Adrianna Hicks, who originated the role of Catherine of Aragon in the hit Broadway production of SIX the Musical, currently plays Sugar—the second leading role she has created on Broadway—in the Tony-nominated musical Some Like It Hot, which recently picked up four 2023 Tony Awards.
Based on the film of the same name, the new musical, which features a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, has been re-envisioned to focus more on the self-discovery of several of the characters while celebrating diversity and doling out an evening full of laughter (and high-octane choreography).
Texas native Hicks, who plays the role immortalized on screen by Marilyn Monroe, has also appeared on Broadway in Aladdin and the revival of The Color Purple. She has also been seen in productions of The Wiz, Ragtime, and Buddy Holly, while her international credits include Sister Act and Dirty Dancing in Germany and Legally Blonde in Austria.
In the brief interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Hicks looks back at her journey as an actor, including a production that was influential and a professor who was particularly impactful.
Where did you train/study?
I studied musical theatre and received my BFA at the University of Oklahoma's Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor standout?
I'm so thankful for my college professor Vince Leseney, who happened to be my first voice lesson teacher. What stood out the most about Vince was his ability to teach with such ease. I also really appreciated how he jump-started my understanding of how my voice operates.
What made you decide to become an actor?
I feel like I've always known that I was supposed to be a performer. It wasn't until I saw my high school's production of Guys and Dolls that I knew that this was what I was called to do.
Do you have a favorite moment for Sugar in Some Like It Hot, and what makes it so special for you as an actor?
I have to say that singing “The Old Majestic Nickel Matinee” every night is a very special moment for me. I enjoy telling this part of Sugar’s story because I resonate so much with Sugar’s love for the movies and how she would use the theatre as a place to retreat and dream. That was totally me growing up, and getting to express Sugar’s heart at this point in the show always brings me joy.
What is the most memorable day job you ever had?
Back when I was in high school, I worked at this grocery store called Marketplace that turned out to be really fun! I think it was cool because most of the staff were high school students like me. Also, making any amount of money at that age was everything.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
I would tell my younger self to never be ashamed of who you are and to never shrink back. "Shine your light" is what I would tell anyone pursuing their dreams.
What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
I'm proud of myself for unapologetically pursuing my dreams. When I decided to pursue a career in musical theatre, I honestly wasn't expecting much. I didn't fully understand what I was getting myself into. However, looking back on my decision now, I'm beyond grateful for the way things turned out.
What do you wish you knew starting out that you know now?
I wish I knew how to file my taxes as an artist after college! I mean, adulting is a real thing, and learning more about that particular topic would've been really helpful!
Christian Borle and J. Harrison Ghee in Some Like It Hot
Adrianna Hicks in Some Like It Hot
Kevin Del Aguila and cast of Some Like It Hot
NaTasha Yvette Williams and cast of Some Like It Hot
