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Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham Some Like It Hot
Set in 1933 Chicago at the tail end of Prohibition, Some Like It Hot follows struggling musicians Joe and Jerry (the talented Matt Loehr and Tavis Kordell), who inadvertently witness a mob hit by gangster Spats Colombo (Devon Goffman). To escape, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female band led by Sweet Sue (a wonderful Tarra Conner Jones) heading west on tour. As "Josephine" and "Daphne," they meet the charming singer Sugar Kane (the amazing Leandra Ellis-Gaston), whom Joe quickly falls for. While Joe wrestles with maintaining his disguise, Jerry begins to embrace life as Daphne, especially when eccentric millionaire Osgood Fielding III (a hilarious Howard Juvier) and owner of the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego where they will be performing, becomes smitten with Daphne. Soon, romance, mistaken identities, and a final showdown with the mob spiral into classic farcical chaos. Bookwriters Matthew López and Amber Ruffin have changed the story significantly to reflect more modern-day feelings about men in drag, the sexualization of women, and the mockery of homosexuality. In doing so, it has made a classic film into a more digestible form of entertainment for many. Composer and lyricists Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Tony winners for the hugely popular Hairspray) have created another literal toe-tapper of a show. Broadway veteran Casey Nicholaw not only directs, but is the Tony-winning choreographer. Just watching the dancers move about so quickly and freely can make one's heart start to race. Joe and Jerry's tap dance of "You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)" is a great example of song put to dance, and "Tip-Tap Trouble" in Act II (a number involving various doors) is a triumph. Scenic design by Scott Pask is minimal yet beautiful in execution, with Natasha Katz' lighting a standout. Gregg Barnes provides his Tony-winning costumes as well. As Jerry/Daphne, Tavis Kordell is a wonder. North Carolinians will be proud of their native child, helming from Raeford. Their 11'oclock number, "You Could've Knocked Me Over with a Feather" is a definite crowd pleaser. And Howard Juvier's Osgood Fielding III is riotous, performing one of this reviewer's favorite musical numbers of the show, "Poor Little Millionaire." For those that may think this musical may be outdated, I assure you this version is one for the 21st century. If you are looking for good old-fashioned musical comedy with a modern twist, Some Like It Hot, serves it up just right; Hot! Some Like It Hot, is presented at the Durham Performing Arts Center, 123 Vivian St. Durham, NC 27701 through June 22. Tickets can be purchased online at www.dpacnc.com, www.ticketmaster.com, or the Ticket Center at DPAC in person or by phone at 919-680-2787. Composer and Co-Lyricist: Marc Shaiman Cast: |
