Five Guys

By Karen Fisher

Since 1994, Vicky Thomasson has searched for a group of performers that has the incredible passion and camaraderie for which the Wizard of Oz cast is so well known.  Finally, the yellow brick road has led Vicky to Oz again on the neighborhood streets of Smokey Joe’s Café. The prized cast includes two cousins, a life-long friend, a new friend, and a “brother from another.”       

            The five guys of Smokey Joe’s Café are played by Mario Sadler, Lionel Best, LeVar Medley, Ricardo Clauden, and Keith McDonald.  Unlike the Oz characters, these guys already have brains, big hearts, and ample courage. They are looking for fun, new memories, a challenge, excitement, and a dream come true. 

            The first cousin and “baby” of the group, Mario Sadler, was encouraged to be in the play by cast member and cousin, Joy Cunningham.  He was looking for fun, time with family, and something to do with his spare time.  Other than “acting silly,” Mario says he doesn’t have any other acting experience, but music is his life.  A music education major at Virginia State University and a former member of the VSU and UVA marching bands, Mario is not shy, having performed in front of thousands of people.  The comic relief in Smokey Joe’s Café hopes that “people who come to the play will have as much fun” as he does.  Mario’s favorite solos include “D.W. Washburn” and “Little Egypt” while his cousin, Lionel Best, will be singing his favorites, “Treat Me Nice,” “Searchin’” and “I (Who Have Nothing).” 

            Like Mario, Lionel was called in at the last moment by cousin Joy.  Once he came to tryouts, Lionel “fell in love with it.”  Smokey Joe’s Café is giving the VSU graduate and former marching band member and Lasco employee a chance to “hang out with good people, and do something different and memorable.”   All of the guys brag about Lionel’s natural dancing ability!  When you witness Lionel’s energy and talent, you will know that he was born to be on stage.  His mother and biggest cheerleader, Rita Best, 6-year-old son, J’Den, and rest of the family will be in the audience along with LeVar Medley’s family.

            Lifetime friend of Mario and Lionel, LeVar says his participation in the play is “bringing his family together” with aunts and uncles coming from as far as Alabama to see him. Ms. Sherry Cowan, principal of Clay’s Mill Elementary School, encouraged LeVar to be in the play. The director’s praise of LeVar’s singing ability secured his commitment. Agreeing to be in this musical has provided the physical education teacher with an opportunity to be challenged and to broaden his horizons. LeVar’s solos include “Young Blood,” and “Stand by Me,” which is sure to woo his girlfriend and make his family proud!  The former VSU football player sincerely hopes that his participation in Smokey Joe’s Café will prove to young African American boys in the community that you “can sing and dance and still be cool, even cooler.”  Echoing LeVar’s concern for their young brothers is Ricardo Clauden.

            Ricardo, the newest friend of Mario, Lionel and LeVar and teacher of exceptional children in Person County directs a children’s gospel choir that performs at various churches and community gatherings.  The ensemble’s church singing backgrounds and great voice direction by Jane Sibley have made it easy for Ricardo and fellow thespians to harmonize.  Performing “Dance with Me,” “Poison Ivy,” and “Spanish Harlem,” Ricardo will bring a charming and peaceful personality to Smokey Joe’s Café which will impress his mother, Mary, other family members, and theatregoers.  Though Ricardo says he might not be competitive on Dancing with the Stars, he exclaims, “I love the dancing!”  The singing and dancing is also a “dream come true” for co-star Keith McDonald who fantasizes about being on stage when attending concerts. 

            Keith, who has been tagged as a “brother from another,” was eyed by the director over a year ago.  Vicky saw Keith “monopolizing the karaoke at a party” and encouraged him to try out for Smokey Joe’s Café. As one of the five guys, Keith will realize a dream when he steals a moment of glory on stage with his rendition of Elvis singing “Jailhouse Rock.” A pharmacist at Halifax Pharmacy and self-professed “showoff and ham,” Keith’s acting experience was limited to church dramas prior to landing this singing and dancing role.  On April 18 when Keith makes his HCLT debut, his daughter, Anne, will be celebrating her birthday.  Keith’s son, Daniel, and Ruth Simon, Keith’s best friend, confidant, and significant other will also be cheering him on.  Keith admits he is “having a great time and getting more and more excited.” 

After being in Beehive in 2004, Ricardo was also “ready for the excitement that Vicky brings to her shows.”  Though the director is a perfectionist, the guys are willing to go the extra mile for Vicky who has been a mother figure for them.  And the guys practically salivate when they talk about Vicky’s Sunday night feasts of BBQ, potato salad, and that “slammin’ chocolate cake.”

Vicky also sings the praises of her cast members. “I can’t wait for people to see these guys. It’s been incredible watching them develop under a grueling six-day-a-week practice schedule” at the old Tultex building, the YMCA, and the director’s house before they moved to the Prizery.  “As in so many of my shows, the chemistry with this group rates up there with the Wizard of Oz cast.  You can’t create this innate energy.  It just comes with the performers.” 

So, be sure to join the cast of Smokey Joe’s Café and experience the dynamic persona that emanates from Mario, Lionel, LeVar, Ricardo, and Keith.  Vicky promises the stage will explode with the dynamic “force, enthusiasm, and talent” of five guys who have captured the spirit of the 50s and 60s when HCLT’s Smokey Joe’s Café opens on April 18 at the Prizery.  After attending the opening, you’ll want to “Keep on Rollin’” with every “Yakety Yak” moment until they close “On Broadway” May 3. 

The play, directed by Vicky Thomasson, runs through May 3.  Evening performances (including three Tuesday night shows) are April 18, 22, 25, 26, 29 and May 1, 2, and 3 at 8:00 pm.  Afternoon shows are April 20 and 27 at 3:00 pm.

Smokey Joe’s Café is a show dedicated to music of the period.  While not racy by today’s standards, HCLT won’t be held responsible for any toe tapping, leg shaking, or hand clapping fun had by theatergoers.  

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students; they can be purchased at The Prizery box office in person, via telephone by calling 572 – 8339 Monday – Thursday evenings from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, or on-line at www.hclt.org.