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Regional Reviews: Washington, D.C. Some Like It Hot Also see Susan's reviews of The Score and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom
This musical adaptation of Billy Wilder's famous 1959 film comedy, with a book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, takes a classic work and considers it from an angle that would not have been possible in the era when the movie was made. At that time, the idea of two men in the 1930s assuming female personas as a strategy to hide from murderous gangsters was primarily played for farce. Lopez and Ruffin have widened the focus, making the discovery and affirmation of personal identity an overriding theme–but the laughs and joy are still there as well. Director Jason Loewith, also Olney's artistic director, has a strong overall vision for the show and everything he does is in service to that vision. Unlike the movie, Jerry (Tavis Kordell), later Daphne, and yearning band singer Sugar Kane (Montria Walker) are now Black, as is bandleader Sweet Sue (Ashleigh King). The backstory is that Joe (Jacob Tischler), later Josephine, who is white, was raised by Jerry's family and they consider themselves brothers. Later on, the dual identity theme continues with the introduction of millionaire Osgood Fielding III (Edward Juvier), who as it happens is the son of a wealthy American and a Mexican woman whose family runs a taqueria. In other words, there are all sorts of ways people can pass in society. The rapport between Daphne and Osgood in this production is sweet and genuinely charming, which may stem from the fact that Kordell and Juvier appeared opposite each other in the show's recent national tour, earning them both Helen Hayes Award nominations. (The Olney production is the first since Broadway and the tour.) Tischler shines as he takes on an additional personality to pursue Walker, an ambitious Sugar who hopes for the best but is used to getting the worst. Greg Twomey earns his laughs as a mobster who can't quite figure out who he's supposed to rub out. Scenic designer Ryan Douglass has created a clever and eye-filling environment, with settings ranging from hotel rooms and lobbies to the stage where the band performs, all enhanced by Colin K. Bills' expansive lighting design. Frank Labovitz's costumes honor the era while also pleasing the eye with vivid color and texture. Conductor Christopher Youstra and his nine musicians keep things hopping as the setting shifts from Chicago to San Diego and Tijuana. Choreographer Karla Puno Garcia keeps the energy levels high with sharp dances for both individual couples and the ensemble. The entire physical production looks great with Colin K. Bills' lighting design and imaginative, animated projections created by Alaska House Design. Some Like It Hot runs through November 8, 2026, in at Olney Theatre Center, Bernard Family Theatre, 2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney MD. For tickets and information, please call 301-924-3400 or visit www.olneytheatre.org. Book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin Cast: |
