Sweet job for local theatre icon, James L. Crow

Although long-time Rockford Public Schools theatre teacher, Mr. Crow, has retired from the classroom, he has not retired from the theatre. His first post-retirement gig is director for Pec Playhouse Theatre’s upcoming production of the musical Sugar, based on the film Some Like It Hot. The hit musical played 505 performances on Broadway starring Robert Morse, Tony Roberts and Elaine Joyce.

Sugar takes place in the roaring 20s and chronicles the misadventures of two musicians, Joe and Jerry. Struggling to find work, they witness the handiwork of a notorious Chicago gangster and the only thing they can do to stay safe is run. They disguise themselves as women and join Sweet Sue’s Syncopators, an all-girl band headed to Miami. In addition to memorable musical numbers, audiences will be delighted by some penniless bums, a few naughty old men, mistaken identities, and a great night of local theatre.

General admission tickets can be purchased online at pecplayhouse.org or by phone at 815-239-1210 for $14.

Sugar – Sabrina Melton

Joe/Josephine – Brandon Williams

Jerry/Daphne – Lucas Lemonholm

Osgood Fielding – Lenny Adrignola

Sweet Sue – Jennifer Thompson

Bienstock – Gary Moore

Olga – Heather Palm

Dolores – Matilda Kotoe

Rosella – Mollyn Lipowsky

Mary Lou – Molly Cwiklo

Knuckles – Tony Miller

Spats Palazzo (1st/3rd weekends) – Chase McIntoush

Spats Palazzo (2nd weekend) – Ben Lash

Ensemble – Noah Collins, Kalup Griffis, Karen Guler, Christian Hudson, Nolledge Reaves, Neal Ter Hark

(COURTESY PHOTO The Gazette) Sugar, the musical, opens next week at Pec Playhouse. The show runs July 15-31 and is being directed by local theatre icon, James L. Crow.