Theatre-by-the-Sea opens its summer season with a smokin’ rendition of Broadway’s longest running musical revue, “Smokey Joe’s Café”, featuring 40 songs by the legendary team of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

While you may not like or know every song, just wait a minute for the next one. Most of the numbers are right on, with the cast of nine talented singer/dancers displaying the utmost energy and attitude.

There are sizzling solos, dynamic duets, convincing quartets, and enthusiastic ensemble numbers, all blending nicely together. It’s a musical revue, so there’s no plot, but there is plenty of stylistic showmanship tying the songs together.

Enhanced by Mike Moise’s seven-piece band, flashy costumes by Dana Pinkston, two functional sets (Act I on the street and Act II in the café) by Cassandra Lentz, and some lively choreography by director/choreographer Kevin P. Hill, “Smokey Joe’s is a pleasant mixture of sights and sounds.

If you, like I, grew up with such rock and roll classics as “Poison Ivy”, “On Broadway,” “There Goes My Baby” and “Stand By Me,” you’ll have a greater appreciation for the show. My favorites were the four part harmonies and choreographies performed by Malcolm Armwood, Kevin Curtis, Israel R. Hillery, and Darrell T. Joe. The eight-member New York cast adds an actual Matunuck native, Kendall Hope, to the group.

Voices in general are very good, especially Alana Cauthern who brought down the house with “Fools Fall in Love” and “Hound Dog.”

If you want a definition of energy, watch Mary Claire Kin’s version of “Teach Me To Shimmy.”

There were occasional pitch problems, but in general the voices handled the rock and roll very well. With the exception of “Hound Dog,” they could leave out the bland interpretations of Elvis songs.

“Smokey Joe’s Café” is well worth the trip to Matunuck to get you in the summertime mood. Performances through June 21. Call 782-8587 for reservations. Tickets are $45 to $65.