It’s no secret that Mariah Carey is a fan of the legendary Marilyn Monroe. Not only does the multi-octave singer rock blonde tresses and a beauty mark just like the iconic actress, but she also shares the first four letters of her first name and owns the baby grand piano that Monroe kept as a memento of her mother.
When an opportunity arose to be a part of the Broadway production for Some Like It Hot, based on Monroe’s 1959 film of the same name, Carey did not hesitate. The Grammy-winning superstar has joined the production as co-producer.
“When Neil Meron shared this new take on the beloved film, I knew I had to be a part of it,” Carey said in a statement. “To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy — pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity — I’m proud to help bring Some Like It Hot for today’s world to new audiences.”
For Carey, the venture into Broadway for this specific production is particularly special. In her memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Vision of Love” singer discusses her connection to Monroe in the chapter, “A Girl’s Best Friend.”
“[Monroe] had a very difficult childhood, moving from one foster home to another,” an excerpt reads. “That was close to my story: being uprooted and unprotected, feeling like an outsider. I intimately understood her struggles with poverty and family. Ultimately, what I loved about Marilyn was her ability to come from nothing — to belong to no one — and evolve into a huge icon. I latched onto that. I believed in that.”
The Broadway production will reunite Carey with songwriter Marc Shaiman, who serves as composer and co-lyricist. The two previously collaborated on Carey’s Christmas project, Merry Christmas II You, and co-wrote the 2017 single, “The Star.”
Some Like It Hot is currently in previews at the Schubert Theatre with the Broadway musical officially debuting on Dec. 11.
