Bolivar Bullet

Under the musical direction of Kaye G Ventura, the cast of 17 local singers has been hard at work since mid-September. Tim Bixler, Delta Center Stage Executive director, is serving as director and production coordinator. "But really, since Smokey Joe’s Café is a pure musical revue, the bulk of the work falls on the shoulders of Ventura, and also our choreographer, Jack Jackson." says Bixler, "Kaye as musical director and Suzie Thomas, who is the show’s rehearsal pianist, have already put the cast of singers through many, many hours of rehearsal, and I can tell you that the audience is in for a real treat from this highly talented group. It has been exciting, too, to see some of the dance numbers start to take shape. This show is going to be a high energy smash."

"Smokey Joe’s Café, for us, has progressed to the tune of ‘musically energetic fun with fiction.’ says Ventura, "We’re all amateurs with vision, sharing ideas and working to create and express the delightful and exciting night club atmosphere. Our cast members and supporting staff members are wonderful to work with. The ‘magic’ is there! We’re hoping that the singing, dancing, and various rhythms will transform the spirit of this musical from the new York Broadway stage to Greenville’s own Delta Center Stage." Bixler concurs with Ventura noting that "Delta Center Stage has always been about the mission of providing opportunities for local people to create art and entertainment from within....and I’m particularly excited (and grateful to Kaye) for some of the fresh new talent that she has brought to DCS. We may call ourselves amateurs, but that only means our performers are volunteers. There is some seriously professional talent in this show, and I know that our local audience in several cases will be amazed at what they will see and hear on stage. "

The ensemble cast will feature several DCS veterans and a whole host of newcomers to the stage at Jake & Freda Stein Hall. Listed alphabetically the ensemble cast includes Penny Byler, Kae Cooper, Mark Dibiase, Michelle Dicharry, Gloria Forman, Deanna Harper, Henri Jackson, Wanda Johnson, Suzette Jordan, Carl Mack, Mary Frances Maxey, Phalia McCorkle, Genesis Miller, W D Pickens, Christie Stone, Janelle Townes, Linda Townes, and Ike Trotter. Rehearsal assistants are Lillian Shelton and Marsha Watson and Mary Frances Maxey is assisting Jack Jackson with choreography.

Suzie Thomas, Eden Brent, Mike Hayes, Leonard McIntosh and Donnie Brown, along with several other players, will be in the on-stage band that will be rolled to the front of the stage and featured in several of the show’s musical numbers.

The show will run October 2-5. Curtain times Thursday through Saturday will be at 7:30 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Advance tickets will go on sale this week and may be bought at Village Pharmacy, McCormick’s Books, Condon’s East Union Pharmacy, Buck’s Restaurant Downtown and Exceptionale, or by clicking on "Ticket Booth" on the left edge of this screen. Adult admission is $15.00 and Students and Children under 16 tickets are $10.00. The show is free to Delta Center Stage Season Ticket holders.
For information call 820-5489 or 378-9849.
Produced by special arrangement with Rodgers and Hammerstein Theatre Library.