SUN CITY – For the Sun City Theatre Company, this spring’s production of “Sugar” serves as a sort of 10-year performance review.
According to President Myron Shellist, 2004’s “Sugar” was the third production put on by the company. The 2014 version marks the company’s 23rd production.
“We’ve had a lot of time to work things out,” Shellist said, adding that the company has grown and gelled over the past decade, as evidenced by improved costume design, musical numbers, and performances.
Even attendees who have never heard of “Sugar” may be more familiar with it than they think. The musical, with book by Peter Stone, music by Jule Styne, and lyrics by Bob Merrill, is based on the film “Some Like it Hot.”
The plot sticks to that of the 1959 film, with Chicago musicians Jerry and Joe on the run from the mob after witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. The duo flees to Miami alongside the female band Sweet Sue and Her Society Syncopators, and must dress as women to blend in.
Members of the cast of “Sugar” perform a routine during an April 16 rehearsal.(Victoria Diamond/ Sun Day Photo)
What is new in “Sugar” is the music: the soundtrack swings with original tunes evoking the early days of jazz that aim for the ear and tend to stick there.
“Out of all the plays that I’ve seen since I moved here and the ones that I’ve been involved in I think this is the most exciting,” Adrianne Kaplan, who co-produced “Sugar” with John Scott, said.
Above all, what sets “Sugar” apart from previous productions is the dancing, Kaplan said. The choreographed scenes are full of pep and precision, with dancers moving through upbeat numbers.
“It’s exciting, it’s very lively, it’s going to keep the audience’s attention,” she said.
Another attention-grabber will likely be the costumes. Just like “Some Like it Hot,” “Sugar” features the two male leads dressed in full drag through much of the show.
Reprising his role from the 2004 production as Jerry is Jim Rice, joined by Tom Van Tilburg as Joe, acting in his third production. Shellist and Kaplan agreed the two men had no problem getting into the spirit of “Sugar.”
“They knew what they were getting into when they signed up for it, and they’re doing a great job,” Shellist said.
Nancy Cichon plays the role of Sugar Kane, a singer looking to marry a millionaire who gets caught up in Joe’s two and later, three identities.
Shellist said audiences should expect “Sugar” to be packed with plenty of laughs, but he believes they will remember one moment in particular.
“There are so many punch lines, so many things going on, but it’s possible that one of the things they really might remember is when [characters] Osgood Fielding and Daphne are dancing together and what happens there,” he said.
“If they do it right, it may be the funniest part of the show.
“Sugar”
When: Thursday, May 1 and Friday May 2 at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: Drendel Ballroom
Tickets: $15 for adults
$10 for children 12 and under
More info: for Thursday and Friday shows, call: 847-515-8545
For Saturday and Sunday shows, call: 847-515-1583
