Dennis Stowe, who has been seen on Broadway in Shrek the Musical, The Apple Tree, The Wedding Singer, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Wonderful Town and Man of La Mancha, will step into Richards' role. Performances begin April 7.

Directed by Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Denis Jones, the production will officially open at the New Jersey venue April 11. Performances will continue through May 2.

The cast also features Felicia Finley, Bernard Dotson, Jackie Burns, E. Clayton Cornelius, Carly Hughes, Andrew Rannells, Eric LaJuan Summers and Maia Nkenge Wilson.

"Join us for an eye-popping, chart topping celebration of on of the greatest songwriting teams of all time," press notes state. "Smokey Joe's Café, the songs of Leiber and Stoller, features a world-class live band and dazzling choreography, you'll have a blast bopping along to classics like 'Hound Dog,' 'Stand by Me' and 'On Broadway.'"

The production will feature scenic design by Jonathan Spencer, costume design by Brian Hemesath, lighting design by Charlie Morrison, sound design by Randy Hansen, hair and wig design by Mark Adam Rampmeyer and musical direction by Tom Helm. Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org.