In 1959, a daring and cheeky comedy took a stand against the restrictive censorship guidelines of Hollywood’s Motion Picture Production Code. The movie, “Some Like It Hot,” defied societal conventions by featuring two cisgender, heterosexual white men who dress in drag to escape a menacing mob boss. Despite defying the Hays Code, the film was a resounding success and continues to be celebrated as a classic.
However, while “Some Like It Hot” was progressive for its time, it also exposes the limitations of pop culture during that era. The film’s all-white cast and its cautious exploration of queer romance reflect the societal constraints of the time. Comedy maven Amber Ruffin, 44, has mixed feelings about the movie. She acknowledges its nostalgic appeal for many but admits that it wasn’t a significant part of her childhood.
Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Ruffin was exposed to movies her older sisters enjoyed, like “Car Wash,” “Beat Street,” and “The Last Dragon.” These films became staples in her household. Nevertheless, “Some Like It Hot” left enough of an impression on her that she revisited it later in life. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, which was already marked by various accomplishments.
Ruffin’s impressive resume includes performing in prestigious improv troupes like The Second City and Boom Chicago, writing two full musicals, and becoming the first Black woman to write for a late-night talk show on “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” She also hosts her own talk show and co-authored the 2021 New York Times bestseller “You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism” with her sister Lacey Lamar.
Upon rewatching “Some Like It Hot,” Ruffin realized that the film required some corrections. She recognized that certain aspects of the movie’s popularity needed to be addressed. When she was offered a role as a writer for the Broadway musical adaptation of “Some Like It Hot,” Ruffin saw it as an opportunity to create a version of the story that was more inclusive and relevant to people like herself.
Ruffin aimed to bridge the generational divide through the musical. She believed it was essential to create a show that could bring grandparents and grandchildren together, a seemingly impossible task given the stark differences in tastes between generations. Ruffin humorously observed that grandparents often appreciate things that can be considered “messy.”
However, “Some Like It Hot” on Broadway achieves the remarkable feat of appealing to audiences across generations. The musical retains the heart of the original story while incorporating concepts and ideals that resonate with younger viewers. The casting of Adrianna Hicks as the sultry vocalist Sugar Kane and J. Harrison Ghee as the queer musician Jerry/Daphne demonstrates a commitment to diversity and authenticity in the production.
Ruffin was not initially part of the show but was later invited to contribute her perspectives to the predominantly male creative team. She brought an authentic voice to the Black female characters and injected the production with her signature silliness. The resulting musical successfully marries inclusivity with the comedic genius and emotional essence of the 1959 film.
Receiving 13 Tony Award nominations, including one for Ruffin and co-writer Matthew López for Best Book of a Musical, is a testament to the show’s success. Ruffin was initially unaware of her own involvement in the nominations, as she still views herself primarily as a fan of the production.
Above all else, Ruffin is thrilled to have the opportunity to have fun, a principle that guides her career choices. She has always pursued the most enjoyable path, whether it meant moving to Los Angeles to write musicals or writing jokes for late-night television. Ruffin’s success stems from her unwavering pursuit of joy and laughter.
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