Review by Chris Heide
Photo by Matthew Murphy
The Broadway Touring Company’s production of Some Like It Hot proves why this new musical has become a bona fide hit. From the moment the curtain rose, the show pulsed with the kind of energy and polish that defines a classic Broadway musical.
The leads including Adrianna Hicks as Sugar, Matthew Risch as Joe, and J. Harrison Ghee as Jerry anchored the production with performances that were as vocally powerful as they were richly comic. Hicks brought warmth and shimmering vocal control to Sugar, making every ballad soar. Risch displayed an effortless charisma, balancing smooth vocals with sharp comedic timing, while Ghee was a revelation: their ability to land a laugh one moment and deliver a heartfelt, grounded vocal performance the next was nothing short of masterful.
The ensemble work was equally impressive, particularly in the tightly constructed choreography that leaned heavily into tap dancing. Director-choreographer Casey Nicholaw’s staging gave the cast room to shine, layering intricate footwork with moments of pure spectacle. The tap sequences, in particular, electrified the audience, offering the kind of theatrical thrill you expectand crave from Broadway at its best.
This musical works so well because it delivers on all the pillars of the Broadway tradition: witty dialogue, big laughs, sweeping vocals, and showstopping choreography. It’s a seamless blend of storytelling and spectacle, with a book and score that move briskly while still allowing room for character depth. It feels like a show that could only have been born on Broadway, and its touring version makes sure no detail is lost.
That said, the evening wasn’t without hiccups. Technical difficulties during intermission, which were later revealed to be an injury for one of the deal performers, delayed the start of Act II and unfortunately stalled the energy that had been carefully built during the first half. Despite this, Some Like It Hot on tour is still a dazzling reminder of why the American musical continues to thrive: it entertains, it dazzles, and it leaves you humming long after the curtain falls.
