‘MRS. DOUBTFIRE’ THE 90’S MOVIE LEARNS TO SING
REVIEW: MRS. DOUBTFIRE
BY RYAN M. LUEVANO
Experience the beloved story of Mrs. Doubtfire as you’ve never seen it before, with a delightful blend of song, dance, and uproarious antics, as it comes to life in an all-new musical adaptation on stage. Starring Tony-nominated Broadway actor Rob McClure and renowned actress Maggie Lakis, this production brings the heartwarming and hilarious tale to life. Join Daniel Hillard as he transforms himself into the lovable Scottish nanny, Euphegenia Doubtfire, in a desperate attempt to stay close to his children after a messy divorce. Directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and featuring a talented creative team, Mrs. Doubtfire the musical is a quirky adaptation that reminds us of the power of family and the importance of staying together. If you enjoyed the movie, you won’t want to miss the chance to see the musical adaptation at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from June 11-30, 2024.
The musical adaptation of the 90’s movie Mrs. Doubtfire doesn’t aim to introduce any significant changes to the original story, apart from updating it to the era of cell phones. It faithfully follows the movie’s plot, retaining all the beloved gags and punchlines. Surprisingly, the transition from film to musical stage is smooth, with the book swiftly leading to the iconic transformation and then staying true to the rest of the story. While the music and lyrics may not be the catchiest or most innovative, they effectively hold the show together and keep audiences engaged. Overall, the musical maintains a lighthearted tone and makes it clear that it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather celebrate a beloved story and characters that people already adore.
What makes this musical truly special is the astounding performance of Rob McClure. He is a musical comedy genius, and his portrayal of Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel is nothing short of extraordinary. The role is a musical theater decathlon of Olympic levels, requiring constant switching between two characters, singing, impressions, dancing, physical comedy, and even some light rapping. What’s even more impressive is that he makes it all look effortless. If you have the chance, go see this show for his amazing performance. It is uncommon to witness the original Broadway actor taking part in a national tour, making his presence even more exceptional.
The rest of the cast follow McClure’s lead and deliver wonderful performances. The book scenes with Frank Hillard (Aaron Kaburick) and Andre Mayem (Nik Alexander) are some of the most sidesplitting moments in the show—these guys know how to deliver laughs. Giselle Gutierrez has elevated the role Lydia Hillard by giving this angsty teenage girl remarkable depth, which is further complemented by her stellar singing voice. The ensemble numbers like “Make Me a Woman,” “Easy Peasy,” “I’m Rockin’ Now,” and “Big Fat No” are some of the most thrilling moments in the show, showcasing the talent and energy of the entire cast.
Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical truly comes alive when it showcases songs that showcase McClure’s talents, moments of slapstick comedy, and the grand spectacle of big ensemble numbers. While there are times when the story veers into overly sentimental territory and some of the songs lack catchiness, the undeniable energy of the production effortlessly carries the audience through the two-and-a-half-hour performance. Just as the film was a success due to Robin Williams’ charm, Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical is a delightful treat thanks to the multifaceted genius that is Rob McClure.
LOS ANGELES LISTING INFORMATION
Dates: June 11 – 30, 2024
Theatre: Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30pm
Friday at 8pm
Saturday at 2pm & 8pm
Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm
Tickets: Online: BroadwayInHollywood.com or Ticketmaster.com
Phone: 1-800-982-2787
In Person: Hollywood Pantages Box Office (Visit website for hours)
