Smokey Joe's Cafe

Grammys and rock & roll influence forever seared into the American songbook notwithstanding, the names Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller aren’t as household as the titles of their hits. Of the 39 exquisitely revived in Theo Ubique’s slick, handsome and polished production, you’re bound to recognize more than a handful. Director and choreographer Brenda Didier’s production highlights the inherent theatricality of 1950s rock & roll and R&B hits with subtle, relaxed staging, a vocally suave crew of energetic fresh faces and a cozy, jazzy club set by Adam Veness. And with the transfer to Royal George, the actors, easily on the short list of up-and-comers in Chicago musical theater, get the opportunity to fill a bigger stage