"Smokey Joe's Cafe" begins with a happy reminder that we are all part of a "Neighborhood." It's a lively start.

This is no musical like "Hair" or "South Pacific." It's a revue — nearly 40 songs that enlivened the rock and roll musical era in this country during the 1950s and '60s, written by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. They are sung and often danced one right after another. The songs are memorable, and include such titles as "Hound Dog" and "Jail House Rock."

Leiber and Stoller wrote music for many artists of those years including Peggy Lee, Dion and The Bellmonts and, of course Elvis Presley. The audience at the Oct. 10 show often enthusiastically burst into song along with the actors.

Those who have seen this show before may be a bit puzzled about changes that have been made. For one thing, two of the original songs are missing (although in a two-hour show, that's OK).

Also, only seven, not nine, actors participate, which requires a rearranging of songs — some into a different act. But apparently no songs seem lost in the two hours of music well directed by Kim and Richard Vetterli. The five musicians and their instruments take up the entire back part of the stage throughout the entertainment.

Although there are no consistent characters, each singer/dancer helps weave an atmosphere. The first act of the show, "Neighborhood," is just that: A reminder by the entire company that we are each part of a neighborhood

Tenor Phoenix Normand and the other male members of the cast sing about their "Young Blood." Pretty Shawna Darling appears troubled about "Falling" in love.

Dean Goodman Award winner Carol DeChaine is also having "Trouble" with love. She wears the company's usual color, black, as she mournfully sings about her problems. Operatic soprano Andrea Daniel's voice changes to a round gospel sound as she sings to Normand during his drunk scene.

In Act II, the atmosphere changes. Small tables and chairs move in and out of the set, perhaps justifying the show's title, "Smokey Joe's Cafe." Songs now deal with disappointments, particularly in love. Daniel, no longer wearing a choir robe, belts a strong rendition of "Hound Dog." New York and Northern California dancer Carmichael Blankenship joins DeChaine in a quiet, close expression of a sad misunderstanding, "Love Me Don't." The impressive bass voice of Reggie White sings about "Little Egypt" with the other men; and cheerful Marty Newton adds "Teach Me How to Shimmy" with Darling.

The dancing, choreographed by Cathy Carlson, ranges from ballet to lively hip hops. Her husband, Greg Carlson, directed this fast moving show.

Many of the songs will be well remembered by anybody over 40. It is a pity that so many of the lyrics we don't know are lost in the poorly rendered sound system.

If you know these songs, or if you would like to introduce them to your youngsters, you won't want to miss "Smokey Joe's Cafe."