Presented by Ensemble Arts and the Shubert Organization,the four-time Tony winner(obviously one of them was for choreography)is here in Philly through June 1st.The show is based on the groundbreaking 1959 movie featuring Marilyn Monroe,Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon,which is considered to be the “Funniest American Movie of All Time” by the American Film Institute.The plot translates well on stage as chaos ensues,mishaps are aplenty,and it’s just a joy to watch with gorgeous costumes,tap dancing,and even some gangters.The makings of a perfect Broadway show if you ask me.
Set in Chicago during prohibition,two musicians witness a mob hit and need to flea the city!The only want out is by dressing as women and joining an all-girl band as they make their way to California via train.Saxophonist Joe and bass player Jerry grew up together,have each other’s backs(eh mostly),and don’t think twice about transforming into “Josephine” and “Daphne” with plans to cross the border and escape to Mexico.But of course,things don’t go as planned.Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine and Tavis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne nail comedic timing and dance moves.The only time you’ll want to peel your eyes from them are when the two vocal powerhouses Sugar Kane(Leandra Ellis-Gaston)and Sweet Sue(Tarra Conner Jones)show off what they can do!
The musical is stunning and maintains the classic charm of the original film.With a book by Matthew López(The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show),music by Marc Shaiman,lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman(Hairspray), and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), Some Like It Hot highlights themes that were relevant back then and still are today- identity, gender fluidity, racism and segregation. Some Like It Hot is a great escape to the theatre,but it’s also a reminder that so many conversations are still far from over.
I loved this show and I hope you do too.Visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org to purchase tickets or contact Telecharge at 800-543-4835.The show is here until June 1st.
