Not many people have heard of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They don't dance. They don't sing. They don't own major corporations. What they do is write. Ever heard of Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" or sang along to "You ain't nothing but a hound dog..?" Ever listened to the song "Stand By Me" with arms wrapped around best friends? Leiber and Stoller wrote those popular musical numbers and more.
"Smokey Joe's Caf+â-¬: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller" is coming to Emens Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. As the longest running Broadway musical revue, "Smokey Joe's Caf+â-¬" will feature songs from the '50s and '60s. Darcy Wood, assistant director of Emens Auditorium, is encouraging students to dress up in '50s attire to make the night fun. Wood also said there will be a drawing to win free food from local restaurants.
Leiber and Stoller started their songwriting partnership in the 1960s with the same passion for music. They were only 17. Stars such as Willie Mae Thorton and Ray Charles recorded their earliest songs. Eventually Atlantic Records signed the two to the first-ever independent production deal. Singers Presley and The Coasters picked up on Leiber and Stoller's talent and brought their songs to the top. In 1985, the two were inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame; in 1987 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 1995, Smokey Joe's Caf+â-¬ opened for the first time on Broadway.
"Smokey Joe's Caf+â-¬" exhibits Leiber and Stoller's music. It showcases a world full of first kisses and last dances, summer nights and rock and roll. This show has been nominated for seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Director and Best Choreography. It also won the 1996 Grammy Award for Best Musical.
Emens director Robert Myers said that Thursday night would be a "great date night." He believes Smokey Joe's Caf+â-¬ has a lot of songs that students are familiar with.
"It would be a shame if the student body does not take advantage of this opportunity," Myers said.
Free tickets are still available to students until 6 p.m. on Thursday or are $5 at the door.
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