When the movie Some Like It Hot opened in 1959 directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemon and Tony Curtis it was an instant sensation. It soon entered the annals of movie classics and today, nearly 65 years later, it's considered one of the greatest screen comedies ever. In fact, many rank it at the very top or among the top three. And who can forget pretty boy Curtis and the swift footed Lemon disguised as babes in an all girl band as they flee the mob in depression era Chicago?
But in 1972 when they made a musical stage production (titled Sugar) which was based on the film, things did not work out quite so well. Even though it featured Broadway stars Bobby Morse, Tony Roberts, Cyril Ritchard and Elaine Joyce, the show was only a modest hit, running for 505 performances. Though it had several reincarnations elsewhere, Sugar was never revived on the Great White Way.
But now there is a big, splashy new musical on Broadway called Some Like It Hot that's based on the 1959 movie and retains much of the original story line. With a new book by Matthew López and Andrew Rubin, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Whittman Some Like It Hot, the musical, boasts the sort of proven talent that usually leads to a long Broadway run. And this time, with a whopping 13 Tony award nominations, the show could have a Very Big Night when the awards are handed out on June 11.
In fact, there's hardly an awards category in which Some Like It Hot hasn't been nominated. And guess what? Every nomination is amply justified and the evidence is right there on stage, live eight times a week at Broadway's legendary Schubert Theatre.
In the lead roles Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee and Adrianna Hicks make musical comedy come alive with devilishly delightful performances. Together with Kevin Del Aguila, Nattasha Yvette Williams, Adam Heller, Mark Lotito, and Angie Schworer, this is a dazzling ensemble that delivers split-second timing, uproarious antics, toe-tapping steps and memorable tunes. There are so many big production numbers in this show that it's hard to figure out which ones to highlight. The title song is a genuine rouser but there are others (notably I'm California Bound and Let's Be Bad) that are equally delightful. But there are ballads as well and zany spoof songs (such as Dance The World Away) that trigger belly laughs.
No expense has been spared on this production which features a big orchestra, full Broadway sound, delightful sets, eye-popping costumes and lighting that caters to the quick takes, fade outs and other cinematic touches that borrow from Wilder's film. But don't expect the chase-based story to exactly follow the movie. For one thing, this is 2023, not 1959 and cross dressing has a whole new connotation in the age of gender fluidity. But here's the deal: though the show embraces modern sensibilities it's not (perish the thought!) "reimagined". No, this Some Like It Hot is played for laughs rather lectures, remaining faithful to the endearing sentiment of the original. Which is to say it strikes just the right balance in the tradition of such blockbusters as La Cage aux Folles and Kinky Boots.
This is Broadway heaven. Don't miss it!
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