Mrs. Doubtfire is playing at Playhouse Square through January 28th.
You're gonna want to get tickets fast.
As a theatergoer. I like shows that fit into 3 boxes:
Is the music great?
Are there special effects, explosions, or colorful costumes?
Can I follow the story or are they too busy singing every other line?
I obviously knew the movie. In fact, we all just watched it with my sister over the New Year. She had never seen it.
Here are my takeaways:
There is no one like Robin Williams, who played Mrs. Doubtfire in the original movie from 1993. With that being said, Rob McClure brings his Tony-nominated Broadway performance to Cleveland along with his real life wife Maggie Lakis who plays Miranda in the show. Great chemistry, and the comparisons to the movie drift away after a few minutes. I loved their performance. No over-acting, fitting perfectly into the show.
The musical numbers flow effortlessly, and I didn't feel they were trying too hard. The songs were good, not great. Simple, yet effective. What they chose to showcase in a musical number was not what I expected, but it worked well to modernize the plotline.
What I wasn't prepared for, were all the references to divorce. The original movie touched on that at times, but the musical takes it a bit further. There are tender moments between Daniel and Miranda, but I got the most choked up when Daniel and Lydia had a duet (Just Pretend). I'm listening to it now. For anyone who has gone through a divorce, parents or kids, I challenge you to have a dry eye.
With that being said, there are so many moments of laughter, that it offers a balance to your emotions.
The show doesn't completely follow the movie, but all the classic lines are in there.
It's a fabulous production worth seeing with the whole family.
Mrs. Doubtfire is Playing at The Connor Palace at Playhouse Square through January 28th. Get tickets and info HERE