NewsPHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Teach Me How to Shimmy!" A Two-Show Day at Arena Stage's Smokey Joe's CaféSmokey Joe's Café — The Songs of Leiber and Stoller rocks out in a new production at Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage. Cast member and dance captain Ashley Blair Fitzgerald shares a recent two-show day.
By
Matthew Blank
May 29, 2014
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Directed by Randy Johnson, the production continues through June 8 on the Fichandler Stage.
The production stars Tony Award winner Levi Kreis (Million Dollar Quartet, One Red Flower) and Helen Hayes Award winners E. Faye Butler (Pullman Porter Blues, Oklahoma!) and Nova Y. Payton (Dreamgirls, Hairspray), as well as Jay Adriel (Guys and Dolls, Legally Blonde), Austin Colby (Crossing and Spin, Spring Awakening), Ashley Blair Fitzgerald (Company, Come Fly Away), Michael J. Mainwaring (Dreamgirls, Oliver), Stephawn P. Stephens (Crowns, Dreamgirls) and Kara-Tameika Watkins (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Camelot). "Smokey Joe's Café is a foot-stomping celebration of Leiber and Stoller's treasured songbook," artistic director Molly Smith said in a previous statement. "I'm thrilled to welcome back our dear friend Randy Johnson and also the marvelously versatile cast he has assembled. I'm sure they will raise the roof in bringing these timeless tunes to life."
"When Molly called and asked to me direct Smokey Joe's Café, I didn't even let her finish the sentence — it was going to be a 'yes!,'" Johnson added. "I am so happy to be directing my friend Mike Stoller's classic musical, and it's very fitting that my next theatrical venture — after my recent Broadway debut as a director and playwright with A Night with Janis Joplin — is at Arena Stage. It's wonderful to be back in D.C. at my theatrical 'home,' where I've felt incredibly supported and nurtured."
The band for Smokey Joe's Café features Rick Fox, James Davis, Jr., George Hummel, Steven Walker, Dan Hall, Danny Villanueva and Carroll Dashiell III.
The creative team comprises set and projection designer Caite Hevner Kemp, costume designer Ilona Somogyi, lighting designer Dan Ozminkowski, sound designer Carl Casella, wig designer Anne Nesmith, assistant choreographer Jessica Hartman, stage manager Kurt Hall, assistant stage manager Christi B. Spann and musical contractor Rita Eggert. Choreography is by Parker Esse, and music direction is by Rick Fox.
More information is available by visiting arenastage.org.
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Teach Me How to Shimmy!" A Two-Show Day at Arena Stage's Smokey Joe's Café
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Teach Me How to Shimmy!" A Two-Show Day at Arena Stage's Smokey Joe's Café
Smokey Joe's Café — The Songs of Leiber and Stoller rocks out in a new production at Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage. Cast member and dance captain Ashley Blair Fitzgerald shares a recent two-show day.
45 PHOTOS
Good Morning from Billy and I. Billy clearly has better bed head than I do!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Can't start our morning without the kiss ritual!!!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Morning pee pee time. As you can see my morning is all about Billy.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Beautiful flowers that my husband potted!!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Billy's breakfast time.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Ashley's breakfast time!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Hubby is gone so I get to crack out on my Kardashians.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
"All finished, mom!!!" He is such a good boy.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Morning 30 minute walk! Have to stay trim for the poodles!!!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Daily 40-minute commute to work. I use this time to warm my voice up!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
I arrive one hour and 30 minutes early to prepare for the show!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
First stop: HAIR!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
20 minutes later...
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Let the magic begin
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Vincent gives a good Bump
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Castmate Austin Colby stopping by for a morning visit!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Step 1: Pin the sides
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Step 2: When taking a pic from the side, always make sure your neck is pushed out! No double chins!!!!
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Our amazing wardrobe crew!!! Alice Hawfield and Gerri Ford.
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Enter the fiercely talented, Mr. Jay Adriel
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
My station neighbor, Ms. Kara-Tameika Watkins
Ashley Blair Fitzgerald
Some of our amazing musicians! George Hummel and Danny Villanueva.
