As the story goes, Smokey Robinson, a living legend and one of the producers of “Motown: The Musical,” went backstage on the play’s opening night in New York to look for Charl Brown, the young actor who portrayed him in the show.
When he found Brown, Robinson approached, smiled, and simply said, ‘Hello, Me!’” You have a chance to see this same actor live on Jan. 20 at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton, as that backstage story became the inspiration for “Smokey and Me: A Celebration of Smokey Robinson,” a stage show that celebrates the life, music, and career of the acclaimed singer-songwriter.
The spirit of Robinson is perfectly and uncannily captured by Brown, who earned a Tony nomination for his portrayal of the now-83-year-old legend in “Motown: The Musical.”
Once pronounced by Bob Dylan to be “America’s greatest living poet,” Smokey Robinson’s career spans more than four decades of hits.
Robinson has received numerous awards, including the Grammy Living Legend Award, the NARAS Lifetime Achievement Award, an Honorary Doctorate from Howard University, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts Award from the President of the United States.
He has also been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, and The opening act of “Smokey and Me” celebrates Robinson’s story and many of his biggest hits – songs he wrote and sang – including “Shop Around,” “Mickey’s Monkey,” “Going to a Go-Go,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “My Girl,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Oooh Baby Baby,” “Tracks of my Tears,” and many more.
Act 2 explores the story of the actor who was fortunate enough to become Smokey every night in “Motown: The Musical,” taking the audience through Brown’s Broadway history and hits, including songs from “Hair,” “Jersey Boys,” “Pippin,” “Sister Act,” and “The Wiz.”
The show ends with a stirring medley of some of Smokey’s iconic songs, including “Tears of a Clown” and “Being With You,” among others, which will undoubtedly provide a night to remember at The Plaza.
Tickets to “Smokey and Me” are $70, $80, or $90 each and are on sale now at plazacenter.org or by calling The Plaza office at 706-923-1655. “Smokey and Me” starts at 7 p.m. Jan. 20. For more information on “Smokey and Me” or any of The Plaza’s other shows in 2024, visit online at plazacenter.org.