HELLOOOOOO!
The 90s zeitgeist has returned in the form of drag Scottish nanny Mrs. Doubtfire, the eponymous movie of which has been turned into a Broadway musical, and is now on a national tour stopping at Hollywood Pantages through June 30. From her comically high-pitched Scottish accent to the iconic pastel cardigans, our titular drag heroine takes us down memory lane with dancing, songs, and, of course, a lot of low-hanging fruits of gags and jokes. But there really is a lot more to the musical than a man in a Thatcher wig.
Maggie Lakis and Rob McLure
To recap for those of you who have slept through the 90s and never had a chance to see Robin Williams (RIP) in the titular role, Mrs. Doubtfire is the stern-but-sweet Scottish nanny persona that out-of-work voice actor and dad Danny Hillard transforms into so he take care of his own three kids, hoodwinking his ex-wife and the custody court. Sound ludacris? Absolutely. But Hillard’s intention is sweet, albeit a little creepy. Our hero Danny (Rob McClure) fails to recognize that his marriage has fallen apart. After losing the custody battle, and the court orders him to shape up or else lose his visitation rights, the doting but misguided father relies on his wit (and some smart make-up) to get himself hired by his own wife, Miranda (Maggie Lakis, McClure’s real wife). One must throw logic out the door to follow a slew of the ensuing heartwarming, cringy plotlines.
Rob McClure
Producer Kevin McCollum, who won a Tony for In the Heights, Avenue Q, and Rent, said that the movie’s plot was made for a musical audience. And he is absolutely correct. Most of the material is ripe for song and dance.
Nik Alexander, Aaron Kaburick and Company
First, we must talk about Rob McClure, who is reprising the lead role from his original Broadway run. Among his incredible talents — and boy, there are many — what stands out is the speed at which he can deploy them. And I’m telling you, speed is everything in this show. McClure’s quick change from actor to nanny is the running gag. It’s an old theater trick that is most welcome again. Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel is assisted by his very gay brother, Frank Hillard, played by Aaron Kaburick, and Frank’s fashionista husband Andre Mayem, played by Nik Alexander, to pull off the myriad of changes (Catherine Zuber, costumes; David Brian Brown hair and wig design).while pulling a few short verbal jabs at each other. The rapping is on point, and as with the fast changes, it is snappy and quick. McClure’s performance in the “Telling Time Rap” is incredible musicianship. You must do yourself a favor, Google it, and listen. And then know that it is better on stage.
Giselle Gutierrez, Cody Braverman, Emerson Mae Chan, Maggie Lakis and Rob McLure
There is also the choreography. Lorin Latarro‘s choreography is a mixture of old Broadway favorites made new again. And executing the breadth of movement — tap; air guitar; vogueing — the cast gives us their all and leaves nothing behind. Not to mention, many men’s thighs are on display with high heels on. They are the cherry on top of a delicious sundae that is the cast.
Rob McLure and Company
I am not a big fan of seeing kids on stage. That is mostly a personal taste. I do not find their voices interesting to listen to. But the kids are all right about this production. They really lend to the psychology of fatherhood in the storytelling. While their characters, aside from Lydia Hillard, played by the very talented Giselle Gutierrez, are as blended as 1950s TV commercials, their cheery optimism, as well as astonishing quick bounce back from the divorce, helps to maintain the comedy atmosphere. So, under Jerry Zaks’ direction the whole show is continuously sprinkled and layered with jokes to keep it quick-witted, campy, light and snappy (book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell).
Nik Alexander, Aaron Kaburick, Romelda Teron Benjamin, and Rob McLure
Come to think about it, with a plot that is centered around a single gag — a straight dad putting on drag to be with his children, tricking his ex-wife while violating court-ordered visitation limitations — the musical takes itself rather seriously. In finding the right tone, Kirkpatrick and O’Farrell offer masterful comedy writing out of the contrast and friction between family trauma, masculinity, fatherhood, and lots of boob jokes. They have a lot of respect and love for Mrs. Doubtfire as a cultural phenomenon.
Axel Bernard Rimmele, Giselle Gutierrez, Rob McLure and Kennedy Pitney
Overall, I can wholeheartedly recommend this show to everyone, especially families. However, the actual score (music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick) could be better. The first act is miles better than the second, and many of the voices are unbearable and shrilly. I would file the main characters under, “They knew how to sing, but I would not want to listen to them in my headphones.” But, it is one very, very funny and entertaining show. I particularly like the takeaway message regarding fatherhood and maturity. I do not buy the final forgiveness for a second, but for a musical in which happy endings are universally required, the overall character growth from the parents is satisfying. You’ll enjoy good old family fun with Mrs. Doubtfire and have a gay old time.
Leo Roberts and Rob McLure
photos by Joan Marcus
Giselle GutierrezMrs. Doubtfire
national tour
reviewed at the at the Hollywood Pantages, where it ends on June 30, 2024
for tickets (beginning at $40), for tickets, call 800-982-2787 or visit Hollywood Pantages
the tour will also travel to Costa Mesa at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from Sept 24-Oct 6, 2024
tour continues; for dates and cities, visit Doubtfire Musical
