(Cover Photo: The CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade) 

By Kevin T. Baldwin

METRMAG Reviewer

# 774-242-6724  

“Let different rhythms move your seat for I have often found we all dance to a different beat - and that's what makes the world go round." 

                                                                               - Some Like It Hot!

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 

PARKING 

TICKETS:

TICKET PRICES Start at $52.00For 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.

The national tour of the electrifying Broadway dance musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" struts its way onto the PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER (PPAC) stage in Providence, Rhode Island. 

From fabulous sets and costumes to dynamic musical comedy performances, this musical isn't just "HOT"...it's scorching "HOT!" 

Some shows are clever without needing to shove their ingenuity in the face of their audience - yet neither do they apologize for being as clever as they are. 

"SOME LIKE IT HOT" is definitely one of those ingenious shows.

Back in 2023, when I caught the original Broadway production, I remember thinking how the level of perfection I witnessed then could never be achieved on a national tour. 

In 2025, I am happy to report that I was wrong.

The production numbers for this national tour fire on all cylinders from the moment the lights go up and do not relent until the very last high speed buck-and-wing singes the stage.

(Photo: The CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

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. 

(Photo: Tavis Kordell as “Jerry/Daphne” with Matt Loehr as “Joe/Josephine” in a moment from the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

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. 

"Joe/Josephine," played at the April 22^nd performance by understudy Michael Skrzek, serves structurally as the show's lead character and the charismatic and talented Skrzek certainly excels in the part.

Skrzek effortlessly belts out as Joe during the numbers "You Can't Have Me (If You Don't Have Him)" and then later as Josephine in the numbers "Take It Up a Step" and "Zee Bop."

Ultimately, though, it is Tavis Kordell as Joe's buddy "Jerry/Daphne" who emerges as the most significant focus of the show. 

Part of this is in how the character has been written (by López and Ruffin) and by how it has been exceptionally embodied by Kordell.

This combination offers a new dimension to the role originally played on film by Jack Lemmon (already some big "heels" to fill). 

In a multi-layered performance, Kordell allows for the rejection of the antiquated drag concept, instead allowing "Jerry/Daphne" to explore a more meaningful gender and self-identification evolution. 

Perhaps not "evolution" but instead more just embracing a long submerged "truth" - as fully examined and exemplified in the number "You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather."

What we see in the journey of "Jerry/Daphne" is how a decision initially made out of desperation yields a revelation unexpected but certainly welcomed and embraced.

In addition to the duo’s "unflappable tappable" chemistry on stage, Kordell also shares some of the show's funniest moments with Edward Juvier as foppish, flamboyant millionaire "Osgood." 

Juvier is an absolute joy to watch as he lights up the stage as Osgood, bringing additional layers to the amorously motivated millionaire, who shares his various woes in the witty, "Poor Little Millionaire."

Juvier also is given an exceptionally witty dance number with the male ensemble in "Fly, Mariposa, Fly."

(Photo: Leandra Ellis-Gaston as “Sugar" with the CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

Leandra Ellis-Gaston simply beams in the role of "Sugar" made famous (or infamous) by the late Marilyn Monroe.

However, in this updated retelling, Sugar is not presented as merely an object, a sexual conquest sought out by Joe in a self-centered, predatory, manipulative way. 

Okay, actually, Joe still does all of the above...but THIS Sugar is an intelligent, fully formed individual whose fully formed sexuality is equally appreciated as is her talent, her spirit and her overwhelming good nature - and THIS Sugar is certainly not as easily swayed as the one from made famous (or infamous) in the original motion picture. 

The talented Ellis-Gaston belts out the sultry tune "A Darker Shade of Blue" and renders two more melancholy songs "At the Old Majestic Nickel Matinee" and "Ride Out the Storm."

Tarra Conner Jones as "Sweet Sue" dominates every single scene in which the feisty, fiery character appears on stage. 

Similar to Osgood, the Sweet Sue character carries many of the funniest lines from the López and Ruffin script - and there are a LOT of funny moments in this show. 

When it comes to the musical's "big money" numbers, Jones delivers, especially in the show's opener "What Are You Thirsty For?" and the title song and Act One closer, "SOME LIKE IT HOT" featuring the leads and the incredibly talented ensemble.

(Photo: Edward Juvier as “Osgood,” center with Tavis Kordell as “Jerry/Daphne” with the CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

The original Broadway production of "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 are now enjoying 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). 

The show also provides a sense of homage to older dance musicals such as "Anything Goes" or "The Boyfriend."

There is also a nod given to more recent similar musical comedy efforts such as "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" or megahit musical, "Something Rotten!" 

Combining a cleverly revised storyline that contains intelligent dialogue exchanges with an equally vibrant score replete with witty lyrics, "SOME LIKE IT HOT" explores many varied relationships between its characters.

Then, with its amazing dance numbers, "SOME LIKE IT HOT" leaves those aforementioned "Rotten" shows far behind eating its dust.

(Photo: The CAST of the national tour of the Tony Award-winning musical "SOME LIKE IT HOT" at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island now playing through April 27, 2025. Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade)

"SOME LIKE IT HOT" is heavy on tap thanks to the Tony Award-winning choreography by Nicholaw. 

The tap choreography used in the 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.  

Other stand out numbers include, "Take It Up a Step," "Let's Be Bad," "Let's Dance the World Away" and, the zealous "Zee Bap" for 'zure.'

PPAC audiences will experience for themselves just how much the intricate dancing elevates the entire show...and above all else, it is a FUN show.

"SOME LIKE IT HOT" is 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.

"SOME LIKE IT HOT" continues at PPAC, 220 Weybosset Street, Providence, Rhode Island until April 27^th, 2025 and this is one show you WILL NOT WANT TO MISS! 

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?

BUY TICKETS

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) 

www.ppacri.org