The musical ‘Sugar’, a remake of ‘Some Like It Hot’ (right).

Chicago in the 1920s was a city of rampant crime and corruption. The United States enforced Prohibition under the guise of Puritan ethics and food conservation, but instead, the city plunged into deep chaos with the flourishing of the mafia and speakeasies.

When the law forbids what people desire, bad guys will supply it.

This sentiment is well depicted in the musical ‘Chicago’, and it is also well represented in the musical ‘Sugar’, which is set in Chicago and was recently attended.

‘Some Like It Hot’ Lands in Gangnam in the Midst of Winter

The musical ‘Sugar’ faithfully follows the storyline of ‘Some Like It Hot’, which was seen in movie theaters as a child.

‘Sugar’ is a production that fully utilizes the strengths of the genre, living up to the title of ‘This is what a musical is’. [Photo: PR Company]

Joe and Jerry, impoverished musicians, are wandering around looking for work when they accidentally witness the gangster boss Spats committing a murder. Spats’ gang tries to eliminate the two by sending their henchmen, and Joe and Jerry sneak onto a train bound for Miami to survive.

Arriving in warm southern Miami after leaving Chicago, Joe and Jerry disguise themselves as Josephine and Daphne respectively, and join a female band.

The two are simultaneously smitten with Sugar, a charming band member they met on the train, but unfortunately, the elderly millionaire Osgood Fielding appears and confesses his love to Jerry. Helpless, Jerry cheers on Joe and Sugar’s love and enjoys a sorrowful party with the millionaire.

Meanwhile, Spats’ gang tracks them down and infiltrates Miami, leading to a thrilling chase. Spats’ gang self-destructs, and the play concludes with Joe and Sugar, and Osgood Fielding and Jerry each finding their own happiness (?).

‘Sugar’ was a production that fully utilized the strengths of this genre, living up to the title of ‘This is what a musical is’.

Armed with a popular narrative and dazzling spectacle, Sugar captivates the audience’s eyes and ears from start to finish with its exquisite blend of acting, singing, and dancing.

The Brilliant Performances of Lee Hong-gi and Kim Hyung-mook Stand Out

In the performance I attended, Lee Hong-gi played Joe and Kim Hyung-mook played Jerry, making it enjoyable to compare them with the actors from ‘Some Like It Hot’ seen in childhood.

Lee Hong-gi (left) as Joe and Kim Hyung-mook as Jerry. [Photo: PR Company]

The musical ‘Sugar’ can be seen on stage at the KEPCO Art Center in Seocho-gu until February 22nd. [Photo: Reporter Lim Yo-hee]

In the movie, Tony Curtis as Joe had too masculine a face to be mistaken for a woman, making me wonder how they didn't realize he was a man.

On the other hand, Lee Hong-gi, who played Joe this time, had an petite build and delicate facial features, making me feel that even I would have been fooled into thinking he was a woman.

Jack Lemmon’s portrayal of Jerry, who was undeniably male, was deeply touching even as a child because he so effectively conveyed his heart in yielding his beloved Sugar to his friend.

Kim Hyung-mook’s Jerry, with his large physique and sharp eyes, did not evoke any sense of femininity. However, this very aspect amplified the comedic effect. Kim Hyung-mook’s performance, in fact, brought to mind Tony Curtis in the role of Joe from that era.

Unfortunately, Sol-la, playing Sugar, is at a disadvantage due to the iconic status of Marilyn Monroe. While she performed well, she couldn't surpass the legendary presence of Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe, who perfectly embodied the alcoholic Sugar with her ethereal voice, seemed born for the role.

The musical Sugar, which recreates 1920s Chicago in 2026 Seoul's Yangjae-dong. While the charming story, the actors' dazzling performances, and the comedic plot development were all impeccable, the stage design felt somewhat modest in comparison.

The musical ‘Sugar’ can be seen on stage at the KEPCO Art Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul until the 22nd.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee