Everything about the performance seemed so natural it was almost as if Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller planned it from the beginning.

But they didn’t.

The entire concept of “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” was the brainchild of a troupe of producers and directors who had a hunch, started digging and struck gold.

Thursday night, the treasure came to Stephens Auditorium in the form of a 39-song performance of Leiber and Stoller hits that included everything from fire and brimstone hallelujahs to the kind of pelvic thrusts that could shake Elvis right out of the building.

While the lights and the ’50s-esque rock ‘n’ roll backdrops gave the performers an atmosphere from which to play, their expressions, body language and flexible voices helped to set the mood for each song.

A trio with a mission delivered a spicy “Kansas City,” adorned in black, sequenced formals, and a barbershop quartet dressed in silver suits and dark glasses sang a breezy “On Broadway.”

Another crowd favorite was the smooth, sultry, “Don Juan,” sung by Makia Langston. Wearing a tight, black dress and an oversized, red boa, Langston kept the crowd laughing, while causing a few grandpas to blush.

Some of the songs weren’t connected in any way, but a few of the numbers were strategically lined-up, making it possible for the actors to create storylines.

“D.W. Washburn,” a song about a man with lots of bad habits, was followed by a jubilant preacher pronouncing him “Saved.” “Treat Me Nice,” a tune about a man who wants too much from his woman, was succeeded by an angry wife singing, “Hound Dog,” during which her husband was shriveled down to a frame smaller than the seat of his chair.

The company finished off the night with the awaited “Stand By Me,” which ended the spree of nostalgia and brought the audience to its feet.