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| Rob McClure as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire |
Right on the heels of a shockingly disappointing loss by the hometown football team, the Ravens, the North America touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire has rolled into Baltimore to bring some needed cheer while we lick our wounds. The musical now playing at the iconic Hippodrome Theatre is a heartwarming, tender story but with high octane comedy that is sure to keep you cracking up.
Four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks adroitly directs this zany, well-staged musical with precision, which is based on the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire that starred Robin Williams. Lorin Latarro deftly handles the lively choreography, and Ethan Popp is the music supervisor.
The central plot consists of a divorced man with no custody of his children because he is unemployed and lives with his brother. He transforms into a female Scottish nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire in an effort to be close to his children. How he navigates this ruse is the core of the laugh-a-minute tale.
With some shows the plot is a vessel to carry the music, which is common among jukebox musicals, such as Mamma Mia!, Jagged Little Pill, Rock of Ages and many others. In Mrs. Doubtfire, the music by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (the Tony Award nominated team behind Something Rotten!) is the vehicle to move the story along, and it’s well done. The book was penned by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell.
The music in Mrs. Doubtfire will not likely appear on many folks’ playlists; however, the score with its eclectic styles and comedic lyrics perform a key function and service the story pleasingly. Some of the numbers are extraordinary with their lyrics and the manner in how they are performed.
“Easy Peasy” is a standout well-choreographed spectacle that brings laughter and joy with its zany antics. “Welcome to La Rosa” is another where everything in the plot unravels—literally. And that is followed up by the equally funny “He Lied to Me.”
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| Nik Alexander, Aaron Kaburick, Romelda Teron Benjamin and Rob McClure |
Rob McClure reprises his Tony-nominated Broadway role as Daniel Hillard, the out-of-work impressionist in San Francisco who loses custody of his three children after a messy divorce from his wife Miranda (played superbly by Maggie Lakis who happens to be Mr. McClure’s real wife). As stated previously, Daniel transforms into a Scottish nanny named Mrs. Doubtfire, who is hired by Miranda unaware of the true identity. This takes place after Daniel uses his voice impression skills, in a hilarious sequence, to sabotage Miranda’s efforts to find a regular nanny. Mrs. Doubtfire is anything but regular.
No one would expect an actor to replicate the comic genius of the late, great Robin Williams. But Mr. McClure comes darn close. In a tour-de-force, Mr. McClure is exceptional in a physically demanding and strenuous role that includes well over a dozen costume changes in rapid fashion that must be accomplished on a dime to keep up with the fast pace of the show.
In possessing natural comedic gifts, Mr. McClure scores big in every scene. Yet, his acting abilities come to the fore when he longs to be with his children and is desperate to do so. His ability to convey tenderness in these scenes while performing slapstick comedy in others is a tribute to his talent. Everybody roots for him.
"... a heartwarming, tender story but with high octane comedy that is sure to keep you cracking up."
Oh, by the way, he can sing well, too, as he is featured in over half the show's numbers. The moving solo “I Want to Be There” where Daniel fights for custody of his children in front of a judge is beautifully delivered. In another style, the comedic “Make Me a Woman” with his brother and his brother’s husband is beyond hilarious. Mr. McClure also excels while in the Mrs. Doubtfire character in the insanely funny “Easy Peasy”—a group number with the talented Ensemble where he desperately tries to brandish his cooking skills. There are many others. And yes, he can dance real well, even tap. What can’t he do?
For her part, Maggie Lakis as the strong-willed and business-savvy mother Miranda Hillard, performs well. Miranda clearly has no more interest in reconciling with Daniel and tries everything to keep him away from the children only to be infiltrated by Mrs. Doubtfire whom she adores especially because of the influence she has on her kids. Her one solo “Let Go” that showcases a powerful alto voice is glorious. In the end, after the jolting discovery that Mrs. Doubtfire was actually her husband, she comes to the realization that things are better when Daniel is around the children. It leads to an emotional conclusion.
Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia Hillard, the oldest daughter and on the cusp of young adulthood, and for the reviewed performance Cody Braverman as her brother Christopher and Emerson Mae Chan as the youngest sister Natalie are bona fide scene stealers. Their acting skills are spot-on though Christopher performs most of the comedic lines and does so with aplomb. He alternates with Bernard Rimmele while Emerson alternates with Kennedy Pitney.
The three kids perform in the hilarious number “What the Hell”—yes they do, and Ms. Gutierrez shines in the emotional duet near show’s end with Mr. McClure in “Just Pretend.”
Now recall that the movie was released in 1993 and this musical production had made adjustments to modernize. The use of smart phones, internet and Siri are among the technical updates to the show’s plot.
What’s not updated is that the creative team retained the stereotypical gay characters for the musical. Indeed, sensibilities and attitudes have changed regarding LGBTQ+ individuals over the years. One of the characters is Daniel’s flamboyant brother Frank (played by Aaron Kaburick) who is a make-up artist, no less and his even more flamboyant husband Andre (played by Nik Alexander).
Though their antics are over-the-top and at times cringe-worthy, they are fabulous and provide many comical moments during the course of the show. Advice: Don’t ever say anything negative about Donna Summer in front of Andre!
The couple assists Daniel with the prosthetics and wardrobe needed to pull off the Mrs. Doubtfire persona. And musically, the trio is outstanding in the funny “Make Me a Woman.”
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| Leo Roberts and Rob McClure |
Leo Roberts plays Stuart Dunmore, Miranda’s brand-new love interest almost immediately following the divorce. Good-looking and muscular, Mr. Roberts portrays the rich British character well as he is the chief rival to Daniel. Whether by design or not, there is no chemistry between him and the children. Mr. Roberts also has a solid tenor singing voice.
The remainder of the talented cast and Ensemble supports the leads exceptionally particularly in vocals and dancing.
Though the set is not intricate or highly technical, it is attractive and services the plot effectively. Scenic Designer David Korins makes use of dropdown curtains and screens for scene changes with images of San Francisco in the background. Costume Designer Catherine Zuber is very creative in outfitting the cast in colorful garb and, of course, the costumes for Mrs. Doubtfire. Phillip S. Rosenberg’s brilliant lighting design adds to the visual excellence of the show.
Truthfully, going in, I had my doubts about Mrs. Doubtfire and its conversion from screen to stage as a musical. No more doubts. It’s a perfect blend of love and laughs, and it’s fantastic.
Running time. Two hours and 30 minutes with an intermission.
Mrs. Doubtfire runs through February 4 the Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 N. Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201. For tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800-982-ARTS or visit Ticketmaster or the Hippodrome Theatre online.
Photos: Joan Marcus
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