The hit musical, ‘Some Like It Hot‘ follows the story of two musicians (Joe and Jerry) who witness a mob hit in Prohibition-era Chicago and go on the run. This subsequently leads them to pose as women with an all-female touring band, and from there, the energetic story takes off.
Stepping into the role of the fierce and funny Sweet Sue, actress Tarra Conner Jones sat down to dive deeper into the tour of ‘Some Like It Hot’, which makes its Philadelphia stop this summer.
Tell me a little background on yourself and how you got involved with the show?
I started theater at 16. My first show was ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’ and I played Amelia many, many years ago. Then I spent 22 years teaching first and fourth grade. But in 2014, I took a leap of faith and resigned to pursue what had always been my dream—and that is theater, whether it’s musical theater, classic theater or just to be on stage. Many opportunities opened up.
I worked in lots of theaters in Florida for a few years, and went and did a singing stint in Shanghai for a little over half a year. I moved to New York in 2018, and like every other artist I know, you hit the pavement auditioning all day, every day until you book something. The moment I knew of ‘Some Like It Hot’, I want to say back in 2021 or 2022, I saw the video of one of the workshops—I fell in love with the music.
My dear friend Natasha Yvette Williams originated the role on Broadway, so when the tour came about, I submitted. And here I am, month eight of the tour. So it’s been a ride, but a joy, and I’m truly fortunate and grateful for this opportunity.
How would you describe your character? What do you like about her?
Sweet Sue is firm, she’s loving, she has a strong will on the girls in the band, but you can also see that she cares about them. To put it into perspective, you’re looking at a Black woman who was an entrepreneur in the 1930s. So this really is a feat. She’s a musician, well, a conductor of the band I should say, and she is, to me, the lifeblood that keeps the show moving all down the road.
What I love about this role is it’s hilarious. She has a lot of the one-liner jokes and a lot of things that I get to do facially that make things really funny. It’s just a great road. It’s so happy, so me. So many of the things that I say in the role, I would probably say them in real life had I lived in the 1930s. I would absolutely be Sweet Sue.
What pulled you in about the music and what are some musical moments from the show that stand out to you?
It’s that jazz and big band sound. Both of those are two of my favorite genres, and it’s also the music that I love to sing. Definitely the opening number I think, is a memorable moment. It’s called ‘What Are You Thirsty For?’, and not only musically, but there’s so much going on the stage with dancers sliding across on their knees holding trays. It’s just a feat for the eyes and the ears, that opening number.
I would also say the title song, ‘Some Like It Hot’, it’s also musically just genius to listen to and beautiful to watch. ‘A Darker Shade of Blue’ that our Sugar, Leandra Ellis-Gaston sings too….but every song is good. Honestly, it’s hard to say, because we have Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman on them, so, they’re all good.
Which character dynamic is fun for you to explore as Sweet Sue on stage?
I would take my relationship on stage with Sugar to look at, because that is the relationship that I had to work and still have to work the hardest at. It’s making sure I show a good character arc and that I show [Sweet Sue] as a multifaceted being and that she’s not just firm or sweet…She’s what a normal person is. She has those moments where she’s really tough, she has moments where she’s softer and kind, she has moments where she’s funny and she has moments where she doesn’t want to be a part of it.
So I would say the dynamics between Sweet Sue and Sugar give me the most opportunity to really explore and to make sure I have created an arc for the audience to see. That every night is my goal.
Let’s talk about the costumes and stage design that audiences will get to see with this show.
Well, the costumes are delectable, that is the word. They’re delicious and they’re Tony Award-winning. First of all, Gregg Barnes, our costume designer, is just a jewel of a human being. His clothing, they are just beautiful garments. With this particular show, I think he went above and beyond to make sure everyone on that stage felt beautiful. No matter your size, you felt beautiful. And my costumes in particular, I have the most beautiful purple velvet fitted gown that flares out into a train that I get to wear in the finale, and this gorgeous tuxedo with bling all over it.
Set-wise…it’s gorgeous. There’s a scene in our show where we’re at the Hotel del Coronado, and oddly enough in January, we played San Diego for a week and had a huge press day at the Hotel del Coronado. We were so surprised when we looked around and saw pieces in the actual hotel that had been replicated for our stage. So the set designers just did a remarkable job at making every place feel real. And not only the hotel, but there’s a scene where they’re in a cantina in Mexico in the wee hours of the morning and the entire set changes to this dimly lit cantina. You just have to see it.
Overall, what do you hope audiences will take away from the story and performances of ‘Some Like It Hot’?
One of the things we’ve noticed as we’ve traveled the country is how much joy this show gives to us, but equally as important, how much joy we’re able to give to our audiences. I’ve said many times that there’s so much you have to think about as an adult in this world that could keep you not in your happiest place. So to come see ‘Some Like It Hot’ and have those few moments in the theater where you just have pure joy and pure laughter… it’s a moment to leave everything else out and just laugh and be happy.
I would say in general, what me as well as the rest of our company hope people take away from this is to have a life-changing experience about how to see people as their authentic selves. Also how to love people right where they are, and to not change a person to be what we want them to be, but to allow people to live in their authenticity and to treat them with respect and love. And that’s a quote from the show.
‘Some Like It Hot’ will be on stage at the Forrest Theatre (1114 Walnut St.) May 21 through June 1. Tickets (various prices) can be found online at ensembleartsphilly.org
