Directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Polk, the production will begin previews at the North Hollywood venue Dec. 10 with an official opening Dec. 13. Performances will continue through Jan. 4, 2009.

The cast will be headed by Tony nominees Robert Torti (Starlight Express) and DeLee Lively (Smokey Joe's Café) with Sharon Catherine Blanks (formerly Sharon Brown), T.C. Carson, Jackie Seiden, Maceo Oliver, Dionne Figgins, John Woodard III and Niles Rivers.

The production will also feature musical direction by Daryl Archibald and lighting design by Brendan Grevatt. Chris Murry is the production stage manager, and Heather Lee is the production coordinator.

Smokey Joes Café premiered on Broadway March 2, 1995, at the Virginia Theatre and was nominated for seven Tony Awards including Beat Musical. The New York production closed on January 16, 2000, after 2,036 performances.

The El Portal Theatre is located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA. For tickets and more information call (818) 508-4200 or visit www.elportaltheatre.com.