‘Some Like It Hot’ Cast Brings Broadway Magic to the Steps of Hotel del Coronado

The cast of the award-winning Some Like It Hot joined Broadway fans for a performance at the Hotel del Coronado, honoring the location where parts of the original film were shot over 65 years ago. 

On the same front porch where Marilyn Monroe once stood, Leandra Ellis-Gaston and Tarra Connor Jones sang a duet from the title song on the steps of the iconic resort.

Following their performance, Coronado Mayor John Duncan presented a proclamation, alongside Broadway San Diego Vice President Vanessa Davis, officially declaring Wednesday, Jan. 29 “Some Like It Hot” Day.

The historic beachfront hotel was once a magnet for Hollywood stars and filmmakers, serving as a backdrop for dozens of films that defined the golden age of Hollywood. At the time, it was known as “Hollywood’s Playground,” frequently hosting A-list celebrities like Charlie Chaplin, Judy Garland and Bing Crosby.

In the classic 1959 film Some Like It Hot, all exterior scenes were shot outside the hotel starring Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Despite the movie taking place in Miami, famous scenes show Monroe swimming in the Pacific Ocean and Jack Lemmon escaping out the third-story hotel window.

Through Sunday, the Broadway musical takes over the San Diego Civic Theater, starring Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine, Tavis Kordell as Jerry/Daphne and Ellis-Gaston as Sugar, in the same roles made famous by Curtis, Lemmon and Monroe. Jones will appear as Sweet Sue, the bandleader role originally played by Joan Shawlee.

The play and film tell the story of two musicians, who, forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a murder, escape from the mob disguised as women traveling in an all-female jazz band.

To Loehr, the Broadway adaptation allows the audience to experience this timeless story through a more modern lens. Through song and dance, he says the musical is more reflective of our time by diving into deeper themes of self-discovery, love and acceptance. 

“It’s really incredible how they took a movie that was a classic, zany comedy, still kept a ton of comedy to it, but built it with just an enormous amount of heart, acceptance and reason to do it,” said Loehr.

“What I think is so fantastic, is how they made this show culturally relevant to today,” the actor continued, “but still kept an old-school Broadway feel. You can still have the jokes, fabulous music and tap dancing, but at its core is this message of being who you are, and that there is space for you.”

The musical also alters the racial representation of the original film, with three main roles portrayed by Black performers.

Kordell says his role allowed him to represent different identities on-stage and create a more accurate portrayal of gender expression, one that had been overlooked in 1959.

“Someone stopped to tell me that this story has encouraged them to pursue their authentic selves and just walk in their truth,” Kordell said. “To see that I’m inspiring other people, or I’m able to be their vessel to tell their story has brought me so much joy.”

“Some Like It Hot” launched its national tour in September in Schenectady, New York. According to Broadway San Diego, the musical won more theater awards than any show in the 2022-23 season and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, the Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle. Tour dates are lined up until the end of March.

Five shows remain for the weekend, including two matinees. Tickets for the upcoming shows at the Civic Theatre start at $56.