Almost every Coronado local has seen it at some point or another: the beautiful Hotel del Coronado appearing like an old friend in the background of the iconic Marilyn Monroe film “Some Like It Hot.” The film is supposedly set in Florida, but we all know where that hotel really is.
“Sugar” is the newest offering at The Coronado Playhouse in the Coronado Community Center, and it is based on the screenplay of “Some Like It Hot.” It’s 1931, and Joe and Jerry, two out-of-work musicians, are in the wrong place at the wrong time. They witness a Chicago gang rub-out in a lonely garage, and they only manage to escape by hastily signing up to join the next band leaving town. Unfortunately, it’s an all-female group… and they have to pull on pantyhose, don dresses, and adjust their wigs in order to disguise themselves. What neither of them reckon on, though, is true love appearing for both of them, and in forms they never anticipated.
The play had the audience in stitches this weekend when I attended, mostly due to the bawdy humor and hilarious situations the characters created for themselves. Certainly it is intended for adults who are comfortable with subtle PG-13-rated joking and innuendo. The actors threw themselves into the production, and several of them created performances that were remarkably reminiscent of “Some Like It Hot.” Perhaps the best of these was by Kristen Fogle, who played Sugar (Marilyn Monroe’s character in the movie) and managed to convey her sultry sexuality, despite a rather frowzy wig.
As always, The Coronado Playhouse delivers community theater in a comfortable setting, so patrons sit at tables, munch popcorn, and sip $4 beers while aspiring theater majors act beside seasoned local performers. The stage crew was still working out a few kinks when I attended the second performance of the play’s month-long run, with set changes sometimes taking longer than intended. However, this is part of the charm of community theater, and the audience seemed to appreciate this.
“Sugar” will run at the Coronado Playhouse from January 29 – March 6, 2016, with performances every Thursday to Saturday night and matinees on Sunday afternoons. During this six-week run, the theater is raising money and awareness for Mama’s Kitchen, San Diego County’s food delivery service providing nutrition support to men, women, and children affected by AIDS or cancer who are vulnerable to hunger.
There are several special “Sugar” events that patrons can enjoy:
Tequila Tasting Pre-Show Mixer is Thursday, February 4, at 6:30pm. $25 includes the tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and admission to the show, which starts at 8pm.
ASL Performance is Sunday, February 7, at 2pm. A sign language interpreter will sign a performance for those who are hearing impaired for no extra charge.
Sugar’s Valentines Day Happy Hour is Saturday, February 13, at 6:30pm. The $10 add-on includes delicious hors d’oeuvres, complimentary glass of champagne, and sweets. A sweetheart raffle of goodies will be held during intermission. Show starts at 8pm.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact the box office at 619-435-4856 or go to the Coronado Playhouse website.
Dates: January 29 – March 6, 2016
Times: Thursdays – Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 2:00pm
Tickets: $20 – $27. Active Duty Military, Student, and Senior discounts available, as well as excellent group rates.
