The musical adaptation of the beloved movie Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe hit DPAC in Durham, North Carolina on June 17 (through June 22) with a mighty roar. Some may remember the original movie version of Some Like It Hot from 1959 that featured not only Monroe, but also Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. That movie didn’t win everyone over at first due its content including, but not exclusive to, men dressing up as women. Well, it still went on to become a hit and beloved classic.

The musical version isn’t exactly the same as the movie, as there have been some changes made. It follows two musicians, Joe & Jerry, who are trying to find a gig. They are forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit. Joel overhears of a new all-female outfit created by Sweet Sue, who was just busted in a raid, that will travel cross-country and take them all the way to San Diego. With gangsters hot on their heels, Joe and Jerry join them but disguised in drag as Josephine & Daphne. Joe, while in his Josephine persona, soon finds himself having feelings for Sugar, who dreams of making it big. Jerry, in his Daphne persona, finds himself being chased after by Osgood Fielding III, an eccentric millionaire. At the same time, Jerry is learning things about himself that had never materialized before.

This musical has it all and it’s no wonder that it won more theater awards than any show in its season and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle. There’s dancing, tap dancing, singing, romance, costumes, comedy and so much more. Matt Loehr plays Joe/Josephine and North Carolina native Tavis Kordell plays Jerry/Daphne. Leandra Ellis-Gaston plays Sugar, the role Marilyn Monroe made famous while Edward Juvier plays Osgood and Tarra Conner Jones plays Sweet Sue.

The energy from beginning to end is off the charts! The songs are infectious to the point that you find yourself at intermission singing parts of them as you wait in line to buy a drink. The chemistry between Matt Loehr (Joe/Josephine) and Tavis Kordell (Jerry/Josephine) is amazing! You’d swear that these two had been best buds for years before even starring together. The singing voices are absolutely amazing with Tarra Conner Jones (Sweet Sue) getting a special, personal standing ovation from me. Wow! That woman has one powerful voice!

The singing, the dancing and the comedy are just a few reasons to go see this one. If you’ve seen it, then if you’re like me you want to see it again because it’s just that damn good. Take a friend, maybe someone who has never been to a Broadway show to see this one and odds are you’ll make them a fan of Broadway for life!