Some Like It Hot
Some Like It Hot is a 1959 American crime comedy that featured Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon during the Prohibition era in Chicago. Joe is a pleasant yet reckless jazz saxophone player known for his charm and flirtatious nature, often leaving a trail of broken hearts in his wake. His best friend, Jerry, the more cautious and anxious type, plays the double bass, providing a grounding presence amidst Joe's impulsiveness. After a disastrous turn of events when a speakeasy they were performing in gets raided, the duo finds themselves out of work and desperate. In a stroke of luck—they manage to con their way into a job for the notorious local Mafia boss, "Spats" Colombo, by performing one of their numbers, "You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)." However, their good fortune quickly turns dark when they unwittingly witness Spats and his henchmen execute Toothpick Charlie, a former associate turned informant. Realizing they are in grave danger, Joe and Jerry devise a bold plan to escape. They disguise themselves as women, adopting the personas of Josephine and Daphne, and secure a place in Sweet Sue's Society Syncopators. This all-female jazz band is scheduled to travel to San Diego. With train tickets in hand and a whirlwind of chaos behind them, they set off on an unexpected journey that promises both adventure and the challenge of maintaining their ruse. There are noticeable differences in the musical adaptation compared to the original play. Joe and Jerry both develop an intense infatuation with Sugar, leading to a spirited rivalry as they vie for her attention and affection. In contrast, the play focuses solely on Joe's obsession with Sugar, creating a different dynamic between the characters. The play provides a more prominent musical aspect compared to the film, which relies heavily on its comedic dialogue and visual gags. There is a live band. However, they are not playing music. Joe and Jerry head to Miami in the film, but San Diego in the musical. The musical introduces Jerry's celebration of life, which embraces feeling more comfortable as Daphne, with Kordell's outstanding performance singing "You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather." The film has Daphne accepting Osgood's proposal for marriage, anticipating a divorce and cash settlement when his secret is out, and in the musical, Daphne marries Osgood, who knows Daphne is a man. Still, one of the memorable lines came from Osgood, 'The world reacts to what it sees, and in my experience, the world doesn't have very good eyesight.'
Composed by Marc Shaiman and his longtime lyrical collaborator, Scott Wittman, the musical adaptation of Some Like It Hot spans two hours and thirty minutes, including an intermission, and is divided into two acts featuring 18 vibrant songs. The production brings a refreshing energy, showcasing music and singing talent. However, as my friend Don Smith pointed out, while the songs are enjoyable, they don't significantly advance the main storyline. Matt Loehr, portraying Joe/Josephine, and Tavis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne, deliver remarkable performances that truly shine on stage. However, the overall production feels prolonged, with certain narratives failing to enhance the central storyline effectively. Additionally, the musical misses a significant opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of Tarra Conner Jones, who captivated audiences in her recent off-Broadway debut in "Strange Loop." Despite her extraordinary vocal ability, Jones is not given a single featured song in this production, which is a tragic oversight considering her phenomenal voice. Among the standouts were Leandra Ellis-Gaston, the character of Sugar, and Devon Goffman as Spats. Equally captivating was Edward Juvier, whose portrayal of Osgood was nothing short of enchanting. His charming number, "Fly, Mariposa, Fly," resonated with warmth and emotion, leaving the audience utterly mesmerized. The musical has sensational tap-dance numbers that invigorate the play. One of its highlights is a classic chase scene with actors dashing through and opening doors while effortlessly executing wardrobe changes. Some Like It Hot is dazzling with its vibrant performances and entertaining musical numbers. The combination of humor, music, and spirited characters makes for a charming show.
Lastly, I can't stress enough how crucial it is for Chicago's Broadway theater scene to invest in significant upgrades to its acoustics. If we truly aspire to compete with the level found on Broadway in New York, we must ensure that our theaters deliver superior sound quality. This enhancement is vital for performers and audiences, as excellent acoustics can significantly enhance the theatrical experience. These improvements are necessary to avoid falling behind in attracting top-tier productions and audiences who seek the best in live theater. Chicago is one of the premier stops for touring companies; however, simple acoustic upgrades at BIC theaters would make a difference. Ensuring top-notch sound quality is essential for both performers and audiences, enhancing the overall theatrical experience. This improvement is crucial for attracting top-tier productions and audiences eager for the best in live theater.
⭐⭐⭐
Cadillac Theater
Some Like It Hot
Book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Whittman and Marc Shaiman
Directed and Choreographed by Casy Nicholaw
Oct 22 - Nov 3, 2024
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