Review: ‘Some Like It Hot’ burns up the Hollywood Pantages stage
- Anita W. Harris
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Based on the 1959 MGM film of the same name, but with some crucial plot adjustments that bring out its latent possibilities, the 2022 Broadway musical “Some Like It Hot” now on tour is a thrilling production. Continuing at the Hollywood Pantages through Aug. 17, the musical explodes with high-energy song and dance by talented actors precisely directed, telling a story with enough twists and turns to keep everyone on their toes.
Both the film and musical are set during Prohibition, though the musical — its book by Matthew López (“The Inheritance”) and comedian Amber Ruffin — is set a few years later in 1933. Two male musicians performing in a Chicago speakeasy are wanted dead by a mob boss for witnessing a gang hit and flee the city disguised as women on tour with an all-female band.
While the ruse miraculously and hilariously works, complications ensue when Joe develops feelings for the lead singer and Jerry is romantically pursued by a wealthy and persistent man.
All the actors respond energetically to Casey Nicholaw’s meticulous direction and lively choreography, seeming to hit every note, beat and mark. Dialogue and lyrics are delivered crisply and cleanly by the entire cast, with excellent comic timing for the frequent jokes. The musical thus becomes a vivacious celebration that the audience can’t help but be swept up in.
Perhaps the only miscalculation is the high wattage opening number “What Are You Thirsty For?” featuring bandleader Sweet Sue (a formidably voiced Tarra Conner Jones) which bursts on the stage like fireworks instead of building the audience up to its level of extravaganza.
But that opening certainly sets a spirited tone that the rest of the show follows through on with animated orchestral music (by Marc Shaiman), evocative songs (lyrics by Scott Whitman and Shaiman), dynamic lighting (by Natasha Katz) and sets (scenic design by Scott Pask), and sparkly period costumes (Gregg Barnes).
Joe (Matt Loehr) and Jerry (Tavis Kordell) are a tight musical pair on sax and bass, whether as their male selves or feminine alter egos, Josephine and Daphne. Their plan is to travel with the female Society Syncopators by train to California, performing with them at various stops along the way before escaping to Mexico once they reach San Diego.
Despite their height and other differences, Josephine and Daphne blend right in with the other women, though with frequent gags about Josephine’s seemingly advanced age, which Loehr handles like a comic pro. Meanwhile, Kordell’s graceful strength as Jerry blossoms as the statuesque Daphne.
As the third musketeer in this talented trio, Leandra Ellis-Gaston infuses lead singer Sugar Kane with a coquettish charm, not least because of the slight drawl she adds to her enunciated deliveries and despite nips from the flask tucked in her garter. Joe dressed as Josephine is drawn to Sugar like a fly to honey, creating funny situations but eventually culminating in a real need for Joe to decide whether or not come clean and reveal his true self (“He Lied When He Said Hello”).
Meanwhile, Daphne has caught the eye of uber-rich Osgood Fielding III, owner of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego. Edward Juvier threatens to steal the show as the enthusiastic “Poor Little Millionaire” who has all the money in the world but no one to share it with — maybe until now.
And this is where the musical goes a step further than the film with Osgood revealing his Mexican connection and caterpillar-to-butterfly story (“Fly, Mariposa, Fly”), leading Jerry to confess to Joe that he may actually like being Daphne (“You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather”).
Both are lovely and revelatory moments, each character’s vulnerability clearly touching the audience based on the response opening night. Adding such depth to the story makes it worth seeing on its own terms, even if you know the film.
Talent, glitz, music, verve — “Some Like It Hot” has all this and more, just the kind of musical Broadway was made for, not only uplifting spirits but inspiring genuine feelings about true love and being true to yourself.
“Some Like It Hot” continues through Aug. 17 at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, with shows Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $49 and can be purchased by calling the box office at (866) 755-2929 or visiting BroadwayinHollywood.com. Run time is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission.
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