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[0:14] Robert Bannon: Welcome to the Roundtable, everybody. My name is Robert Bannon, and you're listening to us and watching us right here on Broadway World. You know, I've moved out of New York City a month ago, and I've been so excited to experience Broadway on tour because I miss my theater life, everybody. So if you're around this country and you are working just like me, as you hear the speaker going off right here, this is a very professional, messy show. We have Some Like It Hot on tour, and when I say Some Like It Hot, that ain't bad. And I loved this show so much. We have had Jay on the show, we've had Christian on the show, we've had Natasha on the show, and the tour cast is fire. They're coming to Detroit and they're ending their tour out in Los Angeles. I love this show, and I implore you all to get your tickets and come see Some Like It Hot. Matt, Tavis, welcome to the show.

[1:06] Matt Loehr: Hi!

[1:07] Tavis Kordell: Hi!

[1:09] Robert Bannon: We are so excited that you all are here. Congratulations on this amazing... Listen, if you have seen this show, you know they all can dance because you all dance your faces off out there in Some Like It Hot.

[1:23] Tavis Kordell: Oh, go on, Robert.

[1:25] Robert Bannon: Yeah. You all better be ready to see a show. Matt, tell us what was your journey like to the show?

[1:32] Matt Loehr: Um, my journey was really incredible and not too lengthy. Some auditions I go like eight rounds. Um, but for this one, I've worked with Casey Nicholaw several times. I consider him not only one of the best director-choreographers on the planet right now, but also a very great friend. And when the show was opening on Broadway, we were just emailing, catching up. He was like, "Christian's role would be great for you someday." And so I went in and auditioned for the tour and was lucky enough to get it.

[2:03] Robert Bannon: Well, while we're talking about Matt, you could follow Matt on Instagram and you can follow all of his journey. And Matt, as we well, while we have you here, Matt just was on the road with the MJ musical, and Matt was just with Beautiful, and Matt was with shows like The Producers, dancing, shuffling off to Buffalo across this country. And I want so badly, like my dream role is to be Buddy in Elf because I didn't on Broadway and all of your Broadway credits. So kudos, Matt. We're ready for you to dance through Detroit.

[2:36] Matt Loehr: Oh, I'm so excited. This will be my fourth time coming to Detroit with different tours.

[2:43] Robert Bannon: Let's go. I'll be there. I'm ready.

[2:44] Matt Loehr: All right, I'm ready.

[2:46] Tavis Kordell: I'm third time back at the Fisher.

[2:48] Matt Loehr: So let's go and I love the Fisher. It's such a beautiful theater. I'm so excited. And is this your tour debut?

[2:57] Tavis Kordell: This is my tour debut.

[3:00] Robert Bannon: Yeah, let's go. What was your journey to this show?

[3:06] Tavis Kordell: My journey to this show, well, I was able to see it on Broadway in June before it closed in December, and I fell in love with it. I reached out to my representation. I was like, "I need to be in this show." I said, "I get this show." And I auditioned for it. It was a little process. And then I got the offer to play Jerry/Daphne, and my world just changed completely.

[3:30] Robert Bannon: So when you went to the audition for this, did you have a song that was a cut? Did you have a monologue? Was there a dance call? Like, what was it like?

[3:51] Tavis Kordell: Yes, there was an audition combo that they had us all learn. And then with the Jerry/Daphne packet, you have to sing "All You Could Have Knocked Me Over with a Feather." And that show, that arc of the whole song. And that was, yeah, it was an audition combo, a dance combo, a tap combo, a partnering combo. And then there was the song. Besides, I've already been cut.

[4:01] Robert Bannon: I just hearing the tap combo made me cut. I'm out. I ain't waiting. Nope.

[4:09] Tavis Kordell: Well, many of you people may have seen you from the AGT of it all, from also being in Beautiful and out and about. And then I saw your pictures posted of Some Like It Hot, and I saw you with Jay and getting to be a part of it. What can you say about after seeing it on Broadway and now taking it to cities? That representation and the show's message and story is going to places that need this more than ever.

[4:40] Matt Loehr: Yes, just come with open hearts and open minds and be ready to experience the story. It's like moments where you're laughing and then you're like, "Oh my god, I'm crying." This story is absolutely beautiful, and I believe that it is something that we do need across America right now.

[4:55] Robert Bannon: We sure do, more than ever. Matt, there's one of the most incredible dance numbers I have ever seen in my life in this show that involves doors, that involves a lot of blocking, choreo, singing, comedy. What is a day like in the rehearsal room for a big show like this?

[5:14] Matt Loehr: And for some of us in high heels too. Yes, um, it, uh, and we can speak very clearly on this because we just teched that all day yesterday and we spent many hours running through those doors, right? I mean, it is so genius and one thing Casey kept reminding us in rehearsal yesterday is that everything is choreographed within an inch of its life with that number so that the audience can move from space to space to space to space because it all happens so fast. So it is so much math and moving of those doors. And those doors aren't light, I'm gonna tell you right now. Like it is, and running around in a crossover in those high heels, I'm literally like every time I talk to anyone in the heel ensemble, I'm like, "Wow, if you've been doing this for your life, like bless your heart, this is no joke."

But we, I mean, Tavis, did we do it like three times full out yesterday after all that? Like three or four hours and it feels really good. I mean, it is, but it's a process. It is an eight count by a count, um, and then adding the lights and we had to add the light. Like it's just, um, it's, you know, it's a big Broadway musical.

[6:14] Tavis Kordell: Big Broadway musical. What is it like for you doing the dancing in the heels in the ensemble? Y'all are working, it is a lot. It is taxing. It is taxing. We are running around in those heels, but it just makes me prep more as I go into the show, make sure I'm stretching it out and getting things ready for the show because this show here is a big Broadway beast, but I love every bit of it.

[6:54] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. You know, the show really moved me when I saw it, and I can't wait for it to come to Detroit. As a teacher here, I have so many students who are working on their identity and who they are and trying to find love for themselves. And I think a show like this is so necessary. We focus on the comedy, we focus on the costumes, we focus on the dancing. But don't sleep on Scott and Mark's music because they are making you cry, sing, laugh, chuckle, and hum your way through it. Matt, what is it like to sing the score?

[7:26] Matt Loehr: It's phenomenal. Like, like I loved when I first saw the show, I was like this. I mean, I've been a Mark Shaman and Scott Whitman fan ever since I, uh, well, uh, the invited dress of Hairspray back in the day. I mean, I balled so many times with joy at what they were able to do. And this show is, is like just they come, they just continue to just soar. The intervals in this show are trickier than you realize. So learning this music actually is really complicated in those rhythms. But it not only serves the story, it gives the jazzy sound, it gives the upbeat. And then you have songs like "You Could Have Knocked Me Over with a Feather" that, uh, it's so hard for me to not burst into tears listening to Tavis sing that every night.

Um, but then you have "Old Majestic Nickel Matinee" that it, sugar, sit. Like I think probably one of the best gifts I have in this role is that I get to sit and listen to those two beautiful artists sing these incredible songs with so much emotion and power.

[8:23] Matt Loehr: And um, uh, that's a tribute to them as vocalists and actors, but uh, really a tribute to Mark and Scott as well, um, and the whole creative team for crafting such amazing storytelling through song.

[8:38] Matt Loehr: That's why I love musicals.

[8:39] Matt Loehr: I'm such a corny musical guy.

[8:41] Robert Bannon: Sing your yes, Davis.

[8:43] Robert Bannon: We know you sing, you've sung for 40 million people on television.

[8:47] Robert Bannon: But now you get to sing it live on stage, and this score. How do you emotionally prepare for where this show takes you by the end of this two and a half hours?

[8:59] Tavis Kordell: Wow. You know, you have to prepare yourself to go on the journey. Um, I allow myself, I open my heart and I allow my heart to take me on this journey. Um, starting as um Jerry and then transitioning into Daphne and going on that journey of self-discovery and allowing the music to really take you there. Because if you allow yourself and listen to the music, the chord progressions and the words and the lyrics and what you're saying and what you're conveying, you have no choice but to be overwhelmed with emotions and feeling. And I'm just so appreciative for Scott Whitman and Mark Shaman, um, for creating and crafting such a score that allows such music to fill you.

[9:40] Robert Bannon: Absolutely. I think we talk about Scott, we talk about Casey, we talk about Scott and Mark, and then we have to talk about the book, Mario Matthew.

[9:51] Tavis Kordell: Why do I want to say Mario Lopez?

[9:53] Tavis Kordell: Mario Lopez did not write "Some Like It Hot."

[9:57] Tavis Kordell: Mario Lopez is uh hosting Extra and Matthew Lopez and Amber Ruffin, who is one of the most brilliant minds, both of them are brilliant minds.

[10:06] Tavis Kordell: This is a touchy subject. It's a subject that is very relevant, it matters, and a lot of people go through their life trying to feel seen and who they are authentically as themselves, and they handle it with such grace and dignity to tell a story and a journey at a time when these subjects were never spoken about.

[10:22] Matt Loehr: Matt, what's it like for you to be a part of this story?

[10:25] Matt Loehr: I think, well, to speak to what Matthew and Amber have done with the book, it's such a beautifully crafted way because they manage to keep the joy, the humor that people who know the film from many decades ago, uh, that still exists. But you know, we've turned many a page on the culture since then. And what I love is that it's like, it's not that now it's these two Jerry and Joe in a dress, it's funny, and oh my god, look at it. It's like it's the circumstance that they find themselves in, uh, that really brings out the humor, and then adding this element of Jerry discovering, wait a minute, like now I'm finally discovering my full self. It gives such heart and, uh, without knocking you over the head with it, you know what I mean? Like it is just so incredibly human, the journey that both of them go on.

[11:22] Matt Loehr: I was actually thinking about this this morning about this. I was like, I feel like Joe grows up and Jerry grows in, you know, like it in this show.

[11:32] Matt Loehr: My character definitely does some less than savory things. You know, he lies through his teeth for almost the entire show, realizes he has to grow up. But then Jerry gets to have this amazing inner growth and discovery that consequently I do think helps my character, um, really come to terms with how he's been behaving and has to make a change. And that's a tribute to what Matthew and Amber were able to do with this, uh, with this iconic movie and transform it into this very heartfelt, big, splashy musical.

[12:04] Robert Bannon: Davis, the same as you. How do you feel getting to tell this story and share this humanity on stage about this journey?

[12:13] Tavis Kordell: I love it. Um, just to be a person to represent a person to change and come stepping into themselves is um, a dream. And I feel so honored to be able to do that every night. Um, and also to represent um, not only um Jerry stepping into Daphne and who they love to be, but finding out, like Matt said, that Joe is growing up and learning acceptance and like it's okay. It's okay to, I guess at first, you know, it'd be weird, but ultimately overcoming and being accepting and loving your brother in this, um, case, no matter what.

[12:51] Robert Bannon: Oh, and I love that. And you know what I love about it? I, when I see it, when I'm going with my husband to see it here in Detroit, I saw it with family out in New York. And if you have relatives or family that you want to see something that they can learn and grow and see a side of humanity that maybe they don't, this is in a way that will make them laugh, will make them see, and they're gonna learn things, and they won't even know that they learned about acceptance and letting people be who they are. And that's the ultimate gift.

[13:18] Robert Bannon: You guys have been in rehearsal, you all have been in rehearsal, and now what can you say about the cast that you're gonna tour this country with? Matt, what do you think of them all?

[13:27] Matt Loehr: You aren't ready. This cast is so fire, honestly. Like, like everybody and like you felt it from the minute we had our first day meet and greet. We're like, oh yeah, that's uh, that's like Tar. That's definitely Sweet Sue. That's Edwards, definitely Osgood. And everyone, every person in the ensemble, all our swings, they are, uh, everyone's got that musical comedy bug that is genuine, you know. Like they, everyone loves that song and dance aspect of it and telling the story, and it is hard. Like when I tell you everyone in this show is working, I mean, we are, everybody is working, you know, that door number alone. So, um, I just think America's gonna get to see this, you know. I'm so glad this amazing musical is able to go across the country this way. And I think, uh, this cast is gonna bring, um, just bring something continually exciting and fresh to it. So hopefully people will enjoy it.

[14:26] Robert Bannon: Tavis, how's it been with the cast and this creative team?

[14:31] Tavis Kordell: It's been amazing to produce a show about love and respect. The cast is definitely reflective of that. Um, moving in the process, we move with so much love and respect. And not only are we on stage with so talented people, on stage with such kind souls, and I'm so glad every day that we get to walk into smiles and hugs and just a great environment that is conducive of producing the theme of love, respect, and joy, and share that across the world.

[14:59] Robert Bannon: Oh, you can't say it better than you all said it. SomeLikeItHotMusical.com is where you can see all of the dates. They're gonna be popping all around this country with a big ending in Los Angeles. But in the meantime, you could come see me at Broadway in Detroit, and we'll be at the Fisher. We'll be look, and we're gonna have a moment. What up, Doe Detroit? And we're gonna have a coney dog. And, uh, Matt, you're an expert.

[15:22] Tavis Kordell: So Tabe, wow, ready for a Detroit moment?

[15:27] Matt Loehr: Yes, yeah, we're, yeah, we're going to Motown too.

[15:31] Tavis Kordell: Yes, yes, yeah, it's a day.

[15:34] Robert Bannon: We're gonna follow Matt on Instagram, we're gonna follow Tavis on Instagram. We're going to stay up to date on all the things as they tour around this country. And if you're, if they're coming to your neck of the woods, you better get your tickets because we gotta support art in every city. There's art that, you know, you're gonna see all these theater babies who are just clawing to see this show that they've seen in the Tony Awards, that they've listened to the soundtrack, and then you get to go introduce theater to them. And that is like God's work for real.

[15:59] Tavis Kordell: Yes, boom, you couldn't have said it better.

[16:03] Robert Bannon: Enjoy rehearsal, keep shuffling off there and rest and take Advil. I don't know what dancers do.

[16:09] Tavis Kordell: I can't even throw all of the above.

[16:12] Matt Loehr: Okay.

[16:13] Tavis Kordell: And throw coat and steam.

[16:16] Matt Loehr: Yes.

[16:18] Tavis Kordell: All of the things.

[16:19] Robert Bannon: So be well, and we will, I'll see you in a few weeks. Can't wait to see you all here in the city.

[16:23] Matt Loehr: See you, Robert.

[16:21] Tavis Kordell: Thank you.

[16:21] Matt Loehr: Thank you.

[16:21] Tavis Kordell: Can't wait to see you.