Mrs. Doubtfire
The North American Tour Company presented a new musical comedy at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, Mrs. Doubtfire, is this year's must-see musical. There is no doubt that this musical is fire! Based on the 1993 comedy-drama film of the same name, this two-act, two-hour, and thirty-five-minute production will entertain you while simultaneously making you laugh and cry. It's a witty thrill ride that will warm your heart from the moment the curtain goes up. The outstanding actor and comedian Robin Willaims, who was known for his amazing improvisational skills, starred in the film production of Mrs. Doubtfire. Williams rose to fame playing the alien Mork on Mork & Mindy (1978–1982), but he first appeared on the 70s comedy show Laugh-In and the Laverne and Shirly and Happy Days sitcoms. The storyline follows a protagonist named Daniel Hillard, a recently divorced voice actor, who is having issues holding down steady employment. After the court decides to give his wife complete custody of their children, Daniel learns that his ex is looking for a housekeeper and disguises himself as an elderly Scottish nanny named Euphegenia Doubtfire to be able to interact with his children continuously. But when Daniel has to be himself and Mrs.Doubtfire at the same restaurant, things go off-course, and Daniel could lose everything.
Rob McClure is sensational as Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire. His comedic style is absolutely spectacular, and his performance as Mrs. Doubtfire, which channel Willaims, will blow you away. McClure, who made his Broadway debut as an understudy in I'm Not Rappaport, energizing and electrifying chemistry on stage will mesmerize you, and his singing "I Want To Be There" will bring a tear to your eye. Jenn Gambatese originally started as Miranda Hillard. However, some stated her chemistry playing Miranda didn't quite hit the mark. Then Maggie Lakis, McClure's wife in the play and real life, joins, and their chemistry is a hit. Lakis does an outstanding performance as Miranda Hillard, whose own line of clothing, M Body, was soaring, even though her marriage with Daniel was falling apart. Her song 'Let Go,' is touching and provides a more profound emotional understanding of why she wanted to leave Daniel. There are impressive transformations of costume changes and outstanding dance numbers, and we also learn that there may be another star in the making as the couple has been bringing their 5-year-old daughter on the road. The cast featured the fantastic combination of Aaron Kaburick, Nik Alexander, the sexy hunk antagonist Leo Roberts as Stuart, and Romelda Teron Benjamin performing exceptionally. The production has a set of children in the show that they alternate, and the pint-size Hillard stars during press night were the talented actor and singer Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia), with the charming and adorable Emerson Mae Chan (Natalie) and super neat son, Axel Bernard Rimmele as Christopher. The musical Mrs. Doubtfire, which dives deeper into various characters and storylines, is a heartwarming family comedy with an engaging plot that delves into the lasting impact of divorce and family separation.
The musical, which features music by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, had around 19 heart-warning songs, some reprised, and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell. The musical suffered the same tragic delays during the pandemic shutdown, regained its feet, and started touring the country with positive feedback. With some plots having different endings for Daniel and Miranda, The North American Tour play's ending suggests that Daniel and Miranda have agreed to co-parent but doesn't say if they decided to give their marriage another try. But no matter the ending, this musical is a must-see.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
James M. Nederlander Theatre
Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy
Music & Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Katey Kirkpatrick
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick & John O'Farrell
Directed by Jerry Zaks
Feb 27 – Mar 10, 2024
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