In a moment of pure spontaneity, my plan to see Broadway in Tucson’s latest production “Some Like It Hot” came to life. With no expectations beyond a nostalgic reminiscence of the 1959 film starring Marilyn Monroe, I found myself immersed in a spectacle that didn’t just honor its source material, it transcended it. This was not a mere adaptation. It was a reinvention, a show bursting with the glitz of old Hollywood yet electrified by the pulse of modern Broadway.
From the opening number, it was undeniable: “Some Like It Hot” commands attention. At its core, the musical tells the story of two musicians that must flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit, disguising themselves as women and joining an all-female band to escape danger.
High-energy tap sequences explode across the stage, a brassy jazz score fills the theater and a dazzling set transports the audience straight into the heart of the Roaring Twenties. The production is lavish yet purposeful, a seamless fusion of nostalgia and innovation.
The magic of this show lies in its trio of leads. Matt Loehr’s Joe is effortlessly charismatic and captivating, balancing swagger with sincerity. Tavis Kordell delivers a show-stealing performance as Jerry; his comedic timing is razor-sharp, his presence utterly magnetic. Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar Kane was an absolute revelation. While Marilyn Monroe’s portrayal remains legendary, Ellis-Gaston makes the role entirely her own, imbuing Sugar with depth, humor and an unstoppable vocal brilliance that commands the stage. Their chemistry is electric their performances layered, striking the perfect balance between slapstick comedy and heartfelt emotion.
The score, composed by the legendary Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, is nothing short of spectacular. It marries the charm of classic Broadway with a fresh, dynamic vibrancy, each number a powerhouse in its own right. But the show’s most breathtaking moments belong to its intricate tap choreography, a thrilling homage to the golden age of musical theater, yet bursting with an energy that feels entirely new. Every step, every rhythm, every movement fuels the momentum, making it impossible to look away.
Yet, beyond the spectacle, what truly elevates “Some Like It Hot” is its heart. This isn’t just a retelling, it’s a bold reimagining, reshaping its story with a modern lens that embraces themes of identity, love and self-discovery. The show dares to go deeper and explore its characters with greater nuance, making the humor richer and the emotional beats more profound. The show understands its roots but refuses to be confined by them.
By the time the curtain fell and the cast took their final bows, the audience was on its feet, swept away by the sheer magic of it all. “Some Like It Hot” is more than a Broadway spectacle, it’s a celebration of transformation, of reinvention, of embracing who you are, both onstage and beyond. What began as a spontaneous decision became an unforgettable night, proving that sometimes, the best surprises are the ones we never see coming.
The show runs Feb. 18- Feb. 23 at Centennial Hall and tickets are available at Broadway In Tucson.
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Valeria Nalani is a student at the University of Arizona studying Business Management.
