**** Recommended Mrs. Doubtfire, a new musical comedy playing at the Nederlander, is a funny, poignant, thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience. The story is corny but the outstanding cast embraced it, making it their own. It’s unusual for the actor who originates a role on Broadway to go on tour, but luckily for all of us, the amazing Rob McClure decided to do just that. I must admit, I had a hard time imagining Mrs. Doubtfire as a musical, so my expectations were low, but this cast made a believer out of me! 4 Spotlights
Mrs. Doubtfire, a musical adaptation of the 1993 film, was written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick & Karey Kirkpatrick. Mrs. Doubtfire is directed by Jerry Zaks and choreographed by Lorin Latarro. The film, which starred Robin Williams, Sally Fields, Harvey Fierstein and Pierce Brosnan, was based on the book Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine.
I can’t say enough about Rob McClure’s comedy ‘chops’ – voices, timing, slapstick, rapid delivery – and angst. There was one routine which went so fast I could hardly follow his hands! His quick costume changes were equally amazing.
Kudos to Catherine Zuber for her Costume Design and to David Brian Brown for his Hair & Wig Design. Their work made Mrs. Doubtfire work. Watching McClure put on the foundation piece, then the dress, then the facemask complete with makeup and finally the wig – or take it all off – usually in under a minute – was incredible.
Rob McClure plays Daniel Hillard, a freelance voice actor who can’t seem to keep a job. He’s a great father to his three kids, Lydia (Giselle Gutierrez), Christopher (Cody Braverman or Axel Bernard Rimmele) and Natalie (Emerson Mae Chan or Kennedy Pitney), but his wife, Miranda (Maggie Lakis), who’s about to launch a clothing line, is fed up. Her last straw - a birthday party for Chris thrown over her objections.
When she’s awarded sole custody of their kids in the divorce – and he’s limited to visitation rights on Saturday because he’s unemployed and living with his brother. If he wants shared custody, he has to find a job and a decent place to live.
When he finds out she’s looking for a nanny, he challenges his brother Frank (Aaron Kaburick), a costume designer, and Frank’s partner Andre Mayen (Nik Alexander), who does wigs and makeup, to help him become an older woman.
Meanwhile, the court-appointed social worker, Wanda Sellnor (Romelda Teron Benjamin), runs into Mrs. D. at his brother’s apartment. While she’s waiting, he runs into the bedroom, changes into himself, and convinces her that Mrs. D. is his sister – at least until Frank and Andre show up.
Using some telephone trickery, he answers and discourages all the nanny applicant calls, then sets up an interview. He says all the right things, meets the kids, and then Miranda hires him. Mrs. Doubtfire is a surprisingly good nanny, even blocking the internet so the kids have to do their homework.
When Miranda’s business partner, Stuart Dunmire (Leo Roberts), comes to dinner, Mrs. D. does her best to discourage his interest in Miranda.
Mrs. Doubtfire runs through March 10th at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Running time is 2 hours, 20 minutes, with an intermission. Performances are Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, Wednesdays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm, Thursdays & Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 & 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 & 7:30 pm. Tickets range from $42.50 - $152.50. FYI www.BroadwayInChicago.com.