Broadway in Chicago presents SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Two men witness a murder at a Chicago speakeasy. To escape the mob, they hop a train to San Diego and join an all-girl band. The 1959 classic comedy starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe has been resurrected and modernized. The original gag of men in drag is given a subtle yet significant makeover by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin (book). And the creative team of Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics) provide a score bursting with tap dancing merriment mingled with searing ballads. SOME LIKE IT HOT is a warm-hearted, fun-loving, friendship story. Sure, there is love and romance yet the essences of this tale belongs to two guys!
Matt Loehr (Joe/Josephine) and Tavis Kordell (Jerry/Daphne) establish an unshakeable and endearing bond early in the show with the number “You Can’t Have Me (If You Don’t Have Him)”. Their harmonies and footwork dazzle as they explain their commitment to each other. The fast-talking Loehr is hilarious. He cajoles his way into a show, onto a train and into the heart of Sugar (played by the irresistible Leandra Ellis-Gaston). Loehr continually showcases comedic timing perfection. In an ongoing schtick, Sweet Sue (played by the commanding Tarra Conner Jones) pokes fun of Loehr’s age. His deadpan reaction is riotous. He and Kordell bring the high-energy humor in their zany antics.
Kordell is also transfixing! At 6’2 plus high heels, Kordell – especially as Daphne- captivates with an elegant presence that demands people take notice. Osgood (played by the endearing Edward Juvier) is quickly smitten as is the audience. Kordell is the ‘It Girl.’ She particularly wows in the steamy “Let’s Be Bad.” The leggy Kordell, dressed in a gorgeous red hot number by Costume Designer Gregg Barnes, dazzles with a fan and nonstop pizzazz!!
This show is in one word – HOT! Director and Choreographer Casey Nicholaw has his foot on the accelerator driving this nonstop humorous, glamorous escapade. His crackerjack ensemble tirelessly entertain dressed in Barnes’ sumptuous art deco flair. In a pivotal chase scene, Nicholaw masterfully combines dancing and revolving doors to produce madcap magic. This show is the fun you’ve been missing in your life.
SOME LIKE IT HOT sparkles as a spectacle! In 2023, it won 4 Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes and the Grammy Award® for Best Musical. Now, the touring company returns to the scene-of-the-crime for a two week run in Chicago. This ticket is HOT! Jump onboard before this train leaves the station.
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes with an intermission
At Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Based on the 1935 French Film “Fanfare of Love” and later the 1959 MGM/US feature film “Some Like It Hot” by Billy Wilder
Book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Directed and choreography by Casey Nicholaw
Performances are:
Wednesdays at 1pm and 7pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm
Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 6:30pm and 1pm
Thru November 3
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