Tarra Conner Jones: Bringing Sweet Sue to Life in “Some Like it Hot”

Tarra Conner Jones as Sweet Sue and the first touring company of “Some Like it Hot.” Photos: Matthew Murphy

Things are about to get hot in San Diego—real hot! From twirls, flips and toe-tapping choreography, to sharp pinstripe suits, flapper dresses and sleek finger waves that only the best edge control could handle, Some Like It Hot is coming to Broadway San Diego, and we can’t wait!

If you’re a fan of the original movie from 1959, you’ll remember that Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis star as Jerry and Joe, two musicians forced to flee Chicago after witnessing a mob hit. They hilariously disguise themselves as women to join an all-female band to hideout from Prohibition-era gangsters. While disguised as Daphne and Josephine, they meet a singer named Sugar Kane, originally played by Marilyn Monroe. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue, along with romantic complications and big band numbers that’ll make you dance.

Decades later, the Broadway version of Some Like It Hot brings a new spin to the classic comedy. Featuring dialogue by Matthew López (The Inheritance) & Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show), music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray), and direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).

Recently, The Chocolate Voice had a ball chatting with Tarra Conner Jones, the actress who shines as Sweet Sue, the fearless boss and leader of the band in Some Like it Hot. Conner Jones shared her excitement about being part of a production with key players being “chocolatey,” as she put it. Because yes, representation does matter!

From Classroom to Center Stage

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Tarra Conner Jones was always passionate about theatre even though she didn’t necessarily take the typical path to the stage. Having been a former first and fourth grade teacher, she spent twenty-three years as an educator and school administrator before taking a leap of faith into the entertainment world. She’s also a proud graduate of Edward Waters University, an HBCU. During our conversation, she gave a warm shout-out to her sorority sisters—the Finer Women of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, and hopes to see some of her sorors cheering her on in the audience. 

After resigning from teaching in 2014 and moving to New York in 2018, Conner Jones entered the theatre world to pursue her dreams, but starting a new career in her forties didn’t deter her. In fact, she’s living proof that anything is possible, and in her words, “You can still dream at any age.”

Preparing for Sweet Sue

Tarra Conner Jones’ portrayal of Sweet Sue is meticulously crafted, bringing her own flavor to the role. Inspired by her mentor and sister-in-the-industry, Natasha Yvette Williams, who previously brought Sweet Sue to life, Conner Jones approached the role with thoughtfulness and deep personal flair. “When we go to the theatre, it’s not just about entertainment—it’s about the work,” she explained, “I noted everything she did. I studied the art and the craft, seeing myself in that role.” She spent hours studying Williams’ performances, while also drawing inspiration from strong women from her own community.

Bringing Sweet Sue to Life

“Sweet Sue is tough love personified,” Conner Jones shared, “She loves you but will do what’s necessary to ensure that you do what’s right.” This mix of firmness and warmth is something Conner Jones connects with on a personal level, recalling the matriarchal figures in her community who embodied these traits. “I recall the lady who was the Sweet Sue of our neighborhood. You know, the aunties who had tough love for you and wouldn’t hesitate to set you straight, because they didn’t want to see you get caught up in the streets.’”

Conner Jones emphasized the importance of not mimicking Williams’ performance but instead creating her own interpretation. “Natasha told me one of the most beautiful things that an actor could say to another actor, she said, ‘I don’t want you to fill my shoes—I want you to create your own shoes.’ My Sue is a combination of me, my mother, Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, and the women from my church.”

The Journey as a Black Actress

Conner Jones was honest and heartfelt when addressing the persistent barriers that Black women continue to face in the theatre world. Even in today’s modern era, starring roles for Black women remain few and far between, a reality that she’s all too familiar with. Reflecting on her early career, Conner shared how Black community theaters were her training ground, a space where she was able to sharpen her craft and truly understand the power of storytelling. “Representation matters,” she affirmed, reinforcing the critical role that community theaters play in giving visibility and opportunity. For actors of color, these theaters are more than just performance venues—they’re places of empowerment, where artists can both hone their skills and see themselves reflected in diverse roles. 

Other Roles and Future Projects

Aside from bringing Sweet Sue to life, Conner Jones is a creative at heart—having written and performed a one-woman show through the West Coast Black Theatre Troupe. The show, called From Birmingham to Broadway, pays homage to the late, Tony Award-winning actress, Nell Carter, whom she admires deeply.

Looking ahead, Tarra Conner Jones has her sights set on sitcoms, film, and television roles—and if her portrayal Sweet Sue is any indication, she’s bound to dominate those screens too.

Final Thoughts

With Sweet Sue, Conner Jones aims to present a multifaceted character. A comedian, a disciplinarian, and a warm-hearted woman. “I want audiences to see the full arc of Sweet Sue,” she said. “She’s firm, warm, soft, and hard all at once.”

Some Like It Hot will run at the San Diego Civic Theatre from January 28 – February 2, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to see Tarra Conner Jones bring Sweet Sue to life! Trust us, you’ll be glad you did!


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