PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh’s presentation runs now through December 3rd.
By JESSICA NEU
Divorce is likely a decision that does not come easily and is even more tumultuous when children are involved. So often, especially in today’s ongoing social media loop, parents are often judged, critiqued, or told how to handle divorce when it is profoundly nuanced and personal. Who then gets to determine what constitutes a good parent? A judge? A court-ordered social worker? Family members? Is lying justified if it means a parent can remain in their children’s lives?
Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy explores these questions in a way that combines endearing emotionality but also hilarious comedy. Inspired by the film staring the late-great Robin Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy tells the story of Daniel and Miranda Hillard (Rob McClure and Maggie Lakis), who are attempting to navigate an estranged marriage while raising their three children, Lydia (Giselle Gutierrez), Christopher (Cody Braverman), and Natalie (Kennedy Pitney). The final straw for Miranda comes after Daniel, who she describes as “Peter Pan,” throws what he calls a “medium” sized birthday party for Christopher. Fed up with Daniel’s inconsistent employment and childlike demeanor, Miranda files for divorce. The judge awards Daniel weekly visitations, which Daniel does not see as ample time with his children. When Miranda ignores Daniel’s plea to allow him to care for the children instead of hiring a nanny, Daniel instills the help of his brother, Frank (Aaron Kaburick), and his husband, Andre (Nik Alexander), to disguise him as an elderly Scottish, widowed nanny who he names Mrs. Doubtfire. Daniel, as Mrs. Doubtfire, then attempts to balance a double life so he can see his children on a regular basis.
Fans of the film will no doubt remember Williams’ iconic performance as the spunky yet endearing Doubtfire. However, McClure, who also appeared as Doubtfire on Broadway, delivers a performance that honors Williams but is also fresh, modern, and bit edgier in the most hilarious ways. His delivery of the song “It’s About Time” highlights his myriad talents and wit and places his performance in a category unparalleled to that of Williams.
Written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell with music and lyrics by Wayne & Karey Kirkpatrick, Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy contains all of the most beloved segments and lines from the film but also adds delightful music, dance numbers, updated popular culture references and some brilliant one-liners. These additions open up the plot and the show holistically to expand the Hillard’s story in a beautifully touching way that also delivers ongoing uproarious laughter.
Each character has such a unique personality, but all are equally endearing. From Kaburick’s accidental inclination to yell every time he’s lying to Gutierrez’s angst over being stuck somewhere between youth and adulthood, the performers’ uniqueness meshes together to deliver perfectly timed jokes with brilliant pauses and nonverbal action that magnifies the hilarity of the script.
The Kirkpatricks’ musical numbers are conversational and relatable, which helps audiences gain insight and perspective into each character not offered in the film. Numbers such as “What the Hell” allow Lydia, Christopher, and Natalie to express their confusion, frustration, and grief over their parent’s divorce. Together, Gutierrez, Braverman, and Pitney offer a telling and honest glimpse into the turmoil that familial disruption can cause children of all ages. Similarly, Daniel can gain a perspective into Miranda’s emotional distress as Mrs. Doubtfire comforts a grieving Miranda as she sings “Let Go,” which powerfully highlights the heartbreak in watching your marriage disintegrate and the significance of deciding to end your marriage. Lakis’ delivery of “Let Go” will pull on the heartstrings of anyone in a relationship, regardless of their marital status.
This multi-dimensional perspective of divorce and finding your happiness is paired with delightful songs and dance numbers such as “Make Me a Woman,” where Daniel becomes Mrs. Doubtfire with the help of some iconic women throughout history. If you ever wondered what it would look like for Janet Reno to dance with Donna Summer, this is your chance to find out! Similarly, “Easy Peasy” offers a break from commenting on divorce and instead takes aim at how social media has created unrealistic expectations of domesticity. YouTube comes to life (ads and all) as Mrs. Doubtfire attempts to cook an “easy” Chicken Fricassee in this showstopping number timed perfectly by Lorin Latarro’s choreography.
Mrs. Doubtfire inevitably burns the “easy” meal and orders takeout. Still, she adorns a beautiful dinner spread before Miranda arrives home from work, which, according to Lydia, makes her smile for the first time in a while.
So then, what makes a good parent? Is it mastering domesticity in the face of every blogger who claims that cooking is simple? Is lying justified if it means seeing and caring for your children? Is it fair to prioritize your happiness at the expense of other family members? There are no absolute answers to any of these questions, as they represent common and ongoing perils that so many of us reconcile each day. However, Mrs. Doubtfire reminds us that a different perspective can always help shift our focus. Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy affirms that “as long as there is love,” anything is possible.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series presents Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy at the Benedum Center. For tickets visit: https://trustarts.org/production/86815/mrs-doubtfire
Categories: Reviews
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