Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives. As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now — one that proves we’re better together.
Rob McClure as Daniel is just the right mix of confident and insecure. He radiates love for his children and passion for comedy, and his remarkable performance is relentlessly laugh out loud funny. The remainder of the cast is consistently high quality with Broadway-level experience and chops. Catherine Brunell as Miranda, Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia, and Leo Roberts as Stuart are especially worthy of praise for their vocals and characterizations.
John O’Farrell and Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick’s musical, which opened Wednesday, July 3, at BroadwaySF’s Orpheum Theatre, seems like it wishes it could use other source material. Directed by Jerry Zaks, it shadowboxes its way through key plot points and memorable shots from the film as if it has to so it can stage the new scenes it’s actually excited about. That opening sequence where Robin Williams’ Daniel Hillard is voicing a cartoon? Now Rob McClure halfheartedly impersonates a few celebrities. A few scenes later, when Miranda finally declares she wants a divorce? Actor Maggie Lakis is such a nonentity, and the production around her is so noncommittal, that it’s as if she doesn’t really mean it.
2019 | Regional (US) |
5th Avenue Theatre Pre-Broadway Production Regional (US) |
2022 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2023 | West End |
West End |
2023 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
Videos