Deep Characters In PPAC’s ‘Some Like It Hot’ Thru April 27

PROVIDENCE — What stunned me probably the most about “Some Like It Sizzling,” the Tony Award profitable musical now being carried out at Providence Performing Arts Center, is the layers of emotional depth within the characterizations.

“Some Like It Sizzling”  boasts a e-book by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin and music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman.

Based mostly on the basic 1959 movement image, the story options two struggling faucet dancers named Joe and Jerry, who flee Nineteen Thirties Chicago mobsters after witnessing a homicide. The large twist is the lads resort to dressing up as ladies to be able to carry out in an all-woman travelling band. Will they be capable to escape the clutches of the dastardly Spats Colombo (Devon Goffman)?  

Comedy, Identification at Play in ‘Some Like It Sizzling’

The premise supplies a number of alternatives for broad comedy and there may be loads of it right here, together with the significance of embracing your individual id.

Tavis Kordell is completely mesmerizing as Jerry, who masquerades as Daphne. Kordell radiates allure, sensitivity, and fervour as Daphne is romanced by the millionaire proprietor of a San Diego resort, Osgood Fielding (performed by a deliciously campy Edward Juvier).  

Kordell introduced the home down with the deeply touching ballad “You Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather.”

Matt Loehr bought a number of laughs as Joe transforms into his alter ego Josephine.

Loehr and Kordell displayed terrific chemistry as these two shut associates embark on their cross nation journey. 

Leandra Ellis-Gaston was a real powerhouse as Sugar Kane, the aspiring ingénue dreaming of her large break into movement photos. Ellis-Gaston lit up the stage on her solo quantity, together with “Experience Out the Storm” and “A Darker Shade of Blue.”

A subplot options Sugar falling in love with Joe, pretending to be a German screenwriter named Kip. Ellis-Gaston and Loehr have enjoyable finishing up this unlikely romance.

Tarra Conner Jones is splendidly dynamic because the no-nonsense Candy Sue, chief of the band. Jones’ wonderful vocals had been highlighted with the opening tune, “What Are You Thirsty For” and Act One nearer “Some Like It Sizzling.”

Gregg Barnes’ interval costumes and Scott Pask’s attractive scenic design had been first-rate, transporting the viewers again to a different time and place. 

Director Casey Nicholaw’s choreography was impeccable and the scenes robustly staged. The climax options a number of characters getting into and exiting by way of doorways at a frenetic tempo. It was an extremely ingenious technique of story-telling.

All of that is large enjoyable, and the methods Kordell, Loehr, and Ellis-Gaston convey vulnerability and coronary heart to their characters enrich “Some Like It Sizzling” and elevate it to the next aircraft. Briefly, it is a superior leisure. 

Some Like It Sizzling runs by way of April 27. Windfall Performing Arts Heart. Operating time is 2 hours, 35 minutes with intermission. Windfall Performing Arts Heart. 220 Weybosset St., Windfall. For tickets, visit ppacri.org.