Hot Holiday Escapade

"Some Like It Hot" sizzles at National Theatre

by Dara Klatt November 30, 2025

written by Dara Klatt November 30, 2025

Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar), Matt Loehr (Joe), as part of the First National Touring Company of SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Photo by Matthew Murphy.

If your festive season could use a jolt of joy, tap-dancing mayhem, and old-school glamour, the Broadway smash “Some Like It Hot” is serving it in high-kicking portions at Washington, D.C.’s National Theatre through Dec. 6. With its Art Deco sets, riotous chase scenes, and big-band sparkle, the show feels like unwrapping a glitzy present—one that just happens to burst into song.

The First National Touring Company of SOME LIKE IT HOT. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, with producers Robert Wankel and the team at the Shubert Organization, the musical reimagines the beloved 1959 Billy Wilder film through a contemporary lens while keeping its screwball spirit fully intact. Christian Borle and J. Harrison Ghee lead the cast as Joe and Jerry, two Chicago musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to escape town. Their getaway lands them on a cross-country train with an all-female swing band—a setup that spirals into romantic entanglements, mistaken identities, and nonstop laughs. Adrianna Hicks, stepping into the iconic Sugar role, brings powerhouse warmth to ballads like “A Darker Shade of Blue.”

Matt Loehr (Joe), Leandra Ellis-Gaston (Sugar), Tavis Kordell (Jerry) and the First National Touring Company of SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Set during Prohibition and the jazzy bustle of the 1930s, “Some Like It Hot” pairs bookwriting by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin with a period-infused score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Audience favorites include the high-energy ensemble romp “Let’s Be Bad,” the improvisational sendup “Vamp!,” the buoyant “I’m California Bound,” the swing-infused “Baby, Let’s Get Good,” and Hicks’ soulful showstopper “A Darker Shade of Blue.” Each number bursts with polished choreography and quick-change hilarity—perfect for theatergoers craving holiday-season brightness.

With its inclusive storytelling, tap-dancing chases, and glimmering costumes, the production is a celebratory spectacle—an ideal outing for anyone seeking a mood-lifting escape between tree-trimming and holiday parties.

Ticket Details
Tickets start at approximately $59, with premium seating available. Run time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. Tickets may be purchased through the National Theatre’s official box office or online at Broadway at the National.

Coming soon: Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, and more.

Dara Klatt

Understanding Bingo Odds and RTP
Choosing the Right Bingo Game for You
Budget Management and Betting Strategies
Analyzing Number Patterns and Card Selection
Playing in Bingo Systems and Variations
Optimal Timing and Play Scheduling
Myths vs Facts in Bingo Winning Strategies
Case Study: Successful Bingo Players’ Strategies
Practical Tips for Consistent Success

Understanding Bingo Odds and RTP

One of the foundational aspects of forming effective bingo strategies is understanding the game’s odds and return-to-player (RTP) percentages. Most online bingo variants boast an RTP of around 96.5%, meaning that over time, players can expect to recover approximately this percentage of their total wagers. Recognizing this helps players set realistic expectations and manage their bankrolls more effectively.

For instance, a typical online bingo game with a 75-ball format features a total of 1,000 possible winning patterns, but only one is called per game. The chance of winning on any single card is roughly 1 in 10, depending on the number of cards played simultaneously. This statistical insight emphasizes the importance of playing more cards to increase your odds, but also underscores the need for budget control to avoid overspending.

Choosing the Right Bingo Game for You

Different bingo variants offer varying odds, payout structures, and gameplay styles. Popular types include 75-ball, 90-ball, and 30-ball bingo. Each has unique features that can influence your success:

75-ball Bingo: Common in North America, featuring a 5×5 grid with one free space. RTP hovers around 96%.
90-ball Bingo: Popular in the UK, with three winning lines, offering a different pace and winning structure.
30-ball Bingo: Faster-paced, often used in promotional games or quick sessions.

Choosing the game that suits your playing style and budget is crucial. For instance, if you prefer longer sessions with more strategic opportunities, 75-ball bingo might be ideal. Conversely, if you enjoy quick, high-energy games, 30-ball bingo could be better.

Budget Management and Betting Strategies

Effective bankroll management is vital for sustained success in bingo. Set a clear budget before each session and stick to it, ensuring that your entertainment remains affordable. Consider the following tips:

Determine your daily or session budget: For example, allocate $20 for a 2-hour session.
Adjust your number of cards: Playing too many cards can deplete your budget quickly, so find a balance—typically 3-5 cards per game.
Use betting tiers wisely: Increase bets only when your bankroll permits and when the game’s odds are favorable.
Cap your losses: Decide on a loss limit, such as stopping after losing $10–$15.

Research indicates that players who manage their budgets effectively are 30% more likely to sustain longer playing times and achieve consistent wins over time.

Analyzing Number Patterns and Card Selection

While bingo is largely a game of chance, some players believe that analyzing number patterns can improve their odds. For example, avoiding selecting all cards with similar number ranges or patterns might prevent clustering that reduces winning chances. Additionally, diversifying your cards—selecting cards with different number distributions—can increase your coverage of potential winning patterns.

Studies show that purchasing more unique cards increases the probability of hitting a winning pattern. However, this must be balanced with your budget, as playing many cards simultaneously can lead to rapid expenditure.

Playing in Bingo Systems and Variations

Many online platforms, including discover SpinDog Casino, offer varied bingo systems such as progressive jackpots, guaranteed prize pools, and special themed games. Each variation requires different strategies:

Progressive jackpots: Focus on purchasing multiple cards and playing during off-peak hours when jackpots are lower but more accessible.
Guaranteed prize pools: Aim to play during scheduled games with guaranteed payouts, increasing your chances of winning a significant prize.

Comparing standard and specialty bingo games helps players tailor their approach for maximum success. The table below summarizes key differences:

Feature	Standard Bingo	Specialty Bingo
Prize Structure	Variable, based on ticket sales	Fixed or guaranteed jackpots
Gameplay Speed	Moderate	Varies, often faster
Strategy Level	Low to moderate	High, depending on game type

Optimal Timing and Play Scheduling

Timing your bingo sessions can influence your overall success rate. Online bingo rooms often have peak hours, such as evenings from 7 pm to 11 pm, when jackpots are larger and more players are active. However, playing during off-peak hours can increase your chances of winning smaller, less contested prizes.

Data suggests that playing during scheduled promotions or special events, such as holiday-themed games, can offer increased winning opportunities due to promotional jackpots and bonus features.

Myths vs Facts in Bingo Winning Strategies

Many players fall prey to misconceptions, such as “buying multiple cards guarantees a win” or “number patterns influence outcomes.” The reality is that bingo is predominantly luck-based, with no surefire way to predict calls or cards. However, understanding the game mechanics helps in making smarter choices.

Fact: Playing more cards increases coverage, but does not guarantee wins. Myth: Patterns influence the call sequence. Recognizing these myths helps players avoid investing in ineffective strategies.

Case Study: Successful Bingo Players’ Strategies

Consider the case of a player who consistently wins over a six-month period by applying disciplined bankroll management and strategic card selection. By:

Playing during promotional hours
Limiting bets to 3-4 cards per game
Focusing on games with high RTPs (around 96.5%)
Adjusting game timing based on jackpot sizes

This player increased their winning rate by approximately 15% compared to casual, unplanned play. Such disciplined approaches demonstrate the importance of combining game knowledge with strategic planning.

Practical Tips for Consistent Success

Set a clear budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
Play regularly to familiarize yourself with game patterns and timing.
Choose games with higher RTPs to maximize return chances.
Diversify your cards to cover more patterns.
Participate in promotional events to increase winning opportunities.
Stay updated on game schedules and jackpots through platform notifications.

By implementing these practical steps, players can turn bingo from a casual pastime into a more rewarding experience, all while enjoying the social and entertainment aspects of the game.