the mommy avenger

If you grew up watching classic films like I did, then Some Like It Hot probably has a special place in your heart. Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon in that 1959 film? Pure magic. So when I saw that the Broadway production of Some Like It Hot was coming to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I couldn’t help but wonder: would it live up to the original I remembered so well?

Spoiler alert: it absolutely does — and then some.

For fans of the movie, you’ll be happy to know the stage version follows the original story pretty closely. Two struggling musicians, Joe and Jerry, witness a mob hit in 1930s Chicago. To escape the gangsters, they disguise themselves as women, reinventing themselves as Josephine and Daphne, and join an all-female swing band on the road. There they meet Sugar (the Monroe role), a magnetic singer with big dreams of her own. Cue the chaos, comedy, romance, and mistaken identities. But what takes this production to the next level is the music — high-energy, toe-tapping numbers from the same powerhouse team who gave us Hairspray and Catch Me if You Can. Think old-school charm meets Broadway razzle-dazzle.

What impressed me most was how beautifully the show captured the 1930s vibe. The costumes were pure vintage glam — satin gowns, sharp suits, and those little period-perfect details that made you feel like you’d stepped back in time. The set design had an Art Deco flair, sleek and elegant, that transported the whole audience straight into jazz-age Chicago and beyond. The music and choreography matched that energy too, with jazzy brass lines, fast-tapping feet, and vocals that soared but stayed true to the style of the era.

The cast was an absolute delight. Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine brought a smooth charm to the role, balancing sly wit with genuine warmth. Tavis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne had impeccable comedic timing — his transformation was both hilarious and heartfelt, and he carried the role with a mix of vulnerability and sparkle that was irresistible.

Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar Kane was radiant, with vocals so soulful they made the audience erupt in cheers more than once, all while keeping that classic torch-singer allure. And Edward Juvier as Osgood brought warmth and charm to a role that easily could’ve been just comic relief — he had us laughing but also rooting for him every step of the way.

And let me just say — there’s nothing like seeing a show at the Eccles. The theater itself makes every night feel special, from the buzz of the crowd to the beauty of the space. Some Like It Hot is only here for a limited run, so if you’ve been waiting for a reason to book a night out, this is it. You can grab tickets directly through Broadway at the Eccles — but don’t wait, they’re going fast.

This production also kicks off an incredible new season at the Eccles. We’re talking A Beautiful Noise, The Phantom of the Opera, Back to the Future, and so much more on the horizon. You can check out the full season and purchase subscriptions or individual tickets right here. If Some Like It Hot is any indication, it’s going to be a season worth clearing your calendar for.

So here’s the bottom line: whether you’re a longtime fan of the movie or brand new to the story, this show will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even humming all the way home. Broadway magic has officially landed in Salt Lake City, and I’m here for every second of it. You can get your tickets for this limited engagement (September 30, 2025-October 5, 2025) by visiting them online.

_{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}