*** Remember the film, “Mrs. Doubtfire”, and the creativity shown by Robin Williams playing the dual role of  Dan Hilliard and Mrs. Doubtfire? Well, they turned it into a musical and it is now  on tour and here in Chicago at the James M. Nederlander Theatre as part of the Broadway In Chicago series. For those of you unfamiliar with the story, Hilliard (played to perfection by Rob McClure, who did not try to imitate Williams at all) is a voice over performer who is going through a divorce with  Miranda ( Maggie Lakis) and because of his status has slim visitation with his three children. As we learn, Miranda has a business and is the breadwinner and Daniel has always related with the children, played by Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia) and Axel Bernard Rimmele (Christopher) and Kennedy Pitney (Natalie), note: some performances  these two roles are played by  Cody Braverman and Emerson Mae Chan.

Miranda tells Daniel that since she is busy with her business, she is going to hire a Nanny. That is when Daniel begins his plan. He makes sure that Miranda finds only one Nanny, the perfect one, played by him, Mrs. Doubtfire! His brother, Frank ( Aaron Kaburick is quite funny) and his partner ,Andre Mayhem (deftly handled by Nik Alexander) help him create the costume, wigs and body suit, and I must say to perfection . The costume people (Catherine Zuber and crew) created an outfit that allowed for several very quick transformations. In the film, they could shoot different scenes and just cut and paste. In live theater, NOT SO! They took the challenge seriously and were up to it. I will say that the face mask they designed does resemble the way Williams looked in the film, but may have been done to pay homage to a gifted actor, so we will always remember him in this role. I for one, loved McClue from start to finish!

This is a play where ensemble matters, and they were brilliant. They are : Romelda Teron Benjamin, Leo Roberts, David Hibbard, Jodi Kimura, Alex Branton, Jonathan Hoover, Sheila Jones, Julie Kavanah, Ian Liberto, Marquez Linder, Naderah Munajj, JP Qualters, Alex Ringler, Bianca Rivera-Iri-ONS, Lannie Rubio, Neil Starkenberg, Joey Stone, Gina Ward, Lauryn Withnell and Julia Yameen.

The music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick are fitting for the telling of the story, but nothing that you will hum on the way out the door. The book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell follows the film but with some minor changes. The choreography by Lorin Latarro is limited but there are several dance numbers, particular the tap, that will blow your mind. The original direction by Jerry Zaks is followed and on the road, the sets (David Korins) and direction change to fit the stage of each theater where they perform.

“Mrs. Doubtfire” as a musical is fun with lots of great laughs, and tonight’s opening night audience had a blast. That is one of the beautiful parts of theater. For 2 1/2 hours, we are transported away from the reality of our day, and swept into a story that will, in this case, bring a smile to your face. You will leave the theater entertained and feeling good, and who can ask for anything more? For the record, there is a happy ending. The divorced couple finds what they need and share the kids.

“Mrs. Doubtfire” will continue at The Nederlander Theatre thru – Mar 10th with performances as follows: