The musical adaptation of the 1959 film “Some Like it Hot” is now at The Pantages through August 17, bringing big Hollywood musical numbers and big laughs. The plot follows jazz musicians Joe (Matt Loehr) and Jerry (Tavis Kordell) who must escape Chicago after witnessing a Mafia murder in 1933. They disguise themselves as women with Joe becoming Josephine and Jerry becoming Daphne and join the all-girl band Sweet Sue (Tarra Conner Jones) and Her Society Syncopators on their way via train to California. The movie, starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe was groundbreaking when it came out for including cross-dressing. The musical version goes further into exploring gender identity and racial diversity.
While on the run, Joe falls in love with Sugar (Leandra Ellis-Gaston), the band’s lead singer, and Jerry is pursued by the millionaire Osgood Fielding III (Edward Juvier). Joe masquerades as screenwriter Kip to woo Sugar in disguise. Jerry accepts Osgood’s proposal, finding authenticity in being Daphne.
The truth is revealed when Sweet Sue finds out that Joe and Josephine and Jerry and Daphne are the same people. The second act features a big chase as mobsters and FBI agents pursue the trio. Joe and Sugar pursue careers in Hollywood, Osgood provides financial support and marries Daphne all as Prohibition ends. Everyone ends up celebrating at Osgood’s club.
Casey Nicholaw is both director and choreographer for the production and shines during the numbers “Let’s Be Bad!” and “Tip-Tap Trouble,” where a Keystone Cop style chase involves huge turning wheeled doors and seamless entrances lead to a visually stunning performance.
The show runs a bit long at two and a half hours, but audiences don’t seem to mind due to the many stunning dance numbers and standout songs.
“Some Like it Hot” is playing at The Pantages through August 17 with performances Tuesday through Thursday, 7:30pm; Friday 8pm; Saturday at 2 and 8pm, and Sunday at 1 and 8:30pm. Tickets at BroadwayinHollywood.com or in person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office.
