It’s never easy to offer a fresh take on a true classic. But the Tony Award-winning musical Some Like It Hot — which arrives at TPAC April 21 — manages to do just that, with delightfully entertaining results. Based on the iconic 1959 Billy Wilder film starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, the musical’s action still centers on a pair of Chicago musicians forced to disguise themselves as women and make a run for it after witnessing a mob hit. But beyond all the goofy, door-slamming humor, this new adaptation offers a decidedly modern exploration of identity and self-discovery. The updated script from Matthew López and Amber Ruffin adds real depth to the characters, while touching on themes of empowerment and friendship. There’s a jazzy score from Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (the crackerjack team behind Hairspray), including songs like “Take It Up a Step,” “Let’s Be Bad” and the title song. And keep an eye out for some gloriously glitzy tap-dance numbers, courtesy of director and choreographer extraordinaire Casey Nicholaw.
April 21-26 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall
505 Deaderick St.
