The 1993 hit movie, “Mrs. Doubtfire,” starring the late brilliant Robin Williams, was a beloved family film — directed by Chris Columbus and co-starring Sally Field and Pierce Brosnan — that etched its way into our collective hearts. Now the musical comedy stage version is finishing a run at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood before its head out on national tour to San Francisco and other big cities.
The play tells the story of a divorced dad of three, the fun-loving Dad but irresponsible husband, Daniel Hillard, and the wacky lengths he goes to be with his children. He invents the larger than life no nonsense and mega quirky nanny, Mrs. Doubtfire, so he can spend time with his kids.
Rob McClure originated the role on Broadway for which he was rightly nominated for a Tony Award. Now on national tour, the show is a must see. McClure’s real life wife, Maggie Lakis, plays Miranda Hillard, his hardworking frustrated wife. Determined to get to see his kids, the court only gave him limited visitation, Hillard devises schemes layered upon more schemes; we all know how it ends. Stepping into Williams shoes is no easy task, but McClure is up to it and goes beyond.
McClure’s a theatrical gift; his performance is filled with heart, showy slapstick and spot on comedic appeal. The cast across the board is just terrific, with a special shout out to Giselle Gutierrez as the oldest daughter Lydia. Her voice, range and performance for someone so young; she is certainly making her theatrical mark.
Kudos to the Nederlander Organization and the Pantages. Their ‘Broadway In Hollywood’ has been a rousing success with packed houses. With shows coming up that include Peter Pan, Company, Hamilton, Kimberly Akimbo, Back To The Future: The Musical, Wicked, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child. A Beautiful Noise, Some Like It Hot, Shucked” and more, Angelenos can indeed experience first rate Broadway productions in the heart of Hollywood. Thankfully “Mrs. Doubtfire” is saying her signature ‘hellooooo’ to grateful audiences on this national tour and she couldn’t be more welcome!
