Hellooo Poppets!

Mrs. Doubtfire

Back in 1993, one of the best-loved and highest-grossing films of the year was “Mrs. Doubtfire.” This hilarious cross-dressing comedy/drama was directed by Chris Columbus, and starred Robin Williams in one of his greatest and most memorable roles. Based upon Alias Madame Doubtfire, a 1987 novel by Anne Fine, Williams played Daniel Hillard, a struggling actor and voice artist who’s devoted to his three children. 

Unfortunately, Daniel’s wife Miranda, played in the movie by Sally Fields, doesn’t see her husband as being mature or reliable. After the final straw, she files for divorce and, realizing she’ll need to spend longer hours running her own business, advertises for a nanny. When Williams sees the ad, he interviews for the position over the phone, using his acting talent to convincingly sound like an elderly, Scottish woman named Mrs. Doubtfire. Miranda feels that the British woman sounds perfect for the position and asks her to come to the house. Then, with the help of Daniel’s brother Frank, who’s a skilled Hollywood makeup artist, Daniel physically transforms into Euphegenia Doubtfire, and hilarity ensues as she arrives at the house and announces to the children, “Hellooo Poppets!”

In 2015, a theatrical musical version of “Mrs. Doubtfire” was born. But it wasn’t until 2018, following the hiring of a new creative team (after artistic differences dismissed the original artists), that the musical finally took shape. The show, which opened on Broadway in early 2020, unfortunately had to close only days after a few previews, due to the COVID pandemic. It reopened again in the Fall of 2021, but closed prematurely in the Spring of 2022. 

The 2023-24 North American Tour kicked off in Upstate New York, featuring Music and Lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell. Directed by Award-winner Jerry Zaks, “Mrs. Doubtfire” has finally arrived in Chicago for two weeks, on its 30-city tour. The production stars Rob McClure, the gifted musical actor who originated the role on Broadway. He’s been enjoyed in such shows as “Beetlejuice,” “Something Rotten” and “Noises Off,” and the actor was deservedly nominated for a Tony Award in his challenging, energetic portrayal of Mrs. Doubtfire.

This charming, very funny, family-friendly musical is faithful to the movie, without being a carbon copy of the original. Much of the original story remains but some new material has been added to update the story for contemporary audiences. Jerry Zaks’ direction is crisp and considered, employing the talents of his large cast. Ethan Popp’s expert music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations are pure Broadway pop; and conductor/keyboardist/musical director Mark Binns skillfully guides his talented 10-member pit orchestra, filling the theater with its catchy songs. Both artistic and athletic, Lorin Latarro’s flashy choreography highlights the entire production.   

Everyone agrees: there was no one like Robin Williams. He will always be remembered for creating lovable Mrs. Doubtfire in the film. But Rob McClure, who’s an exceptionally likable and talented actor/singer/dancer and versatile vocal artist, has put his own individual spin on the titular role. While adding an impish quality to the elderly nanny, he perfectly adopts the Scottish burr that makes Mrs. Doubtfire so cute and charismatic. Rob’s portrayal of the older woman hilariously alternates between arthritic and athletic. One minute she’s carefully walking in her orthopedic oxfords, and in the next she’s shimmying, shaking and gettin’ down with the broom and the vacuum cleaner.

 During the big production number, “Make Me a Woman,” Mr. McClure—assisted by his brother, Frank (Aaron Kaburick) and Frank’s life partner Andre (Nik Alexander)—is physically transformed from Daniel Hillard into Mrs. Doubtfire. This clever and accomplished actor infuses both of his characters with so much energy and humor that his antics leave the audience breathless from laughter. But suddenly, when you least expect it, this brilliant actor turns on a dime and brings honest passion and poignancy to the role, as well. Rob McClure is a miracle.

The supporting cast is excellent. Superb actress and singer Maggie Lakis is very good in the role of Daniel’s wife, Miranda. Her heartfelt solo, “Let Go” beautifully reminds us of the inner conflict her character’s experiencing. Making her professional debut, talented singer Giselle Gutierrez is stunning as Lydia Hillard, Daniel’s wise teenage daughter. His two younger children bring heart and hilarity to the musical. Christopher is nicely-played by Cody Braverman and Axel Bernard Rimmele, who alternate in the role; and little Natalie is sweetly portrayed alternately by Emerson Mae Chan and Kennedy Pitney.

Handsome Leo Roberts plays Stuart, “the other man” in Miranda’s life. His number “Big Fat No,” performed in the gym, is highlighted by Mrs. Doubtfire zapping him with insults and barbs. Wanda Sellner, appointed by the Court to keep tabs on Daniel, is played with a proper, no-nonsense attitude by Romelda Teron Benjamin. Aaron Kaburick and Nik Alexander are both funny and flamboyant as Frank Hillard and his domestic partner Andre Mayem. And the head of the TV station, the dour Janet Lundy, is handled with humor by Jodi Kimura. The seemingly tireless, multitalented ensemble keeps the musical in motion, filling the stage with a whole variety of songs, dances and enchanting characters.

Special mention must be made of Tony Award-winner Catherine Zuber’s fabulous costumes and David Brian Brown’s incredible hair & wig design. Both of these artists add so much to this production that they deserve star billing. Set designer David Korins, whose Broadway credits include “Here Lies Love,” “Hamilton,” “Beetlejuice” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” has created a lovely, flexible ever-moving environment for the story. The show’s nicely illuminated by Broadway lighting designer, Philip Rosenberg.

This musical is a sweetly beautiful story, filled with lots of love and pathos. It’s perfect for the whole family with its broad humor, positive parental characters and three endearing children. The show features a gifted cast, led by Broadway’s incomparable Rob McClure in the title role, and supported by a truly talented ensemble of triple-threats. Since “Mrs. Doubtfire” is only in town for two weeks, don’t miss your chance to see and hear the lovable, laughable Scottish nanny, especially as she bursts onstage calling out, “Hellooo, Poppets!”  

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented February28-March 10 by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.