No matter how flat the material might be, any Robin Williams-led movie tended to work because of the strength of its comedic lead actor. That same spirit is at play in Mrs. Doubtfire, a musical adaptation of the 1993 film (which is also based on a book).
Star Rob McClure doesn’t set out to imitate Williams’s performance as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire, but instead uses his own comedic and musical talents to bring high energy and tons of laughs to the stage performance. McClure is the force that makes Mrs. Doubtfire charming, entertaining, hilarious, and touching – serving as a Jack of All Trades asked to do everything from beatbox to breakdance. And while Williams had the benefit of camera setups and editing to transform him from Daniel to Doubtfire and back, McClure relies on some impressive quick-change work – a few switches are even made live on stage – to alternate between his two personas.
Much like Daniel Hillard’s ability to vacillate between different personalities, bits, and characters, Mrs. Doubtfire hits a lot of musical genres. It has poignant ballads where Daniel grapples with the prospect of not being there for his kids (“I Want to Be There”), complex comedic productions where Doubtfire consults the Internet for cooking tips (“Easy Peasy”), and a technically impressive number where Daniel (and the theatre crew) create a song live using a looping machine (“About Time”).
So much of what makes Mrs. Doubtfire work rests on McClure’s comedic talent, sense of timing, and those quick-change instances, but he’s got some fantastic scene partners as well. Maggie Lakis grounds the production as Daniel’s ex-wife Miranda, a character that’s never portrayed as the bad guy and whose ballad “Let Go” helps reinforce the idea that sometimes two people can grow apart, but their relationship and memories aren’t as easy to separate from. Giselle Guiterrez is also fantastic as the Hillards’ oldest daughter Lydia, who wrestles with caring for two parents who are at odds with each other and the appearance of a Scottish nanny who’s bettering her siblings’ lives.
Even with that core message of a dad learning to become a parent, Mrs. Doubtfire’s music and performances are the strongest when they lean into its comedy. Roles like Daniel’s make-up artist brother Frank (Aaron Kaburick) and his husband Andre (Nik Alexander) play up the comedic hijinks associated with Daniel’s becoming Mrs. Doubtfire, and Leo Roberts as Miranda’s new suitor Stuart plays a nice comedic foil.
While the supporting roles make the ensemble go, Mrs. Doubtfire succeeds on the strength of its lead performance. It seems McClure was well aware of that, as he is breaking from tradition and continuing the role he originated on Broadway for the National Tour. You can tell that McClure gives it his all every night, from singing to dancing to impressions. By the end the audience feels just as exhausted as McClure must, but they are definitely laughing, smiling, and tapping their toes along the way. And props to the makeup and costume work for genuinely transforming McClure into Mrs. Doubtfire right in front of our eyes.
Mrs. Doubtfire is at is best with songs that play into McClure’s strengths as a performer. You can’t help but be impressed by what the actor gives to the role each night, and there is a palpable appreciation for the opportunity to showcase what makes these dual characters special. Even when the story veers a bit towards the saccharine or the songs aren’t as catchy, there’s an energy to everything that makes the two and a half hours breeze by. Much like the film became a hit thanks to Williams, Mrs. Doubtfire The Musical is a hilarious treat thanks to McClure.
Mrs. Doubtfire is currently on at the Civic Center San Diego before heading to the Pantages in Los Angeles for the rest of June. See the full schedule here.
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