Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy is a delightful and entertaining production with impressive performances, catchy music, and side-splitting laughs. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy has come to St. Louis, playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre from December 26, 2023, through January 7, 2024. The musical Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical adaptation based on the popular film that starred Robin Williams, Pierce Brosnan, and Sally Field and is brought to stage, turning the beloved story into a musical that is hilarious, entertaining, and great for many ages. Check out the details in my parents guide review.
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Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy Parents Guide
In Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy: Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to St. Louis! Rob McClure will reprise his Tony-nominated Broadway performance on tour alongside co-star (and real wife!) Maggie Lakis in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks, MRS. DOUBTFIRE tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.
Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what parents need to know in this parent’s guide and the age rating of the musical before letting their younger children watch Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy.
Language: Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy contains some strong language, with profanity used briefly. Lookout words include one use of the word sh*t, a**, g-d d*mn, crap, sucks, stupid, and phrases like “piss off” and “what the hell.”
Mature Content: The musical contains many adult themes that center around a messy divorce, which may be triggering to some viewers. There are some sexual references in the film, including some scantily dressed characters dancing, and the main character is shown on stage switching costumes, seen in a nude body suit, and sometimes only in boxer briefs. Some of the references include talking about celbacy, a song that contains a phrase about cutting off testicles, and another reference about a moose knuckle.
Age Rating of Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy: The Fabulous Fox Theatre’s Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy is suggested to have a PG rating by MTI (Musical Theatre International) for brief language, sexual references, and adultish moments. It is appropriate material for ages 8 and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or an adult guardian is highly recommended for small children under 8 years old. This rating is based on the opinion of the author.
Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy runtime: 2 and a half hours
Overall Thoughts
The performances in Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy are the highlight of the production, with stellar performances that showcase the actors versatility, humor, and emotional depth. The show hinges on Rob McClure, who is cast in the title role of divorced dad and out-of-work actor Daniel Hillard, AKA Mrs Doubtfire, and his ability to seamlessly switch between the clumsy Daniel and the endearing Mrs. Doubtfire. His physical comedy, facial expressions, and vocalizations are impressive, making the quick costume changes believable and hilarious.
The rest of the cast keep up the pace of excellence, including Lydia (played by Giselle Gutierrez), Stuart Dunmire (played by Leo Roberts), and Natalie (played by Emerson Mae Chan), who all deliver natural and nuanced performances, adding authenticity and emotional weight to the family dynamic. As Daniel’s ex-wife Miranda Hillard, Maggie Lakis portrays a strong and compassionate woman navigating the complexities of divorce and motherhood. Her singing voice adds gravitas to the show’s more emotional moments. And Aaron Kaburick and Nik Alexander as Frank and his husband Andre, Daniel’s eccentric brothers, steal the show with their side-splitting physical humor and witty banter.
The musical numbers by Kirkpatrick brothers (Karey Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick) in Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy are a vibrant and engaging mix of catchy tunes, heartfelt ballads, and clever integration with the storyline. While some prefer the familiar nostalgia of the 90s hits, the original songs deserve recognition for their own catchy melodies and thematic contributions. Whether you’re a musical theater aficionado or simply enjoy a good singalong, Mrs. Doubtfire offers a satisfying musical experience that leaves you humming long after the curtain falls.
Director Jerry Zaks, a Tony Award-winning director known for his knack for comedic timing and heartwarming stories, tackles the beloved tale of Mrs. Doubtfire, written by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, with an expert hand. Zaks keeps the laughs rolling with perfectly timed physical comedy, particularly in Daniel’s transformation scenes and comedic interactions with his brothers. The show’s emotional core resonates through poignant scenes like Miranda’s vulnerability and the children’s yearning for their father.
Overall, Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy is a delightful and entertaining production with impressive performances, catchy music, and side-splitting laughs. However, its reliance on humor and nostalgia can overshadow the emotional depth you might expect.
