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Mrs. Doubtfire (musical)

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Mrs. Doubtfire
The New Musical Comedy
Promotional Logo
Music
Lyrics
  • Karey Kirkpatrick
  • Wayne Kirkpatrick
Book
BasisMrs. Doubtfire
by Randi Mayem Singer
Leslie Dixon
Alias Madame Doubtfire
by Anne Fine
PremiereNovember 16, 2019: 5th Avenue Theatre, Seattle
Productions
2024 Rio de Janeiro

Mrs. Doubtfire is a musical based on the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire, which in turn is based on the 1987 novel Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine, with music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell. As with the film, the musical is set in the city of San Francisco, California. However, the timeframe has been updated to the 21st century. The stage musical has references to both technology and pop culture that did not exist in 1993 when the film was released.

Background

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A musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire was in the works in 2015, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, and a book by Harvey Fierstein (who played Frank Hillard in the movie). Producer Kevin McCollum had previously spoken to The New York Times in 2013 about the 1993 movie's musical prospects, noting that the plot was "tailored for Broadway audiences".[1] However, three years later, Menken told that the project was put on 'creative hiatus', citing changes in the creative team as the problem.[2] Nevertheless, in 2018, McCollum revealed that the adaptation was still aiming for a Broadway bow, but with an entirely different creative team which includes Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick composing the score, and John O'Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick writing the book. Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks became the director of the show.[3]

On May 16 and 17, 2019, the musical held a reading with a cast including Rob McClure, Kate Baldwin, Mario Cantone, and Jake Ryan Flynn.[4]

Productions

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The musical is directed by Jerry Zaks with choreography by Lorin Latarro and music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp.[5] Rob McClure plays the role of Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire,[4] with Jenn Gambatese as Miranda Hillard, Brad Oscar as Frank Hillard, Analise Scarpaci as Lydia Hillard, Jake Ryan Flynn as Christopher Hillard, Avery Sell as Natalie Hillard, J. Harrison Ghee as Andre, Mark Evans as Stuart Dunmire, Charity Angél Dawson as Wanda Sellner, and Peter Bartlett as Mr. Jolly.[6] The cast originally included the late Doreen Montalvo as Janet Lundy. Montalvo performed in the Seattle tryout and the three pre-COVID Broadway previews, but died suddenly in October 2020.[7]

Seattle (2019)

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The musical made its world premiere at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington, beginning previews on November 26, 2019, with an official opening on December 13, with an intention to run until December 29 before being extended due to popular demand until January 4, 2020.

Broadway (2021–2022)

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Mrs. Doubtfire began Broadway previews on March 9, 2020, at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, with a planned opening night the following month.[6] Due to the Governor's response to the coronavirus pandemic, all Broadway productions were suspended on March 12, 2020. Mrs. Doubtfire resumed previews on October 21, 2021, officially opening December 5.[8][9][10] The production went on hiatus from January 10, 2022,[11] through April 14.[12] A month after reopening, producers announced the production would close on May 29, 2022, after 43 previews and 83 regular performances.[13]

Manchester (2022)

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On November 5, 2021, it was announced that the musical will make its UK premiere at the Manchester Opera House the following year, opening on 2 September, and running until 1 October.[14] The run received generally favourable reviews.[15][16]

London (2023–2025)

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On November 15, 2022, it was announced that the musical will transfer to London's Shaftesbury Theatre, opening on 12 May 2023.[17]

The show started previews on 12 May 2023 before a Gala performance on 18 June 2023. The production stars Gabriel Vick as the title role, alongside Laura Tebbutt as Miranda; Carla Dixon Hernandez as Lydia; Samuel Edwards as Stuart; and Cameron Blakely and Marcus Collins as Frank and Andre. The show opened to positive reviews.

The production announced it will close on 26 April 2025, with plans to tour the world to be announced.[18]

North American Tour (2023)

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In April 2023, it was announced that the show would embark on a North American national tour in fall 2023. The tour began performances on September 29, 2023 at Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York. The tour is scheduled to make stops in over thirty cities through July 2024.[19] In July 2023, it was announced that Rob McClure would reprise his Tony Award-nominated role as Daniel Hillard/Mrs.Doubtfire for the national tour. His real-life wife Maggie Lakis will also join the tour as Miranda Hillard.[20] In August 2023, full casting was announced. Joining McClure and Lakis are Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia Hillard, Aaron Kaburick as Frank Hillard, Nik Alexander as Andre Mayem, Leo Roberts as Stuart Dunmire, Romelda Teron Benjamin as Wanda Sellner, Cody Sawyer Braverman and Axel Bernard Rimmele as Christopher Hillard, and Emerson Mae Chan and Kennedy Alexandra Pitney as Natalie Hillard.[21]

Other performances

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On November 18, 2021, the cast of Mrs. Doubtfire performed their song "Rockin' Now" on Good Morning America.

Musical numbers

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Source: Playbill[22]

2021 Broadway Production

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Act I
  • "What's Wrong with This Picture" – Lydia, Miranda, Daniel, Ensemble
  • "I Want to Be There" – Daniel
  • "Make Me a Woman" – Daniel, Andre, Frank, Ensemble
  • "What the Hell" – Lydia, Natalie, Christopher
  • "The Mr. Jolly Show" – Mr. Jolly, Ensemble
  • “Easy Peasy" – Daniel, Ensemble
  • "The Mr. Jolly Show” (Reprise) – Mr. Jolly, Ensemble
  • "About Time" – Daniel
  • "Rockin’ Now" – Daniel, Frank, Andre, Lydia, Christopher, Natalie, Ensemble
Act II
  • “Entr’acte” – Orchestra
  • "The Shape of Things to Come" – Miranda, Female Ensemble
  • "Big Fat No" – Stuart, Daniel, Male Ensemble
  • "Let Go" – Miranda
  • "Clean Up This Mess" – Daniel
  • "Playing with Fire" – Wanda, Ensemble
  • "He Lied to Me" – Flamenco Singer, Flamenco Dancers
  • "Just Pretend" – Daniel, Lydia
  • "As Long as There Is Love" – Full Company

2023 North American Tour and London Production

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Cast and characters

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Character Seattle Broadway[22] Manchester West End[23] North American Tour[24]
2019 2021 2022 2023
Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire Rob McClure Gabriel Vick Rob McClure
Miranda Hillard Jenn Gambatese Laura Tebbutt Maggie Lakis
Frank Hillard Brad Oscar Cameron Blakely Aaron Kaburick
Mr. Jolly Peter Bartlett Ian Talbot David Hibbard
Wanda Sellner Charity Angél Dawson Vanessa Fisher Kelly Agbowu Romelda Teron Benjamin
Stuart Dunmire Mark Evans Dominic Andersen Samuel Edwards Leo Roberts
Andre Mayem J. Harrison Ghee Marcus Collins Nik Alexander
Lydia Hillard Analise Scarpaci Carla Dixon-Hernandez Giselle Gutierrez
Christopher Hillard Jake Ryan Flynn George Nearn Stuart
Charlie Tumbridge
Fred Wilcox 		Max Bispham
Elliot Mugume
Frankie Treadaway 		Cody Braverman
Axel Bernard Rimmele
Natalie Hillard Avery Sell Jessica Bowerman
Darcey Dean
Angelica-Pearl Scott 		Scarlett Davies
Ava Posniak
Angelica-Pearl Scott 		Emerson Mae Chan
Kennedy Pitney
Charlotte Sydney Harrington
Janet Lundy Doreen Montalvo Jodi Kimura Aiesha Naomi Pease Micha Richardson Jodi Kimura
Flamenco Singer Aléna Watters Lisa Mathieson Lannie Rubio


Reception

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The Broadway production received mixed reviews, with praise for the cast, namely McClure, Scarpaci, Oscar, and Bartlett. However, some of the characters and plot points were criticized for feeling written as tired and forgettable. Likewise, the score was mostly criticized for being unmemorable, though enjoyable.[citation needed]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2022 Drama Desk Awards[25]
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Rob McClure Nominated
Outstanding Wig and Hair Design David Brian Brown Won
Outer Critics Circle Award[26] Outstanding New Musical Nominated
Outstanding Actor in a Musical Rob McClure Nominated
Outstanding Director of a Musical Jerry Zaks Nominated
Outstanding Book of a Musical Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell Nominated
Outstanding Score Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick Nominated
Outstanding Costume Design (Play or Musical) Catherine Zuber Nominated
Tony Awards[27][28] Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical Rob McClure Nominated

References

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  1. ^ Healy, Patrick (August 1, 2013). "Like the Movie, Only Different". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  2. ^ Jeffery, Morgan (May 17, 2016). "Mrs Doubtfire: The Musical has been put on hold". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 2019-04-05. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  3. ^ Romano, Nick (August 28, 2018). "Mrs. Doubtfire musical is officially in the works and aiming for Broadway". EW.com. Archived from the original on 2019-04-05. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  4. ^ a b Clement, Olivia (September 5, 2019). "Rob McClure to Star in World Premiere of Mrs. Doubtfire Musical". Playbill. Archived from the original on October 5, 2024. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
  5. ^ McPhee, Ryan (June 6, 2019). "Mrs. Doubtfire Musical Will Make Its World Premiere in Seattle". Playbill. Archived from the original on 2019-07-17. Retrieved 2019-07-29.
  6. ^ a b Rosky, Nicole (October 16, 2019). "Breaking: MRS. DOUBTFIRE Will Open on Broadway in Spring 2020 at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre". BroadwayWorld. Archived from the original on 2019-10-16. Retrieved 2019-10-16.
  7. ^ Gans, Andrew (19 October 2020). "Doreen Montalvo, Star of In the Heights and On Your Feet!, Dies at 56". Playbill. Archived from the original on 5 October 2024. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
  8. ^ "The Shutdown Continues: All Performances of Broadway Shows Now Suspended Through June 7". Broadway.com. April 8, 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-04-09. Retrieved 2020-04-08.
  9. ^ Paulson, Michael (May 5, 2021). "Broadway Is Reopening. But Not Until September". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 May 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2021.
  10. ^ Evans, Greg (May 10, 2021). "'Mrs. Doubtfire' Musical Announces Fall Broadway Return With Rob McClure In Title Role". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
  11. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (2022-01-02). "Broadway's Mrs. Doubtfire to Take 9-Week Hiatus". Playbill. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  12. ^ Chapman, Wilson (March 18, 2022). "'Mrs. Doubtfire' Delays Broadway Reopening to April". Variety. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  13. ^ "Last performance May 29!". Instagram: doubtfirebway. May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  14. ^ Mayo, Douglas (2021-11-07). "Mrs Doubtfire musical to have UK premiere in Manchester in 2022". British Theatre. Archived from the original on 2021-11-07. Retrieved 2021-11-08.
  15. ^ Tan, Ain't No Other (2022-09-06). "Theatre Review: Mrs. Doubtfire". Tan's Topics. Archived from the original on 2022-11-18. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  16. ^ Bourne, Dianne (2022-09-22). "The show they didn't want us to review - Mrs Doubtfire musical reviewed". Manchester Evening News. Archived from the original on 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  17. ^ "Helloooo, London - MRS DOUBTFIRE The Musical to open in the West End in May 2023". Best of Theatre. 2022-11-15. Archived from the original on 2022-11-15. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  18. ^ "Mrs Doubtfire musical announces closing date with special statement". 2024-09-12. Archived from the original on 2024-09-12. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  19. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (April 4, 2023). "Mrs. Doubtfire Stage Musical to Tour North America". Archived from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  20. ^ Wild, Stephi. "Rob McClure Will Reprise His Role MRS. DOUBTFIRE on Tour Alongside Real-Life Wife Maggie Lakis". BroadwayWorld.com. Archived from the original on 2023-08-12. Retrieved 2023-08-12.
  21. ^ "Mrs. Doubtfire Completes Casting for the National Tour - TheaterMania.com". 2023-08-21. Archived from the original on 2023-08-24. Retrieved 2023-08-24.
  22. ^ a b "Mrs. Doubtfire (Broadway, Stephen Sondheim Theatre, 2021)". Playbill. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
  23. ^ "Helloooooo London! - It's MRS DOUBTFIRE..." London Box Office. 2022-11-15. Archived from the original on 2024-10-05. Retrieved 2022-11-15.
  24. ^ "Cast". Mrs. Doubtfire. Archived from the original on 2023-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  25. ^ "66th Drama Desk Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Archived from the original on 2022-05-16. Retrieved 2022-05-16.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  26. ^ "71st Outer Critics Circle Awards". Outer Critics Circle Awards. Archived from the original on 2022-06-29. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  27. ^ "2022 Tony Award Nominations". Tony Awards. May 9, 2022. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  28. ^ Lang, Brent; Woerner, Meredith (June 12, 2022). "Tony Awards 2022 Complete List of Winners: 'A Strange Loop,' 'The Lehman Trilogy' Earn Top Prizes". Variety. Archived from the original on June 15, 2022. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
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