Mrs. Doubtfire Is A Positive Boost Post-Pandemic

There was an electricity to the air that screamed, “This is Broadway!” as the crowd watched mesmerized by Mrs. Doubtfire. We looked on with big eyes and open hearts as took up Robin Williams legendary mantle to give as show that proved life has a way of resolving itself, if you only realize the problem is “you.” Of course, watching the beloved 90s film, I never had such a deep takeaway. Yet, older, wiser, and a little pandemic-brained has made me sentimental. Also, this

Doubtfire, the musical, really leans in on one of the biggest themes of the film that, most of us, bypass: divorce. Perhaps because Williams was such a dynamic, movie-star, it was hard not watch him on screen as anything but an absolute joy. Yet, the musical does very well to ground the film’s premise into surprising relatable context. Miranda (Jenn Gambatese ) is not a frustrated wife that cannot take a joke as much as a woman tired of her charming, unmotivated husband, ( Rob MClure scene-stealing as Daniel), using his likability to avoid he has no plans, lost all sense of self-purpose, and completely forgotten that you are as much a husband to your wife as a father to your kids. does really well to make your pity Miranda and understand why she would leave a good guy like, Daniel; because, in the end, he could not treat her better. Yet, again, life has a way of seeing you on your path.

There is a karmic belief that it takes losing everything to gain it all. It is this type of notion that make spiritualists uber excited when all these losses, bad things, and existential breakdowns begin to occur: it means a really good, new chapter is about to begin. For all that Daniel is heartbroken to lose his kids, his wife, his home, and thus foundation; a newfound ambition is born in him that the safety of his old life was oddly blocking, which is when the musical shines. Songs like, “As Long As There Is Love” and “Telling Time Rap,” are the best tracks because they highlight a newfound motivation and inspiration in Daniel. They are exuberant, positive, and strengthen how the show adds to the movie. Moreover, they assure we end up cheering for as much as we did Williams. Thus, Mrs. Doubtfire is born from his efforts to gain his kids, but she also becomes his doorway into his own dreams of being an actor.

Musically, the Wayne and Karey Kirkpatricks’ book and lyrics is jubilant. The choreography by Lorin Latarro and the costuming by Catherine Zuber make the show feel like a live-action motion picture. Directed by Jerry Zaks , you are so immersed in the world and growing dynamics of the Hillard family. Sure, I laughed wonderfully thanks to the adorable Hillard children (Analise Scarpaci as Lydia, Jake Flynn as Chris, and Avery Sell), and J. Harrison Ghee as Andre and Brad Oscar as Daniel’s brother, Frank, are breathes of fresh air. Yet, what stood out to me was how these serious performances served the film’s jokes while unearthing its more philosophical, even sadder notes. At the end of the day, Mrs. Doubtfire, either in musical or film, is about a man who lost it all, and goes to great, comedic lengths to regain it; only to realize he lost it because he stopped appreciating it. Buy Tickets Here.

Located:
The Stephen Sondheim Box Office
124 W 43rd St
(btwn 6th & 7th Ave)