The advertising leading up to the run of the Broadway touring production, Some Like It Hot, at Altria Theater promises the show is a song and dance marvel, and that it is. If you like musicals from the Golden Age of musical theater, then you will love this Broadway touring production.
Based on the 1959 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film of the same name starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, Some Like It Hot takes the audience on a two-hour-and-40- minute journey that includes everything from gangsters to self-discovery. Did I mention the lively all-female band, — well, “all female” might be debatable — the saucy millionaire, or the trip to Mexico? It all leads up to a finale that will have you standing and clapping along.
When I heard this show was conceived by the creative minds of the folks behind the musicals Aladdin, Hairspray, and The Book of Mormon, I was hoping this touring production would live up to the humor, heart, and musical talent of those great shows. Let’s just say, I wasn’t disappointed.
The winner of four Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album, Some Like It Hot is a feast for the eyes and ears.
Toe-Tapping Talent
The talented cast sings and dances throughout the show. And, when I say dance, I mean tap dance, think Bill Robinson, Gregory Hines, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Savion Glover, the greats of the tap dancing world. Unfortunately, this absolutely mesmerizing form of dance isn’t a staple of musicals these days, so it’s wonderful to see it once again on stage.
The vocals in the show are strong and harmonious. The comic undertones flow easily and naturally.
Tarra Conner Jones showed off her comic side as well as her powerful vocals as Sweet Sue, the leader of the all-female band. Leandra Ellis-Gaston, who plays Sugar, the band’s lead vocalist, also brought some dynamic vocals during her songs.
Matt Loehr (Joe/Josephine) and UNC-Greensboro alum Tavis Kordell (Jerry/Daphne) paired nicely as longtime friends on the run. They delightfully mesh comedy with song and dance. It is their journeys that bring home the message of love and respect to the stage.
And a special nod to Edward Juvier, who plays the love crazy millionaire, Osgood, with perfect comic timing and a zingy zest that just speaks to loving and living life, especially in the song “Let’s Be Bad.”
I would be remiss if I didn’t tip a hat to the creative staging in this show. How it was choreographed and executed so beautifully is still a mystery to me. It is perfection.
Some Like It Hot is a light, fun way to the start the summer. It is recommended for ages 12 and up. The musical runs through Sunday, June 8 at Altria Theater, and tickets can be purchased here.
Read RFM’s interview with cast member Davon Hadsell here.
