The Jukebox musical that garnered Tony award nominations for Broadway Black stars Victor Trent Cook, B.J. Crosby and the illustrious Brenda Braxton, is set for a revival, with rehearsals starting around the end of May, according to an Actors Equity audition posting.  Previews are scheduled for July 19

Original producers Richard Frankel, Steve Baruch, Tom Viertel and Marc Routh are joining original cast Tony-nominated director Jerry Zaks to revive the hit revue.   The show features songs by writers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, including fan favorites “Hound Dog,”  “Jailhouse Rock,” “I’m a Woman,” and “On Broadway.”  After Midnight Choreographer,Warren Carlyle, has also signed on, along with musical direction by Sonny Paladino.

Smokey Joe’s opened on Broadway March 2, 1995 and despite harsh critical reviews, had substantial commercial success.   The revue earned five Tony award nominations in 1995 including Best Featured Actress, Best Featured Actor, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Musical.  It also won the Grammy for Best Musical Show Album in 1996.  After a nearly five year run and a bevy of special appearances, including Gloria Gaynor, Lou Rawls and Gladys Knight, the show closed Jan of 2000 after 2,036 performances.

In 2014, nearly 20 years after the first performance, Braxton directed original cast members for reunion concert performance of Smokey Joe’s at the famed Feinstein’s/ 54 Below.

“There’s so much history with us,” Braxton shared with the second of two sold-out crowds. “We weren’t just [together] on Broadway, we were a family.”

Production has yet to announce a venue.

Be sure to check in with Broadway Black for all the latest information!

The post Smokey Joe’s Cafe Sets Broadway Return appeared first on Broadway Black.

B.J. Crosby was born on November 23, 1952 in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. And it was fellow NOLA native, Wendell Pierce, that broke the news to us of her passing. This led to an outpour of more than deserving social media love for the soul singer, including the Tony Award winning Harvey Fierstein and R&B Diva L.A. seen Stacy Francis. Those he knew her on and off the stage were are forever changed. She leaves behind something that can never be replaced and you can hear it in her voice. Below you’ll see her singing her show stopping number in Smokey Joe’s Cafe, “Fools Fall In Love”, which we often thought should have garnered her the Tony Award and not just the nomination in 1995. However, you’ll see why she has always been a winner.

The Great Lady “BJ” Crosby, a New Orleans singing legend,original cast of One Mo’ Time has passed away.She showed the world the soul of NOLA

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) March 27, 2015

.@WendellPierce that’s so sad. I worked with her in Smokey Joes Cafe on Broadway. She was the best. RIP Lady BJ Crosby

— Stacy Francis (@stacyfrancis) March 28, 2015

BJ Crosby, a powerhouse of a talent & wonderful friend is gone. I treasure our time on HAIRSPRAY: https://t.co/hN63nCeJ4f via @YouTube

— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) March 28, 2015

I want 2 take a moment 2 acknowledge 1 of the most amazin vocalist 2 ever live. Lady BJ Crosby. I was honored 2 have witnessed your gift RIP

— Stacy Francis (@stacyfrancis) March 28, 2015

Thanks BJ Crosby for the career advice, honesty & laughter! #smokeyjoes#RIP#foolsfallinlove#BJcrosby pic.twitter.com/HeLtn3N8Oh

— Destan Owens (@DestanOwens) March 28, 2015

The post Rest In Peace: Tony Nominee B.J. Crosby appeared first on Broadway Black.