Book by Peter Stone
Based on the screenplay 'Some Like it Hot' by Billy Wilder and I.A.L.Diamond, based on a story by Robert Thoeren.
Music by Jule Styne, Lyrics by Bob Merrill.
Produced for the Broadway Stage by David Merrick, directed and choreographed by Gower Champion.
(by arrangement with Musicscope and Stage Musicals of New York)
The story:-
Sugar is set in Chicago in 1931 during the days if prohibition. Here we see the dancers in one of Chicago's 'Speakeasys' which flourish despite the constant raids by the 'Feds'. Joe and Jerry happen to witness a gangland massacre at this speakeasy. The organising hoodlum, Spats Palazzo, looks set to arrange a similar festivity for them as they were witnesses. | ![]() |
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Now. as a pair of out-of-work musicians, they sing the number 'Pennyless Bums',but Joe and Jerry need to leave town - fast. There are jobs going for a bass player and a saxophone player in Florida - a perfect solution. However, the jobs are in an all-girl band - not so perfect. |
The boys are desparate. With the aid of some borrowed frocks, high heels, make-up and padding, 'Josephene' and 'Daphne' join Sweet Sue and her Society Syncopators. | ![]() |
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The new 'girls' find themselves getting well acquainted with Sugar, the gorgeous blonde who is the featured singer with the band. Here we see Sugar and Daphne about to sing 'We could be Close'. |
The girls are under the continual supervision of 'Sweet Sue' the leader of the 'Society Syncopaters' and her much put upon manager, Bienstock. | ![]() |
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Sugar tells Josephene and Daphne that she plans to find a millionaire in Florida and get married. She even tells them what he will look like. Joe convinces Jerry that they should stay with the band until they find a suitable millionaire for Sugar. What Jerry doesn't know is that Joe has decided to masquerade as Sugar's dream man and make her fall in love with him. |
While Joe is occupied with impressing Sugar, Jerry (a.k.a. Daphne) has attracted her own millionaire. Osgood Fielding is determined to woo her, and in showering her with expensive gifts, Jerry is not sure how to break the bad news to him. | ![]() |
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Joe is sure that if Sugar really loves him, it won't matter that he is another saxophone player instead of a millionaire. Unfortunately, before he gets the chance to tell her, Spats and his gang arrive and recognise Josephene and Daphne in the band. The lovers make a speedy getaway, and when Sugar finds out the truth about Joe, she doesn't mind a bit. |
The bouncy and entertaining songs created for the show include, 'When You Meet a Girl in Chicago', 'The Beauty that Drives Men Mad', 'Penniless Bums', 'The Sun on my Face', 'Doing it for Sugar' and Beautiful Through and Through'.
Our cast (in order of appearance):
Joe/Josephine | Iain Steel | Jerry/Daphne | Wayne Ings |
Sweet Sue | Lena Morgan | Bienstock | Dave Morgan |
Sugar Kane | Jane Mackinnon | Musician's Contractor | Kevin Roberts |
Knuckles | Colin Jones | First Hood | Jon Hiscock |
Second Hood | Dave Morgan | Spats Palazzo | Nigel Swatridge |
Dude | Kevin Roberts | Cab Driver | Jon Hiscock |
Rosella | Shelley Jory | Marlene | Jane Courtenay |
Dolores | Elaine Hamper | Emily | Glynis Norris |
Mary Lou | Hannah Jeffery | Sir Osgood Fielding | Colin Jones |
Our production of Sugar was performed at the Plaza Theatre in Romsey, Hampshire from the 9th to 13th April 2002.
Directed by Angela Arney, Musical Director Ian Peters and Choreographer Gill Jeffery.
Phoenix Theatre Company are proud to have been awarded the following in the Daily Echo 'Curtain Call Awards' for our production of Sugar in the year 2002
See the local press review of our production
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