METRMAG Spotlight On: Worcester native Michael Skrzek of "Some Like It Hot" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (Providence, R.I.)
(Cover Photo: MICHAEL SKRZEK of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island from April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025. Photo courtesy of michaelskrzek.com)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
METRMAG Spotlight On: Worcester native Michael Skrzek of "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center"
Providence Performing Arts Center
Presents the National Tour of the Hit Broadway Musical
"SOME LIKE IT HOT"
Limited Engagement!
Book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman
Director and Choreographer Casey Nicholaw
Music Director Mark Binns
Cast Includes: Matt Loehr as “Joe/Josephine,” Tavis Kordell as “Jerry/Daphne,” Leandra Ellis-Gaston as “Sugar,” Edward Juvier as “Osgood,” Tarra Conner Jones as “Sweet Sue,” Jamie LaVerdiere as “Mulligan,” Devon Goffman as “Spats,” Devon Hadsell as “Minnie,” Ashley Marie Arnold as “Ensemble, u/s Sweet Sue,” Darien Crago as “Ensemble, u/s Minnie,” Drew Franklin as “Ensemble, u/s Osgood,” Tim Fuchs as “Swing/Dance Captain,” Rachael Britton Hart as “Swing/Asst. Dance Captain, u/s Minnie,” Devin Holloway as “Ensemble, u/s Jerry/Daphne,” Bryan Thomas Hunt as “Swing, u/s Joe/Josephine,” Stephen Michael Langton as “Ensemble, u/s Osgood,” Jay Owens as “Ensemble, u/s Jerry/Daphne,” Ranease Ryann as “Ensemble, u/s Sugar,” Nissi Shalome as “Ensemble, u/s Sugar, u/s Sweet Sue,” Michael Skrzek as “Ensemble, u/s Joe/Josephine,” Swing: Ayla Allen, Austin Dunn; Ensemble: Kelly Berman, Emily Kelly, Brianna Kim, Tommy Sutter; Vacation Swing : Ian Campayno, Adena Ershow.
Additional Creative Team:
Orchestrations - Bryan Carter, Charlie Rosen; Co-Music Supervisors - Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Darryl Archibald; Scenic Design - Scott Pask; Costume Design - Gregg Barnes; Lighting Design - Natasha Katz; Sound Designer - Brian Ronan; Hair Design - Josh Marquette; Makeup Design - Milagros Cerderira; Additional Material - Christian Borle & Joe Farrell; Dance and Incidental Music Arranger - Glen Kelly; Music Coordinator - Kristy Norter; Associate Director - Steve Bebout; Associate Choreographer - John MacInnis; Production Properties Supervisor - Buist Bickley; Keyboard Programmer - Randy Cohen; Production Supervisor - Karen Moore; Production Management - Juniper Street Productions; Production Stage Manager - Donovan Dolan; Stage Manager - Whitney M. Keeter; Assistant Stage Manager - Jalon Payton; Company Manager - DeAnn L. Boise; General Manager - 101 Productions, Ltd.; Tour Booking Agency - The Booking Group; Tour Marketing and Press - Allied Global Marketing; Social Media - Think Tank; Casting - The Telsey Office.
Performances:
April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
TICKETS:
TICKET PRICES Start at $52.00
For tickets and more information, contact PPAC at # 401-421-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ppacri.org
BUY TICKETS
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
METRMAG Spotlight On: Worcester native Michael Skrzek of "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center"
The national tour of the Broadway smash musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" will dance its way onto the PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PPAC) stage in Providence, Rhode Island.
METRMag chats with MICHAEL SKRZEK who is making his national tour debut as a member of the Ensemble while also understudying the lead role of "Joe/Josephine" on this latest tour.
Born and raised in Worcester, MA., SKRZEK attended Holy Name High School (now St. Paul Diocesan Jr./Sr. High School).
In 2014, SKRZEK's first time playing a part on stage was at Steps Theatre in Bellingham portraying ‘Bill Sykes’ in ‘OLIVER.'"
"Actually, playing ‘Sykes’ in front of an audience was, in a word, affirming of my belief that this was what I wanted to do with my life," SKRZEK says. "I mean, I had been dancing since the age of five - but this was my first acting performance.”
Before landing the "SOME LIKE IT HOT" tour, the New England native worked coast-to-coast, from NYC in the title role of “Tarzan,” to “Will Parker” in “Oklahoma” and “Bert” in “Mary Poppins” (both out in Californiaand has worked shows along the Disney Cruise circuit.
Closer to home, in Rhode Island, some may have seen MICHAEL SKRZEK in the 2019 Matunuck productions of “SINGIN' IN THE RAIN” and “LOVE AND OTHER FABLES” over at Theatre by the Sea.
Next week, at the "SOME LIKE IT HOT" April 22nd and April 23rd performances, local audiences will be entertained as SKRZEK returns to the area, appearing in the role of "Joe/Josephine" (normally portrayed by actor Matt Loehr).
In SKRZEK's home city of Worcester, local audiences might recall his performances as “Charlie” in “ADMISSIONS” and in “FUN HOME” as “Roy, Pete, Bobby and Jeremy” for WCLOC; as “Gabe” in Studio Theatre Worcester’s “NEXT TO NORMAL” and in a number of “CHRISTMAS CAROL” shows at the Hanover Theatre along with “JULIUS CEASAR” and “TWELFTH NIGHT” for THT Rep.
His “TWELFTH NIGHT” experience would figure greatly into his professional development as it was during this period that SKRZEK eventually would get cast in the national tour of "SOME LIKE IT HOT (SLIH)."
“Once I joined Equity, I had access to their casting portal and saw that casting was being done for the tour in 2024,” SKRZEK explains. “I was actually interested in auditioning for Ogunquit Playhouse but when I saw on the tv monitor that the SLIH tour was holding auditions, I went in there."
After singing "Run Away With Me" from "The Mad Ones" SKRZEK later that night received a request to submit for ‘Joe/Josephine’ and says "I was thrilled.”
“I was invited to audition...and just a couple of days later I was at a THT rehearsal for 'TWELFTH NIGHT' when I got the email that I had to go into the city for a dance call,” SKRZEK says. “So, at 10pm, I had to head into NYC for the audition."
SKRZEK was invited back later that week for a final callback while again at a 'TWELFTH NIGHT' rehearsal at THT.
"So, I go back into NYC for my audition - and this time (Tony Award-winning SLIH director) Casey Nicholaw was there” SKRZEK recalls.
“We had to do the tap break for ‘You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)’ and, as we were dancing, I noticed Casey getting red in the face," SKRZEK remembers. "After we finished, he (Nicholaw) came up to the two of us dancing and said, ‘Where did you guys come from?’ and we all laughed and ran the number again. So, it was about then when I began to feel good about my chances.”
After the final callback SKRZEK was again back in Worcester at rehearsal for "TWELFTH NIGHT" when he received word he had been cast for the "SOME LIKE IT HOT" tour.
And now after being on the road, SKRZEK returns once more to New England as the tour hits the PPAC stage in Providence.
(Photo: CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island from April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025. Photo courtesy of tour website)
On his own website, michaelskrzek.com, it states how SKRZEK "grew up on all things Boston Sports and Gene Kelly."
“I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life,” SKRZEK says. “Even though I was a ‘straight A’ student, I was looking for some alternate route - and theatre came calling and it felt natural for me. But honestly it was never on my radar - that is, until I decided it was what I wanted to do.”
So, when SKRZEK made the decision to pursue acting as a profession, how did his family react? Were they supportive?
“They were a little shocked at first because it came out of nowhere,” SKRZEK recalls. “It was outside my trajectory. But, once they saw how much it meant and the opportunities available to me, they quickly became the greatest supporters and have remained so ever since.”
Among job experiences pivotal to confirming his decision to pursue acting as a career, SKRZEK cites landing “the Disney Cruise line job at age 22" as learning that he would actually be able to "make a career out of this."
"I mean doing 'Regional houses' was great, but booking the Disney Cruise job was confirmation that I was worthy of actual paid work.”
As to a specific role that had significant impact, SKRZEK cites stepping in as understudy to the role of “Don Lockwood” in Rhode Island's Theatre by the Sea production of “SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.”
“To hear the audience applaud and react was moment that I realized that yes - I could play a principal character,” SKRZEK says. “Having been able to play that role and get that kind of reaction from an audience, well, it was an indicator that I was doing the right thing.”
The original 1959 motion picture "SOME LIKE IT HOT" starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon was itself based upon the 1935 French film “Fanfare of Love.”
The '59 film "SOME LIKE IT HOT" was previously adapted for the stage in the musical "SUGAR," featuring a notable score by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and a solid book by the always reliable Peter Stone.
However, with this new adaptation of "SOME LIKE IT HOT" - toss that old one out.
The "Bosom Buddies" days of the drag concept are long gone and may they never return.
While "SUGAR" had its day in the sun, this latest musical incarnation of "SOME LIKE IT HOT" - which hit the Broadway stage in 2022 - is one made relevant for a new world.
The original Billy Wilder story (who directed, produced and co-wrote the film) has been revamped for contemporary audiences thanks to the musical's hilarious new book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin.
It also contains a far superior musical score thanks to the collaboration of Scott Wittman (lyrics) and Marc Shaiman (music, lyrics).
Previews for "SOME LIKE IT HOT" began in 2022 and, after 36 previews, the show officially opened in 2023 and ran until the end of that year before moving on to prepare for this latest tour.
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" follows the exploits of a pair of male musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from gangsters after witnessing a murder.
Set in Prohibition era, everyone hits a local "speakeasy" for a little excitement and, in "SOME LIKE IT HOT," illegal booze, illicit activities, hot jazz, hot dancing and hot times are all on the menu - that is, until two struggling musicians witness a mob murder and are subsequently forced to run for their lives.
With the killers after them, the duo poses in drag as the newest members of an all-female big band that is crossing the country.
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" would receive 13 Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical, and a win for J. Harrison Ghee for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, making Ghee one of the two first openly non-binary performers to be nominated for and win a Tony Award.
Other Tony Award wins for "SOME LIKE IT HOT" included one for Casey Nicholaw’s amazing choreography which is what audiences will enjoy on this latest tour, and one for Orchestrations by Charlie Rosen and Bryan Carter (with the cast recording for "SOME LIKE IT HOT" also receiving a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album).
(Photo: MICHAEL SKRZEK third from left with members of the CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to PPAC in Providence, Rhode Island from April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025. Photo courtesy of michaelskrzek.com)
Before being cast, had SKRZEK ever read the story before or seen the show?
“I had seen the movie but didn’t know much about the musical,” SKRZEK admits. “I got introduced to the show by listening to the cast recording and, when I heard that music, it was a big moment.”
“I was mowing my father’s lawn and heard these fabulous songs,” SKRZEK recalls. “It was then I decided that I have to be in this show because this is just perfect for me.”
His upcoming PPAC performances will not be the first time SKRZEK has played the “Joe/Josephine” character on tour.
“I’ve gone on (as “Joe/Josephine”) at least five times, first time was in Cleveland in a beautiful theatre,” SKRZEK says. “It felt really cool to debut myself as the character there and I am glad I’ve gotten the chance to get a few performances under my belt before this homecoming.”
SKRZEK describes approaching the “Joe/Josephine” and trying to align his portrayal to match what Matt Loehr does on a regular basis.
“When we first started rehearsals as understudies, we were told by the creatives that we were free to interpret the characters," SKRZEK says. "But they also reminded us of the responsibility we have to honor the role of the actor we are understudying.”
As SKRZEK elaborates, “The character of ‘Joe/Josephine’ drives much of the comedy and the timing - and it is a delicate balance between making the character my own but not throwing off everybody else in the cast on this tour. If I were to veer too far off-course, it wouldn’t honor the role or the comedy we’ve created.”
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" is heavy on tap with the Tony Award-winning choreography by Nicholaw.
Some among this tour cast were on previous national tours of “CATS” with a surprising number also involved on the “WHITE CHRISTMAS” tour a few years back (both heavy dance shows).
But there are also a number of performers who note "SOME LIKE IT HOT" as being their "tour debut."
So, after being cast and beginning rehearsals, what challenges did the "newbies" to the tour face?
“I think being the ‘newbies’ we had nothing to worry about with the work itself, meaning the actual performing part of it - but we did have to adjust to the tour lifestyle,” SKRZEK explains.
“On a cruise line, you get to move into a cabin and you can simply be there for six months," SKRZEK says. "But on tour, we travel and have to remember to keep our bags under a certain weight, or we may all have to eat out of the same hotel fridge. Thankfully, though, we have some veterans on the tour with us, and they have provided us with some words of wisdom from their own experiences in these areas.”
SKRZEK adds that a real challenge the whole company faced came from the abbreviated four-week rehearsal process.
“The original Broadway creative team and cast had years to workshop the material, but we only had four weeks and there is a lot of dancing,” SKRZEK says. “So, it was 10am-to-6pm, six-days-a-week of relentless choreography.”
How has it been working with the cast and creative team for the tour?
“It has been a dream to work with them,” SKRZEK says in admiration of the SLIH cast and creative team. “At one of the talkbacks after a show, one cast member mentioned he had done nine tours and said that this is one of the kindest groups he's gotten to work with - and I totally agree with him.”
“When you work and spend as much time as we do you really become close,” SKRZEK says noting, “With this show, in particular, everyone believes in the show. Everyone wanted to do this show.”
“From day one, we knew everyone would be bringing nothing but their best to this table,” SKRZEK says, praising his castmates. “We all look out for each other.”
(Photo: CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island from April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025. Photo courtesy of tour website)
SKRZEK says working with Nicholaw, Marc Shaiman and others as they need to make certain changes for this tour from the Broadway version has been "a truly transformative experience for me as professional.”
“Never once have I felt intimidated by anyone," SKRZEK says. "Instead, I have been made to feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”
PPAC audiences will have the opportunity to see how the tap dancing, alone, in "SOME LIKE IT HOT" elevates the entire show to one of the best, most exciting tap dance musical comedies to come along in years because it not only accentuates - it is integrated meticulously to help tell the story.
The tap choreography used in latter half of the second act is simply mind-blowing because, especially in the chase sequence, "Tip Tap Trouble," a symbiosis takes place whereby the comedy becomes one with the dance and the dance becomes one with the comedy, playing out like some high-octane, tap dancing "Scooby Doo"-style musical romp.
Does SKRZEK have any favorite musical numbers from the show?
“‘You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)’ – The number just blew my mind when I first saw it on Broadway. It is a great duo tap number,” SKRZEK says, also citing the show’s opening number, “What Are You Thirsty For?” as a favorite. “That one is hard but also very satisfying with its grounded jazz, partnering and swing dance partnering.”
(Photo: CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" coming to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island from April 22, 2025 through April 27, 2025. Photo courtesy of tour website)
“This will be my first time at PPAC,” SKRZEK says. “So, I am excited to perform there as I have heard so many great things about it.”
What does SKRZEK hope PPAC audiences will come away with after the experience?
“I hope audiences come away with the message of leading one’s life with a sense of mutual respect,” SKRZEK says. “I know that may seem corny, but I am so proud to share that message across the country."
"As much as people like to think we are all divided by the issues of the day, there have been audiences who come see this show and leave having given a completely positive, unifying and resounding reaction to what we’re doing."
SKRZEK concludes the interview with "From the responses we’ve been getting, audiences can feel themselves reflected in the show - or, at least, they can see those who might themselves be feeling reflected in the show.”
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" plays at PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island between April 22nd, 2025 and April 27th, 2025.
For tickets and more information, contact PPAC at # 401-421-ARTS (2787) or visit www.ppacri.org
BUY TICKETS
Approximate run time two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
The funniest film in Hollywood history has been reimagined and reborn as Broadway’s great big musical comedy, now on tour.
"SOME LIKE IT HOT" brings together a who’s who of Broadway’s boldest creative talents: Tony Award® winner MATTHEW LÓPEZ ("The Inheritance") and Emmy® nominee AMBER RUFFIN ("The Amber Ruffin Show") for the book, Tony Award® winners MARC SHAIMAN and SCOTT WITTMAN ("Hairspray") for the music, and Tony Award® winner CASEY NICHOLAW ("Aladdin," "The Book of Mormon") for choreography and direction.
Together, they’ve set the stage for a non-stop musical adventure, as a sax, a bass, and a singer catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.
All aboard for Broadway’s big musical comedy!
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, "SOME LIKE IT HOT" is the rollicking story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit.
With gangsters hot on their heels, they’re on the run as the newest members of the swingingest big band ever to cross the country.
Can they hide in plain sight without completely losing themselves?
Or will the mob, the truth, and maybe even love itself finally catch up to them?
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ABOUT PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PPAC)
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PPAC) presents touring Broadway productions and some of the biggest names in comedy and concerts. Since 2008, PPAC has been the Theatre of choice in launching 24 national tours. Located in the heart of Providence’s arts and entertainment district, PPAC is the second largest theatre of its kind in New England, with a seating capacity of 3100. PPAC is committed to providing the community with the highest quality in performances and learning opportunities to enrich the lives of students, educators and families. PPAC's outreach and engagement programs offer students in grades K-12 the chance to engage with the arts while developing critical thinking skills. For additional information, visit ppacri.org/outreach
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PPAC)
220 Weybosset Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
# 401-421-ARTS (2787)
