Doubtfire at the Schuster: A Heartfelt, High-Energy Show for the Whole Family
Can a stage musical live up to the legendary Robin Williams film? The touring production of Mrs. Doubtfire does more than just pay tribute—it carves out its own hilarious identity.
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Review: Mrs. Doubtfire—The New Musical Comedy at the Schuster thru this weekend
By Mike Woody
📷 Photos by Joan Marcus
There are certain characters that are so strongly intertwined with the actors who played them that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. For instance, Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, and Robin Williams as Mrs. Doubtfire. One of the most impressive aspects of the musical comedy Mrs. Doubtfire is how it allows the audience to move past the iconic memory of Robin Williams. As the title character, the exuberantly talented Craig Allen Smith makes the role of Daniel Hilliard entirely his own. From an immature, carefree father to an elderly Scottish nanny, Smith perfectly embodies both.
Watching the 1993 film, one doesn’t necessarily think it should be a musical, yet the blend of heart and laughs creates an enjoyable experience. All the credit goes to the entire cast and crew, who work together to form perfection at every level. The aforementioned Smith displays an impressive array of character impressions, from Sesame Street characters to Star Wars. His body is just as versatile as his voice, as there are several instances of physical comedy, especially while posing as Mrs. Doubtfire. Nobody vacuums as gracefully as Mrs. Doubtfire.
For anyone not familiar with or maybe has forgotten the plot, tired of being the only responsible one in the relationship, Miranda Hilliard (Melissa Campbell) divorces her husband, Daniel. Granted only limited visitation by the court, Daniel transforms himself into an elderly Scottish woman to serve as his children’s nanny…total chaos and hilarity ensues.
By far, the show's vocal highlight is Campbell’s ‘Let Go’, powerful in sentiment and beautifully performed. Her voice is as soothing as a cup of hot tea. I would rank Campbell’s rendition with any other song in a tour, both past or present; it’s just that good. Though it would be easy to make Miranda the villain, for her opposition to Daniel, she doesn’t do anything irrationally. Plus, Campbell makes her irresistibly charming.
The children consist of the angry teenager, Lydia (Alanis Sophia), the guilt-ridden son, Christopher (Theodore Lowenstein), and the witty Natalie (Ava Rose Doty). Each child has some zingers and provides a lot of the story's heart.
The strong supporting cast also features Brian Kalinowski as Frank, Daniel’s brother. Frank could never be a politician as he yells every time he tells a lie. Along with his husband, Andre, who brings a vibrant and high-energy presence to the stage, the two work together to orchestrate Daniel’s impressive transformation into Mrs. Doubtfire.
A standout comedic sequence occurs when Frank and Andre visit Daniel’s apartment during a surprise visit from Wanda Sellner (Kennedy V. Jackson), the child welfare officer. The scene is a masterclass in frantic timing as the characters struggle to maintain a complicated ruse, forcing Daniel into a series of rapid-fire transitions that keep the audience laughing.
The chaos reaches a fever pitch during a high-stakes dinner involving no-nonsense TV executive Janet Lundy (Se’lah Jackson). Daniel is forced to juggle his two identities simultaneously in a public setting, resulting in one of the most hilariously kinetic and memorable sequences of the entire production.
The ensemble is exceptional, with splendid choreography, which adds a lot to many of the musical numbers. Their efforts are highlighted especially in ‘Easy Peasy’ with some culinary expertise. While the laughs take center stage, the lyrics are fun and the energy of the musical numbers keeps the audience smiling.
To miss Mrs. Doubtfire would be like a run-by fruiting, a real crime.
ℹ️ More info: Mrs. Doubtfire at the Schuster Center through May 10.
