Over the winter break, I had the privilege of seeing the Tony Award-winning musical “Some Like It Hot“ on Broadway. Tickets to this show were my big gift for Christmas, and I was very eager to see another show on Broadway. I saw my first show, “The Lion King“ when I was 6 years old and have been hooked ever since. There is something so magical about live theater, a special feeling that cannot be replicated anywhere else. In its final week on Broadway, alongside my mom, my friend and her mom, we made our way into New York City, found the Shubert Theater and took our seats for the musical.
I had no idea what the plot was about before the show. The only knowledge I went into the theater with was that Marilyn Monroe was one of the main actresses in the original movie, released in 1959. I feel like it was a blessing going into the show blindly, as it felt suspenseful and I was not bored by the plotline. The show is about two men who are in Chicago, trying to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. Joe and Jerry go around trying to convince countless people to let them perform and quickly find themself in a mob scene. Trying not to get in trouble, the two quickly flee to San Diego, but dressed up and disguised as women. The two take on aliases in their journey to San Diego, Joe becoming Josephine and Jerry becoming Daphne. Josephine and Daphne find themselves going out west with an all-women jazz band, living and working near all of these other women. The two find themselves in crazy situations while traveling across the country. The musical was able to portray this story in great detail, as there was never a moment where I felt incredibly confused or curious as to what was going on.
I left the theater feeling impressed and satisfied. Seeing this show felt like two and a half hours away from reality in the best way possible. When the actors came out for their final bows, I felt sad because that meant the show was over. The entire cast had more energy than a toddler does in the early hours of the morning. This show was honestly one of my favorite shows I have seen on Broadway, as I left in a good mood and sore cheeks from laughing and smiling so much.
My favorite part of the show was easily the choreography and all of the dancing. As a dancer myself, one thing I always enjoy watching when seeing live theater performances is what kind of dancing will be in the show. After seeing this show, I learned that the choreographer of the show, Casey Nicholaw, won the Tony Award for best choreography, something that I believe was beyond deserving. The choreography in this show reminded me of a “classic” Broadway show, with dancing that was fun, upbeat and fast-paced. My absolute favorite part of the show was whenever the dancers tap danced because they were moving so fast but still had clear, precise and beautiful sounds. The stamina of the ensemble to tap their hearts out number after number loved me. Additionally, there is a scene towards the end of the musical where Joe and Jerry are once again running away from the mob, and the scene involves the use of prop doors and tap dancing. I had my jaw on the floor watching this scene because the coordination, talent, breath control and memorization a scene like that takes is not appreciated enough by the general public. I fully believe in twenty years that one scene will be the part of “Some Like It Hot” that I remember. The dancing was easily my favorite part of the entire show and is what made it so memorable for me.
My friend who went with me, Julia, another JCHS student, said her favorite part of the show were the “big numbers.” A fellow dancer as well, she found the dancing to also be her favorite part of the show. She also told me that she enjoyed the music and found it “fun, upbeat and just made the show that much better.”
My mom, who also attended the show with me, said she was most wowed by Christian Borle, who played the title role of Joe. We saw Borle play Willy Wonka in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on Broadway in 2017. My mom said that “his comedic timing, stage presence and wide range of talent stole the show for me.” Borle has won Tony awards for other roles, including parts in “Something Rotten!” and “Peter and the Starcatcher.” I remember Borle playing a goofy role as Willy Wonka, so I agree with my mom in the sense that he was able to steal the show. Borle’s role of Joe required a lot of range in voice, dancing, and acting. My mom’s words leaving the theater were: “There is nothing that man cannot do.”
Lastly, my cousin Jill works in the theater industry, so I was eager to get her opinion on the show. She said, “The choreography was stellar. It looked seamless but was mesmerizing to watch, especially the final chase scene. The actors also did a great job capturing your attention.” Even for non-dancers, the choreography seemed to be the biggest takeaway for theatergoers of all kinds. I think that the final chase scene would win “Best Scene in a Musical” if such a category existed.
Sadly, the show played its last performance on December 30th, 2023. I wish the show was still on Broadway, so I could go see it again and absorb more of the show. I firmly believe that this show was the most heartwarming and uplifting show I have seen in a while, as I do not think it ended sadly. Even those who do not like musicals are more likely than not to find something they love about the show, whether it be the spectacular dancing, the glittery costumes, the fun music or the talent this show had. It is such a shame that this show is no longer on Broadway, but I am keeping my fingers crossed for a national tour or a professionally shot film of the show, so I can relive the magic I experienced on December 27th once more!
