It takes courage to reinvent an iconic Hollywood movie, starring idols like Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, but in the smash Broadway musical "Some Like it Hot," the modern twist works in the best ways.

The plot is simple: two musicians running from Chicago gangsters disguise themselves as women to escape with an all-female jazz band. The 1959 film was controversial for its cross-dressing themes and conservatives protested its release. But the new version, written by Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin, includes a message of inclusion that the Salt Lake City crowd at Eccles Theater found pertinent and timely. 

Set during Prohibition, Matt Loehr plays the hilarious Joe/Josephine while Tavis Kordell takes on the role of Jerry/Daphne. The duo sings and dances throughout the musical, shooting off one-liners and digging themselves into a hole as Joe/Josephine falls for the band’s star, Sugar, played beautifully by Leandra Ellis-Gaston. When Sugar and Joe perform the number “Dance the World Away,” it’s a return to the glamor of old Hollywood. 

Jerry/Daphne has his own problems as he inadvertently attracts the wealthy Osgood, played by Edward Juvier. It was a joy to watch Osgood court Jerry/Daphne with unconditional love. His song, “Fly, Mariposa, Fly,” was a tribute to metamorphosis and true freedom. 

Other stand-out performances include Dequina Moore’s portrayal of Sweet Sue, the band conductor; Nellie (Darien Crago) and Spats, the Chicago mob boss played by Devon Goffman. The ensemble deserves its own round of applause for its fast footwork, including some spectacular tap dancing. 

The musical was funny, sweet, charming, energetic, romantic and everything you'd want from a classic Broadway show. 

“Some Like it Hot” is the winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Choreography and Best Costumes, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (“The Book of Mormon,” Mean Girls” and Disney’s “Aladdin”), the musical is a high-energy tribute to a movie classic while retaining its own modern distinction and charm.  

Presented by Zions Bank, Broadway at the Eccles and Broadway Across America, “Some Like it Hot” plays at Eccles Theater through Sunday, Oct. 5. Tickets available at SaltLakeCity.Broadway.com.