Review Some Like It Hot

Review by Judd Angel-I had the great pleasure of seeing Casey Nicholaw’s dazzling musical comedy Some Like It Hot at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. I was thrilled to experience it. Afterward, I promptly told all my theatre friends it was “live theatre entertainment at its finest.” I was eagerly anticipating the modern interpretation’s treatment of the iconic love stories. I wasn’t disappointed. The score was sensational, the dancing utterly glorious, and the joy contagious from curtain to curtain.

I have been a longtime fan of the original 1959 black-and-white film. It was directed by Billy Wilder and starred Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis. I had a few questions going in. Chief among them: how would this new stage production handle the cross-dressing, a seminal and delicate aspect of the plot? The answer: brilliantly. The updated take brought me to joyful tears.

For context, IMDb gives the original film this rather bare-bones description:
“Two male musicians witness a mob hit. They flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women. Further complications set in.” Vague for such a beloved classic!

The musical adaptation takes that premise and turns it into something truly electric. The show features music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. The book is by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin. It debuted on Broadway in December 2022 at the Shubert Theatre. Set in the Roaring Twenties, we follow Joe and Jerry. They are two talented musicians. They find themselves out of work after a raid on a Chicago speakeasy. Enter mob boss Spats Colombo, and the plot kicks into full gear. From that moment, I was hooked—and you will be too.

The tour’s lead actors elevate this production. They deliver standout performances full of charm, wit, and emotional depth. Their comedic timing and musical chemistry are impeccable, and the bond between them is palpable. You believe in their friendship, their schemes, and ultimately, their growth. The role of Sugar Kane—iconically portrayed by Marilyn Monroe—is reimagined with a refreshing blend of vulnerability and power. Leandra Ellis-Gaston brings Sugar Kane to life with undeniable stage presence and a knockout voice.

Visually, the show is a feast. The set design beautifully captures the essence of the 1920s. It ranges from smoky speakeasies to glitzy train cars and Art Deco hotel interiors. Each transition is seamless and cinematic. The costume design, which earned one of the show’s Tony Awards, is a glittering triumph—equal parts period-exact and stage-spectacular. The gowns, suits, and cleverly gender-bending outfits all contribute to the show’s identity and delight the eye at every turn.

Now on its North American tour, Some Like It Hot continues to shine with high-energy performances. The choreography is unforgettable, and the storytelling is heartfelt. It’s no surprise the production took home multiple Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes.

If you love musical theatre, this is a must-see. With limited runs in each city and soaring popularity, I highly recommend buying your tickets now. Trust me—you’ll thank me later.

Judd Angel-https://www.linkedin.com/in/judd-angel-esq-90684912

SOME LIKE IT HOT will be at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. This is for a limited three-week engagement, from July 29 to August 17, 2025. Tickets are now available for buying in Los Angeles at www.BroadwayInHollywood.com or www.Ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.

Full list of cities can be found at https://somelikeithotmusical.com/tickets

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