Presently lighting up the stage on the Forrest Theatre by June 1, this touring manufacturing introduced by Ensemble Arts Philly brings all of the razzle-dazzle of Nineteen Thirties Hollywood glamour with the center and humor to match. It’s sensible, snappy, and completely sensational from the primary notice to the ultimate bow.
The present takes us again to the jazz-soaked days of Prohibition, the place two musicians on the run disguise themselves as ladies to flee the mob — and chaos, comedy, and surprising transformation comply with. However past the wild plot and basic slapstick, this manufacturing carries a well timed and heartfelt message about id, acceptance, and the braveness to be your self.
Standout performances abound, however now we have to shout out Travis Kordell, who delivers a show-stopping flip as Jerry/Daphne. With impeccable timing, charisma, and emotional depth, Kordell introduced each stomach laughs and actual tenderness to the position. It’s a star-making efficiency — and North Carolina ought to be proud.
Ashley Marie Arnold is one other main spotlight as Ginger. Her stage presence is magnetic, her comedic beats are sharp, and each second she’s onstage, the power lifts. Arnold brings heat, wit, and a voice that fills the theatre — a real scene-stealer.
The remainder of the forged doesn’t miss a beat. Matt Loehr is clean and charming as Joe/Josephine, Leandra Ellis-Gaston stuns because the dazzling Sugar, and Edward Juvier earns loads of laughs because the affably eccentric Osgood. Rounding out the forged, Tarra Conner Jones (Candy Sue), Jamie LaVerdiere (Mulligan), Devon Goffman (Spats), and Devon Hadsell (Minnie) deliver depth and sparkle to each ensemble second.
Visually, the present is a knockout. From Gregg Barnes’ lush costumes to Scott Pask’s artwork deco units, each element pulls you into the jazz age. The lighting design by Natasha Katz and sound by Brian Ronan elevate the immersive expertise, whereas Casey Nicholaw’s course and choreography (he of The E-book of Mormon and Aladdin fame) retains the whole lot transferring with Broadway-caliber precision and aptitude.
After all, none of this magic would land with out the good e-book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, and the joyously daring rating by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, which brings classic swing into contemporary, melodic territory.
So right here’s the underside line: Some Like It Scorching is an absolute must-see. Whether or not you’re a musical theatre devotee or somebody simply in search of a feel-good, laugh-out-loud, tap-your-toes form of evening — that is your present. The manufacturing nails the center of the unique 1959 movie whereas making it really feel contemporary, inclusive, and filled with soul.
Don’t miss your probability to catch this smash-hit musical earlier than it leaves Philly. Some Like It Scorching runs on the Forrest Theatre by June 1 — and sure, tickets are nonetheless obtainable.
Prepare for large laughs, large voices, and big-hearted storytelling. This one’s sizzling — and completely unforgettable.