actors maintain a fourth wall between themselves and their audience, Dally has encourages “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” actors to directly connect with the audience.

“When I’m working with the cast, I say, ‘Look at someone in the audience. … Look for those people who you can actually say, ‘You know how I feel, right?’ “ he said.

Logistically, this has involved changing the way some actors think about their character and the audience, Dally said.

"it’s scary for people who aren’t used to doing it, too,” he said.

“(Making eye contact with the audience) involves being really focused and knowing exactly what you’re doing because that can break your focus if you don’t know what you’re doing,” he added.

Though the show is comprised primarily of music  – presenting 40 songs in total – there is also a heavy emphasis on dance.

“It’s really designed to be like if you were watching the old variety shows,” Dally said.

“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” will be performed at the Lakeville Area Arts Center Feb. 8-17.

A silent auction will be held at each show as part of Applause Theatre’s annual fundraiser.

Show times:

Smokey Joe’s Cafe will be performed at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, located at 20965 Holyoke Avenue in Lakeville. Tickets for both the dinner and the show are $30 and must be purchased at least 72 hours in advance; show only tickets are available for $15.

Show times:

Feb. 9, 14 and 16: Guests arrive at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Feb. 10 and 17: Brunch is served at 1 p.m. and the show begins at 2 p.m.

Feb. 8 and 15 will not include the option of dinner.

For more information visit:  www.applausecommunitytheatre.com