REVIEW by Anthony Chase
In the pantheon of screen-to-stage adaptations, Some Like It Hot stands out as a glittering, tap-happy spectacle. This show succeeds in translating the madcap energy of Billy Wilder's 1959 film to the musical theater stage while taking an entirely contemporary direction.
For the uninitiated, Some Like It Hot follows two musicians in Prohibition-era Chicago who witness a mob hit and flee disguised as women in an all-female band. The story's inherent commentary on identity takes on new resonance today, with Matthew López and Amber Ruffin's script deftly navigating themes of self-discovery and acceptance that tap into contemporary sensibilities. The show leans into its exploration of gender fluidity and racial dynamics, adding layers of complexity to the original narrative.
This is the second time Some Like it Hot has been adapted to the stage. The first was Sugar, a 1972 musical that more faithfully followed the film. The current version, which opened on Broadway in late 2022, takes a more progressive approach.
As it embarks on its national tour, the question looms: Can this Broadway hit maintain its effervescence on the road? I am pleased to report that Some Like It Hot arrives at Shea's Buffalo with its rhinestones intact. Marc Shaiman's score, with lyrics co-written by Scott Wittman, pays homage to the jazz age while pulsing with modern Broadway energy. Standout numbers like "You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)" showcase Shaiman's knack for MGM-style showmanship. Some might even find the relentless parade of showstoppers overwhelming. The title tune, which closes the first act, is the best of the lot, but the ballads are also powerful.
The touring production, again directed by Casey Nicholaw, triumphs in recapturing the magic of its Broadway predecessor. Matt Loehr brings streetwise charm to Joe/Josephine, while Leandra Ellis-Gaston's Sugar beguiles us with powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence. Tavis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne navigates the character's journey with nuance and flair, making the role entirely their own - no small feat given J. Harrison Ghee's Tony Award-winning turn on Broadway.
Edward Juvier provides delightfully giddy comic relief as Osgood, while Tarra Conner Jones brings a commanding presence to the role of the irrepressible bandleader Sweet Sue.
Nicholaw's choreography remains a highlight, with ensemble numbers that threaten to overwhelm the senses in the best possible way. The costume design by Gregg Barnes is a feast for the eyes, cleverly underscoring the show's themes of transformation and self-expression.
There were times when this rendering of Some Like it Hot popped more delightfully for me than when I saw it on Broadway. Ellis-Gaston is a particular delight, giving Sugar just a smidge more misunderstood bad-girl energy than I recall -- and her voice soars like a trumpet. I had forgotten the relentless and delightful references to Josephine's age, which Loehr punctuates with exquisite double-takes. And Tavis Kordell takes on the unenviable task of filling J. Harrison Ghee's un-fillable shoes with joyful charm.
At its core, Some Like It Hot is a celebration of Golden Age musicals filtered through a contemporary lens. It's a tricky balance, but while this show certainly pushes this concept to the brim of the glass, it never spills over. It's thrilling to be in the audience as they cheer Jerry/Daphne's journey of self-discovery.
Occasionally, added depth comes at the expense of the breakneck pacing and razor-sharp wit that made Wilder's farce so intoxicating. (And I confess that I do miss the film's final punchline, "Nobody's perfect," but there are pleasures aplenty to compensate for that). There are also expanses of time when the sound worked against the production, rendering lyrics muddy, high notes shrill, and the orchestra overpowering. This could not, however, diminish the overall joy of the production.
For regional audiences hungry for the Broadway experience, Some Like It Hot delivers a delicious night of musical theater that doesn't shy away from addressing contemporary issues. There's something to be said for a show that not only aims to entertain but also provokes thought on important social themes. On that front, Some Like It Hot serves up a sizzling spectacle that's both a nostalgic treat and a forward-thinking feast, proving that even on tour, this show is still cooking with gas.
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