"Some Like It Hot" - From Silver Screen to Broadway Stage

This post contains plot details and character comparisons from both the 1959 film Some Like It Hot and its 2022 Broadway musical adaptation. If you haven't seen either and want to experience them fresh, consider saving this post for later.

Some Like It Hot is a Broadway musical that ran from December 11, 2022, to December 30, 2023. It's the musical adaptation of the iconic 1959 film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon. The original movie received six Academy Award nominations - including Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay - and won for Best Costume Design. In 1969, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

The film was widely acclaimed and is still considered one of the greatest comedies of all time. It won three Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture, Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), and Best Actress (Marilyn Monroe). Its success inspired many adaptations before it finally made its way to Broadway - delayed by COVID until its 2022 debut. The Broadway production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won four, including Best Choreography, Best Orchestrations, Best Costume Design, and Best Leading Actor in a Musical (J. Harrison Ghee).

The movie's soundtrack features songs performed by Marilyn Monroe in her role as Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk, with music composed by Adolph Deutsch. It has a classic 1920s jazz feel. Interestingly, the film was shot in black and white because Curtis and Lemmon's drag makeup looked "unacceptably grotesque" in color tests.

After its Broadway run, Some Like It Hot launched a national tour in September 2024, continuing through 2025 and into 2026. I was lucky enough to see the touring production this month when it stopped in my state - and it was phenomenal. The cast this year includes Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine, Travis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne, Tarra Conner Jones as Sweet Sue, and the incredibly talented Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar. From the leads to the ensemble, the entire cast blew me away with their vocals, comedic timing, and high-energy dance numbers.

There are a few key differences between the movie and the Broadway adaptation. The film's setting is in the 1920s, while the Broadway show updates it to 1933. While the film's comedic tone remains in the Broadway adaptation, it also adds some emotional depth and modern themes. When Marilyn Monroe plays Sugar, she does so as a naive but sensual individual. On Broadway, Sugar is reimagined as a Black woman with dreams of becoming a movie star. One of the most striking differences is the way Jerry/Daphne is portrayed. Jack Lemmon plays a wonderful Daphne in the film, and his disguise is for laughs and financial gain. On the Broadway stage, Daphne's identity becomes a heartfelt exploration of gender and self-expression, offering representation for non-binary and gender-diverse experiences. The music has also been reinvented for the Broadway performance. The film features light, jazzy background music to Monroe's signature songs. The Broadway show introduces a brand-new score with big band energy, tap dance numbers, and songs that drive the character development and plot.

Seeing Some Like It Hot was unforgettable. The updated themes, dazzling choreography, and powerhouse performances made it feel fresh while honoring the charm of the original. Whether you're a fan of classic cinema or modern musical theater, this adaptation is worth experiencing.

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