Tarra Conner Jones (Sweet Sue) and the First National Touring Company of “Some Like It Hot.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.
Imagine everything you expect a classic Broadway musical to be: the glamor, the harmonies, the leave-you-breathless dancing, and of course a story that will touch your soul. “Some Like It Hot” at The National Theatre is just that and more. The production’s veteran cast takes the meaning of the word performance to a new level in each moment they have on stage. “Some Like It Hot” is a classic story seamlessly reimagined for the stage and a can’t miss dynamic extravaganza of talent.
…a classic story seamlessly reimagined for the stage and a can’t miss dynamic extravaganza of talent…entertainment at its finest…
“Some Like It Hot,” based on the 1959 Billy Wilder (and Marilyn Monroe) film of the same name, took its first Broadway bow on December 11, 2022 running for just over a year at New York’s Shubert Theatre. The production was a hit with critics and audiences alike collecting four Tony Awards®, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, along with the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. Its first national tour (launched in late 2024) brings reimagined golden age musical theatre complete with dazzling tap numbers and classic, comedy tropes to DC’s National Theatre.
The musical version of the film follows “brothers” Joe and Jerry, two out-of-work performers trying to scrounge by in Prohibition-era Chicago. When the pair witness a mobster murder, they resort to unconventional measures to escape certain death. In Matthew López’s (Book) version of the story, this pivotal moment is glazed over all too quickly for the audience to fully comprehend its gravity. This omission is quickly buried, however, behind the dazzle of the journey of Josephine and Daphne, the brothers in disguise, as they join a girl band traveling across America.
Though in 2025 men dressing as women for comedic purposes is a bit outdated, “Some Like It Hot” addresses the situation with the most care possible and never tips the scale towards offense. Beyond its classic story, this production is the true definition of musical comedy complete with zingers, asides, and even physical comedy catering to the entire gamut of humor. Add in high octane, reminiscent of a Gene Kelly age musical by dynamo duo, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (“Hairspray,” “Catch Me If You Can”), and this musical is a guaranteed smash.
The score itself is composed almost entirely of upbeat ensemble numbers with moments for each of the leads to show off vocally and long show-stopping dance breaks. In numbers like “Let’s Be Bad” (repurposed from Shaiman and Wittman’s song of the same name for NBC’s “Smash”) and the title number “Some Like It Hot,” this energy is invigorating and moves the story forward in the most glitzy way possible. Nonetheless, at some point, that energy gets old with reminiscent numbers throughout the second act. Where the score truly glimmers is in the contrasting quieter moments without all the bells and whistles. Edward Juvier’s (Osgood) expertly executed “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” is a refreshing change of pace highlighting Osgood’s past and giving the audience depth not provided for other characters.
Director-Choreographer Casey Nicholaw’s decision to revolve the production around dance sets the tone for the show among classic, American musicals of the same era. It goes without saying that Nicholaw’s Tony winning choreography is a marvel in itself but his direction of mere movement is what sets the production apart. This cohesiveness establishes a through line present in the entire musical that, even in times of confusion, orients the audience. Matt Loehr (Joe/Josephine) and Tavis Kordell (Jerry/Daphne) not only exude chemistry as “brothers” but are the true definition of triple threat in these performances. Kordell’s rendition of “You Coulda Knocked Me Over With A Feather” is show-stopping. Dequina Moore as Sweet Sue and Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar round out the principal cast bringing the same aptitude. The spectacular period costumes and immersive set push Nicholaw’s vision of tap-riddled Prohibition merriment over the top.
“Some Like It Hot”at The National Theatre brings back the energy to DC. The musical, though heavy on the laughs, shines in its touching moments that allow the audience to connect with the story before bringing them right back into high spirits with another dance break. This show is entertainment at its finest leaving a toe-tapping song and a classic story in audiences hearts. So, go see “Some Like It Hot” because, after all, some like it hot and that ain’t bad.
Running Time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission.
“Some Like It Hot” runs through December 7, 2025 at The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (202) 628-6161, in person: Broadway at The National Box Office, Monday – Friday, 12-6 pm, or go online.
