The 1959 cult-classic film gets a modern twist on stage.
“Some Like It Hot” has brought its classic story to Broadway. The musical has just opened at the Shubert Theatre after years of uncertainty due to COVID-19 causing the musical’s release to be on pause.
The plot is pretty similar to the original romantic comedy from the 1950s. Joe and Jerry, two life-long friends try to pursue their dream in music during the Prohibition era. The two soon witness a crime by a mafia boss leading them to go into hiding as two women—Josephine and Daphne— on tour with an all female band.
The talent behind the musical is phenomenal. From music and lyrics by longtime award-winning collaborators Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman to Tony Award winner Matthew López and Emmy-nominee Amber Ruffin for the book, “Some Like It Hot” is destined to be a cultural staple on Broadway.
Christian Borle and J. Harrison Ghee stars alongside each other as the lead duo. Borle is a two-time Tony Award winner with theater credits spanning almost two decades. Ghee began their Broadway career as Lola in “Kinky Boots” in 2017. While both bring different experiences to “Some Like It Hot,” they are able to combine their strengths and captivate each moment their characters interact with each other. One of their numbers, “You Can’t Have Me (If You Don’t Have Him),” is a catchy, tap filled number about friendship that really sets the basis for understanding their dynamic as “Jerry and Joe.”
The supporting cast includes Natasha Yvette Williams, Adrianna Hicks, Kevin Del Aguila, and Mark Lotito. Hicks is “Sugar,” a rising starlet with a sensual voice and a mistrust of men. Marilyn Monroe originated the role, and while some would believe Hicks has “big shoes to fill,” Hicks makes Sugar her own. She’s less of a misunderstood woman who needs pity, and more of a confident woman looking to gain respect from her peers. Williams is comedic gold and an absolute scene stealer as “Sweet Sue.” Her timing is marvelous and she manages to nail every single piece of comedic dialogue. Not only are the performances by the actors strong, but the swings are a group of powerhouse performers that deserve recognition for their work.
The choreography by Casey Nicholaw is a combination of tap, jazz, and ballroom steps that elevate the show’s already grand numbers. The set designs are additionally a large player in the extravagance of “Some Like It Hot.” From an intricate staircase to a moving trolley, the beauty of Broadway is located in the ability of a stage to transform into something magical and “Some Like It Hot” is packed with it.
There’s a timeless sense of humor that had everyone in the audience, no matter how old, laughing hysterically. While the setting is during the 30s, the dialogue is pretty contemporary. Since this is a modern version, gender fluidity is less of a joke and instead embraced in this version. One concern of the show from the original film is address the issue of mocking femininity through cross-dressing. However, the Broadway show shines a light on the misogyny women face along with finding oneself through gender exploration.
“Some Like It Hot” is filled with marvelous performances and a campy, heartfelt story that can be enjoyed by just about anyone. I left the theater both teary-eye from laughing and crying. The musical is destined to be a classic on Broadway, just as the film, and garner a whopping number of fans. And I, for sure, am one of them.
Tickets to “Some Like It Hot” are available now.
