Marc Shaiman described his new musical comedy, “Some Like It Hot,” as a “huge f–king fantastic musical comedy” to Page Six.
“My Judaism supersedes any ability to appreciate,” the composer of “Hairspray” told us at a star-studded cocktail party honoring the play, which is based on the 1959 Marilyn Monroe film of the same name.
Although I should no longer make jokes in this anti-Semitic society, I’m always waiting for the other shoe to fall.
Despite his guarded enthusiasm, the 63-year-old Tony winner went on to explain that the musical comedy, which he co-wrote with longtime colleague Scott Whitman, features “very modern issues.”
Minor alterations have been made to the original screenplay, which also starred Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, according to Shaiman.
“The modifications we’ve had to make have revolved around the question, ‘How can we improve this?’” he explained.
“However, it’s never like, ‘What the hell are we going to do now?’” So I’ve slept, but I feel like I’m condemning everything I say.”
Similar to the film, the musical follows the struggles of jazz musicians during Prohibition; however, it contains black actors and updates the gender topic.
Shaiman revealed that the program deals with the movie’s classic final phrase, “nobody’s flawless,” in a “really amazing way.”
Shaiman, who recently composed the music for the Billy Eichner romantic comedy “Bros,” surprised the crowd at the star-studded celebration by performing the show’s title song.
“Some Like It Hot” is now in previews and will open on December 11.