Why was Smoky Joe's such a hit and After Midnight a Commercial failure?

I have to admit the seeing Smoky Joe's was total agony for me...I absolutely hated it; that said, After Midnight was so much more ambitious, and the audience reaction, I.e., enthusiastic applause vs. silly standing ovations, was so much more enthusiastic.

I have heard that the Tony's did it, but After Midnight had a great number as well. So, what am I missing?

Blaxx is right. Other than both being revues that feature a lot of African-American performers, there's no real comparison. In the terms of material, a better parallel might be between 'Smokey Joe's Cafe' and 'Motown' (which both deal in music of the '60s). Ditto, for 'After Midnight' and 'Sophisticated Ladies' (which both celebrate the music of Duke Ellington). And yes, 'timing and competition.' 'Smokey Joe's' opened in a very weak season and got a chance to establish itself with little competition. In fact, 'Smokey Joe's' and 'Sunset Blvd.' were the only 2 shows up for 1995 Best Musical.

The dastardly unions.

---

There's obviously not one, pat answer to a question this big. But, as others have said, I have to imagine the time period being featured is a big factor. If you look at the average age of those likely to buy theatre tickets, they're going to have much more of an emotional connection to the Motown music of the 60s and 70s than they are to music of the Cotton Club era. The cotton club era sound is that of their parents. Motown is their sound.

After Midnight reminds me more of Black and Blue.

Fantasia.

Smokey Joe had 7 actors and a unit set.

After Midnight had, what, 20 people on stage and how big of a running crew to move the bandstand and make all those quick changes?

That is a big reason right there.

---

There was also only 2 revivals- the Broderick H2$ and Stroman's Showboat.

You forgot the disastrous Gentleman Prefer Blondes.

---

^ Cute, uptempo dance number? Just guessing.