Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now — one that proves we’re better together.
John O’Farrell and Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick’s musical, which opened Wednesday, July 3, at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre, seems like it wishes it could use other source material. Directed by Jerry Zaks, it shadowboxes its way through key plot points and memorable shots from the film as if it has to so it can stage the new scenes it’s actually excited about. That opening sequence where Robin Williams’ Daniel Hillard is voicing a cartoon? Now Rob McClure halfheartedly impersonates a few celebrities. A few scenes later, when Miranda finally declares she wants a divorce? Actor Maggie Lakis is such a nonentity, and the production around her is so noncommittal, that it’s as if she doesn’t really mean it.
Rob McClure is a joy as Daniel, the child-like father who can’t seem to hold a job or satisfy his wife’s demands regarding their children’s care. He’s crushed by their divorce and loss of custody. To stay is their lives, he creates Mrs. Doubtfire and is hired as the kid’s nanny. McClure is joined by renowned actress and real-life wife, Maggie Lakis as Miranda Hillard. Aaron Kaburick and Nik Alexander are hilarious as Daniel’s over-the-top brother Frank and his lover Andre, the makeup artists who create the illusion.
2019 | Regional (US) |
5th Avenue Theatre Pre-Broadway Production Regional (US) |
2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2023 | West End |
West End |
2023 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
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