Detroit — The four-time Tony Award winning musical “Some Like it Hot” is now playing at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit until October 13. It is based on the Billy Wilder movie starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon.
Set in Chicago in the 1920’s when Prohibition was in full swing, two musicians witness a mob murder and decided to flee the Windy City to get away from the mobsters. One man is a womanizing saxaphone player (Joe) played by Matt Loehr and the other is his friend (Jerry) played by Tavis Kordell who is a bass player. As they try to flee, they figure out a plan to join an all-girl jazz band, Sweet Sue and her Society Syncopaters. Joe and Jerry become Josephine and Daphne. Eventually they plan to head to Mexico to be free.
As the men and/or women board the train across the country to San Diego, the cast sings “California Bound.” They realize the mobsters are hot on their tail. The band’s beautiful singer Sugar, played by Leandra Ellis-Gaston was Marilyn Monroe in the movie. I can picture Marilyn in the role. Sugar is dressed in sparkles and sings with a beautiful voice. She eventually makes friends with Daphne (Joe).
On the other hand, a Mexican-American millionaire named Osgood (Edward Juvier) has the hots for Daphne. So the girls had a free night and they go down to Mexico to his club and dance the night away. Osgood starts to fall for Daphne, and a stunning revelation happens. As they say “What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico” or is that Vegas.
The set changes were absolutely magnificent, especially the club in Mexico. The lighting design was also great. The costumes reflect the 1920’s and 30’s, and were superb. The choreography was impeccable as there was lots of dancing thought the musical. There were loud sound effects and theatrical haze during the performance.
Some Like it Hot was excellent and I would definitely recommend it. It was very entertaining. Now I have GOT to see the movie. I’m sure Marilyn Monroe was very good in it.
Tickets for Some Like it Hot at the Fisher Theater, located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., in Detroit start at $35 (includes parking & facility fee).
Performance times are:
- Tuesday through Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Sunday matinees at 1:00 p.m.
- Sunday evening performances at 6:30 p.m.
For tickets and more info, go to: https://www.broadwayindetroit.com/events/some-like-it-hot/