SOME LIKE IT HOT DAZZLES AUDIENCES AT THE BUSHNELL THROUGH MAY 4
By Kiersten Bjork (May 1, 2025)
The national tour of Some Like It Hot, currently playing at Hartford’s Bushnell Performing Arts Center through May 4, is a vibrant, dazzling production that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along in your seat from start to finish. With a book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, Some Like It Hot is based on the MGM film of the same name. The production is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw with support from associate director Steve Bebout and associate choreographer John Macinnis. Mark Binns serves as music director with Kristy Norter as music coordinator. It’s an incredibly dynamic show, with the action practically never stopping. Some of the best moments include the intricate choreography, particularly the precisely timed tap-dancing chase sequence at the culmination of the show. Some Like It Hot features music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Darryl Archibald, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, vocal arrangements by Shaiman, dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly, and additional material by Christian Borle and Joe Farrell.
The national tour of Some Like It Hot, currently playing at Hartford’s Bushnell Performing Arts Center through May 4, is a vibrant, dazzling production that will have you tapping your feet and dancing along in your seat from start to finish. With a book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, Some Like It Hot is based on the MGM film of the same name. The production is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw with support from associate director Steve Bebout and associate choreographer John Macinnis. Mark Binns serves as music director with Kristy Norter as music coordinator. It’s an incredibly dynamic show, with the action practically never stopping. Some of the best moments include the intricate choreography, particularly the precisely timed tap-dancing chase sequence at the culmination of the show. Some Like It Hot features music supervision by Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Darryl Archibald, orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter, vocal arrangements by Shaiman, dance and incidental music arrangements by Glen Kelly, and additional material by Christian Borle and Joe Farrell.
Tarra Conner Jones (Sweet Sue) and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Tavis Kordell (Jerry) and Matt Loehr (Joe) in the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Some Like It Hot follows Joe and Jerry, two musicians who witness a gang murder and find themselves on the run from the mobsters intent on putting an end to the two witnesses to their crime. With their only option a speedy getaway, Joe and Jerry disguise themselves as women, Josephine and Daphne, to join Sweet Sue’s all-female band, the Society Syncopators, who are about to leave town on a concert tour to California. Along the way, Joe and Jerry learn more about themselves – who they are and what they want in life – and realize that their original plan to escape to Mexico the second they reach California, thus leaving the band in the lurch, is no longer what they want. Will the mobsters catch up to the dancing tip-tap-twins, or will the law get to them first? Can they successfully fool everyone around them until they reach California? When they each begin to fall in love, what happens to their escape plan? With a delightful score, clever book, and strong company, Some Like It Hot is a jazzy, upbeat, dance-filled show that you won’t want to miss.
Matt Loehr (Joe), Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar), Tavis Kordell (Jerry), and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Edward Juvier (Osgood) and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Leading the charge as Joe/Josephine and Jerry/Daphne are Matt Loehr and Tavis Kordell. The star-power emitting from these two is palpable as they sing, tap, and charm their way through this humorous romp of a musical. Joe is ever the ladies-man, and Loehr has excellent comedic timing on each of the asides and commentary that Joe contributes. His performance is packed with energy and has a buoyancy to it that will have you smiling from his very first introduction. Jerry balances the over-the-top exuberance of Joe, and Kordell brings a grounded and witty presence to their role. Their rendition of “You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather” is absolutely stunning. Theirs is perhaps one of my favorite performances of the whole production. Both performers do an excellent job of taking us on a journey with them, bringing a full, layered rendition of their characters to the stage that has us rooting for them both through the final curtain.
Tarra Conner Jones opens the show with a bang as Sweet Sue, dropping us immediately into the story with a powerhouse performance of “What Are You Thirsty For?” that sets the tone for a very strong showing throughout the night. Jones makes great physical and vocal choices, incorporating fantastic moments of character work that clearly delighted the audience. She also has great comedic timing and commands the stage each time she enters. At her side is Devon Hadsell as Minnie, who helps to keep the band in line. Hadsell is charismatic and funny, lending her comedic chops to the show in spades.
Leandra Ellis-Gaston shines as the Society Syncopators’ lead singer, Sugar Cane. She has no trouble taking the lead as the frontwoman for the group and holds her own against the soaring sound of the orchestra with an impressive voice. Her renditions of “At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee” and “Ride Out the Storm” are breathtaking and are a true testament to her abilities as a storyteller.
Tarra Conner Jones opens the show with a bang as Sweet Sue, dropping us immediately into the story with a powerhouse performance of “What Are You Thirsty For?” that sets the tone for a very strong showing throughout the night. Jones makes great physical and vocal choices, incorporating fantastic moments of character work that clearly delighted the audience. She also has great comedic timing and commands the stage each time she enters. At her side is Devon Hadsell as Minnie, who helps to keep the band in line. Hadsell is charismatic and funny, lending her comedic chops to the show in spades.
Leandra Ellis-Gaston shines as the Society Syncopators’ lead singer, Sugar Cane. She has no trouble taking the lead as the frontwoman for the group and holds her own against the soaring sound of the orchestra with an impressive voice. Her renditions of “At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee” and “Ride Out the Storm” are breathtaking and are a true testament to her abilities as a storyteller.
The First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Tommy Sutter (Ensemble), Jay Owens (Ensemble), Jamie LaVerdiere (Mulligan), and Devon Goffman (Spats) in the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Edward Juvier is downright adorable as “poor little millionaire” Osgood Fielding III. Endearing and sweet from his very first entrance till the end, Juvier excels as the happy-go-lucky Osgood, flitting about the stage with a pleasant positivity that culminates in his affections for Daphne. Juvier is fun to watch in this track, topping it off with a beautiful performance of “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” that touches your heart.
At the head of the mobsters is Devin Goffman as Spats, who brings an imposing presence to the intimidating character. He’s got the gruffness and swagger necessary for the role and delivers some great one-liners throughout the show. Backing him up are Tommy Sutter and Jay Owens as Mack and Sonny, and Michael Skrzek gets a brief moment in the spotlight as the short-lived Toothpick Charlie. Skrzek is also featured as the Bar Manager. Opposite the gangsters is Jamie Laverdiere as Mulligan, the officer out to put them all behind bars. Laverdiere gives a solid performance as the clever cop and also has some funny quips.
Rounding out the company are Darien Crago (Nellie), Nissi Shalome (Dolores), Ashley Marie Arnold (Ginger), Emily Kelly (Vivian), Stephen Michael Langton (Man with Suitcase), Kelly Berman, Briana Kim, Ranease Ryann, Drew Franklin, and Devin Holloway. Ayla Allen, Austin Dunn, Tim Fuchs (dance captain), Rachael Britton Hart (assistant dance captain), and Bryan Thomas Hunt serve as swings on the production, with Ian Campayno and Adena Ershow credited as vacation swings.
At the head of the mobsters is Devin Goffman as Spats, who brings an imposing presence to the intimidating character. He’s got the gruffness and swagger necessary for the role and delivers some great one-liners throughout the show. Backing him up are Tommy Sutter and Jay Owens as Mack and Sonny, and Michael Skrzek gets a brief moment in the spotlight as the short-lived Toothpick Charlie. Skrzek is also featured as the Bar Manager. Opposite the gangsters is Jamie Laverdiere as Mulligan, the officer out to put them all behind bars. Laverdiere gives a solid performance as the clever cop and also has some funny quips.
Rounding out the company are Darien Crago (Nellie), Nissi Shalome (Dolores), Ashley Marie Arnold (Ginger), Emily Kelly (Vivian), Stephen Michael Langton (Man with Suitcase), Kelly Berman, Briana Kim, Ranease Ryann, Drew Franklin, and Devin Holloway. Ayla Allen, Austin Dunn, Tim Fuchs (dance captain), Rachael Britton Hart (assistant dance captain), and Bryan Thomas Hunt serve as swings on the production, with Ian Campayno and Adena Ershow credited as vacation swings.
Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar) and the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar) and Matt Loehr (Joe) in the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Scenic design by Scott Pask creates an interesting world for the show to live within. Geometric patterns and lines appear frequently in the panels and drops that fill the upstage wall, giving the show a crisp feel. Lighting designer Natasha Katz builds upon Pask’s work nicely, highlighting particular moments with pops of color or intentional shadow. The overall production is full of color, and the scenic, lighting, and costume elements play off of each other well to create a dazzling technicolor world.
Sound design by Brian Ronan is strong. Any production with a score of this scale requires a very good balance and the team is successful in mixing the orchestra and vocals while also amplifying the tap dancing and adding that into the mix.
Costumes by designer Gregg Barnes are beautiful. There are so many great colors, patterns, and textures used throughout the show, and the looks truly pop off the stage. I particularly loved Daphne’s red dress and final white dress look, as well as Sugar’s various looks and the collective blue suit ensembles for the Society Syncopators. Hair design by Josh Marquette and makeup design by Milagros Medina-Cerdeira are also excellent, with a range of looks utilized throughout the show to bring out the characters to their fullest potential.
Sound design by Brian Ronan is strong. Any production with a score of this scale requires a very good balance and the team is successful in mixing the orchestra and vocals while also amplifying the tap dancing and adding that into the mix.
Costumes by designer Gregg Barnes are beautiful. There are so many great colors, patterns, and textures used throughout the show, and the looks truly pop off the stage. I particularly loved Daphne’s red dress and final white dress look, as well as Sugar’s various looks and the collective blue suit ensembles for the Society Syncopators. Hair design by Josh Marquette and makeup design by Milagros Medina-Cerdeira are also excellent, with a range of looks utilized throughout the show to bring out the characters to their fullest potential.
Devon Hadsell (Minnie) in the First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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The First National Touring Company of Some Like It Hot (Matthew Murphy)
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Some Like It Hot truly is hot! It’s a fast-paced, toe-tapping musical masterpiece that tells a story that is full of heart. You will walk away humming the catchy tunes and wanting to return to the theatre to enjoy this big, boisterous Broadway musical again and again. Catch Some Like It Hot while it’s playing at the Bushnell now through May 4, or enjoy the production at one of their later tour stops, which can be found at somelikeithotmusical.com.
Some Like It Hot plays April 29-May 4, 2025, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/some-like-it-hot or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Some Like It Hot plays April 29-May 4, 2025, at The Bushnell in Hartford, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at bushnell.org/shows-concerts/some-like-it-hot or by calling the Box Office at (860) 987-5900.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.