Matthew Murphy
Some Like It Hot is a 2022 musical from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman collaborating with Matthew López and Amber Ruffin for the script. The show is based on the 1959 Some Like It Hot movie — a fantastic movie that has one of the best ending lines of all time. The story is about two jazz musicians — chaotic, somewhat irresponsible Joe (Matt Loehr) and his childhood friend, the more serious Jerry (Tavis Kordell) — and how they end up witnessing a mob hit and fleeing while dressed in drag. Along the way they wind up working for Sweet Sue (Tarra Conner Jones) and meet the star singer Sugar (Leandra Ellis-Gaston) — once on the coast, they also run into hotel owner and very rich, eccentric Osgood (Edward Juvier). Hijinks and romance ensue.
This is essentially the plot of the movie and the show, but the musical takes the basic premise and tweaks it in a bunch of modern ways. There is a more explicit trans-narrative about embracing gender identity, and a far more light touch on sexuality. The show also intentionally race swaps multiple characters — Jerry, Sue, and Sugar are all played by black actors and are meant to be black in the context of the story, and the story adjusts in many little ways to reflect this specific perspective (not really present in the all-white version of the movie).
Matthew Murphy
For severe purists that hate change, I guess just rewatch the movie (or the original French 1935 movie it was based on), but I think this reimagining works really well with the same spirit and modern sensibilities. I don’t think the same storyline would really play as well now, even if it’s meant to take place during the Prohibition era.
Our leads are all winning performers — Matt Loehr has impeccable comic timing, and Tavis Kordell shows off impressive range as they embrace their discovered identity — both are also great at coordinating dancing together, in a sort of classic hoofer style with the rest of the killer ensemble. Tara Conner Jones is also a very funny performer with a booming voice, and Leandra Ellis-Gaston gives a charismatic, nuanced take on the character that was originally portrayed by Marilyn Monroe. Edward Juvier brings a joyful, sympathetic presence to potentially one of the more tricky characters to portray.
Matthew Murphy
Supporting them is a talented cast of side characters and players — Jamie LaVerdiere as classic FBI Agent Mulligan who’s pursuing classic mobster Spats Columbo played by Devon Goffman, memorable in their brief moments, and a highly impressive supporting ensemble, who sing, dance, quick change outfits, and rearrange the set in fast, dynamic, engaging ways. It’s a great usage of the limited space to really give a sense of the story, and the cast work well together.
It’s a modern show with a throwback feel — both in movement and sound, and it’s a great way to combine both old school and new school in a great, consistently funny tale. Definitely a great one to watch if you’re a fan of the old one, or even if you thought it was alright but maybe could use a little upgrade.
Some Like It Hot runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes with one intermission. Some Like It Hot is recommended for ages 12 and up.
Some Like It Hot runs through December 7 at Washington DC’s National Theatre. Other cities on the schedule include West Palm Beach, Boston, Dallas, Nashville and more. Visit the official website for more information. Use our Ticketmaster link to purchase tickets.
Some Like It Hot – North American Tour 2025
Some Like It Hot Musical
Check our Ticketmaster link for ticket availability.
