'Smokey Joe's Cafe' heats up the summer stage

Audiences will be swept back in time to when rock and roll ruled the radio as "Smokey Joe's Café" comes to the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre stage.

Featuring the music of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, this scintillating musical revue illuminates a golden age of American culture, complete with hits such as "Hound Dog," "Charlie Brown," "On Broadway" and more. Set in the idealized 1950s, the themes of love won, lost and imagined are brought to life with 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded.

"The rehearsal process for 'Smokey Joe’s Cafe' has been an abundance of joy," said director Joseph Lyons. "It is such an honor to choreograph the work of Leiber and Stoller and pay tribute to music that has withstood the test of time. The duo truly knew how to capture the human experience and their tunes continue to resonate with us all. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with an amazing production team and some of the finest talent I have ever worked with — an incredible cast of triple threats that are bringing this music to new heights everyday. I am constantly in awe of their artistry and the nuance they collectively bring to this production."

The show opens Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Salvation Army Kroc Center Theatre, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene. Tickets are $49 for adults, $42 for seniors/military, $35 for students and $27 for children; tickets are also two for $50 Wednesdays, $100 for a family of four Fridays and buy one get one free Saturdays.

Call 208-660-2958 or visit cdasummertheatre.com for complete show times.