The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre promises a sweet treat for patrons with its upcoming production of "Sugar."

The musical is based on the 1959 film "Some Like it Hot," which was named the funniest American film of all time by the American Film Institute in 2000. It opens with two performances on Saturday, July 7 and runs through Wednesday, July 18.

"Look at any list of the funniest movies ever made and you'll find 'Some Like it Hot' at the top. 'Sugar' takes this wonderful film and enhances it with terrific songs," said Lyceum Artistic Director Quin Gresham. "The cast is sensational -- if you need a good laugh, put 'Sugar' at the top of your list."

The madcap action begins when Joe and Jerry, a pair of musicians, witness a mob hit ordered by boss Spatz Palazzo. The duo disguise themselves as women in an effort to avoid Palazzo and get out of Chicago. While traveling as members of the all-girl band "Sweet Sue and her Society Syncopators," Joe falls for Sugar Kane, a beautiful singer with a thing for drinks and saxophone players.

When Joe dons yet another disguise to woo Sugar (becoming millionaire Junior Shell), matters are further complicated when real millionaire Osgood Fielding arrives on the scene.

Director Peter Reynolds noted that the original Broadway adaptation improved on the film with the addition of songs by composer Jule Styne, whose other scores include "Funny Girl" and "Gypsy." Among the songs in the musical are "Doin' it for Sugar," "Hey, Why Not" and "Beautiful Through and Through." Reynolds promised that patrons will not be disappointed with the Lyceum's production.

"We guarantee unforgettable characters, hilarious situations, mistaken identities, terrific dancing and a winning score by one of Broadwy's greatest composers," he said.

Elena Gronlund, who stars as the title character, has appeared in many of the Lyceum's recent productions including "Into the Woods" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" earlier this season. Band leader Sweet Sue will be played by Sara Mae McElroy, whom Lyceum patrons will remember from her performance as the stepmother in "Into the Woods."

Jeffrey C. Wolf and Keith Gerchak fill the roles of Joe and Jerry, respectively. Wolf comes to his Arrow Rock debut via New York where he appeared in productions of "Cloud 9," "Reckless" and the world premiere of "God and Mr. Smith." Gerchak returns to the Lyceum stage where he performed in last season's "1776" and "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

Len Pfluger will take on the role of Spats Palazzo with Whit Reichert appearing as millionaire Sir Osgood Fielding. Audiences saw Pfluger's choreography work last season in "How to Succeed." Reichert played parts in a number of last season's productions including "1776," "How to Succeed" and "Harvey."

Geoff Howard, as band manager Bienstock, also appears. Rounding out the cast is an ensemble that includes Thomas Andrew Waller, Greg Faupel, Gregory Schmerber, Ervin Moore, Tom Hogan, Andrew Lang, Will Sevedge, Michael Brennan, Trevor Belt, Marina Dunlap, Rachel Lefevre, Angie Perez, Lauren Braton, Sarah Keatting and Hannah Duncan.

A veteran team of designers worked behind the scenes to help create "Sugar" for the Lyceum Stage. Scenic Designer Dunsi Dai's past credits include "1776," "Guys and Dolls" and "Oklahoma." The lighting was designed by Randy Winder, who has worked previously on the productions of "Dial M for Murder," "Big River" and "Little Shop of Horrors." Garth Dunbar's costume designs have been used in a number of Lyceum performances including productions of "Kiss Me Kate," "Peter Pan" and "Chicago."

The season continues July 21 through Aug. 1 with the Lyceum's production of "The Sunshine Boys;" Aug. 3 -- 15 with "The Philadelphia Story," Aug. 17 -- 26 with "Misery;" Sept. 5 - 16 with "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming;" and ends Sept. 26 - Oct. 7 with "Children of a Lesser God."

Tickets for each production are available through the Lyceum's Web site at www.lyceumtheatre.org or by calling the box office at 660-831-3311. The box office is now running on its summer schedule, allowing patrons to call between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sundays. On Wednesdays with no performances, the box office closes at 5 p.m.

The Lyceum Theatre began in 1960 in a 50-seat church in the historic village of Arrow Rock. Today, the Lyceum Theatre ranks as one of the best-known regional theaters in the country and its actors play to a 408-seat audience at the same location.