Expect some pleasant surprises in an ‘updated’ ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall

Aaron Kaburick remembers the only other time he was at Bass Hall. It was 2011 when he made a trek across the Metroplex to see a show while he was in a production down the road.

“When I was in Dallas with ‘Billy Elliott’ we went to Bass Hall to see ‘Stomp,’” he recalled. “It’s an amazing venue. I’m so looking forward to performing there.”

He will be performing as the character of Frank Hillard in the upcoming production of the musical “Mrs. Doubtfire” Nov. 5-10. The show is part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank and its only Texas stop on a tour that began in September of 2023 and wraps up before the end of this year.

Adapted from the 1993 hit film that earned Robin Williams a Golden Globe in the title role, it is the story of an out-of-work actor (Daniel Hillard) who has gone through a messy divorce and will do anything to see his kids on a daily basis. This includes going in disguise as their Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire.

“There really aren’t many musicals — especially family musicals — that deal with divorce,” Kaburick said. “We’ve gotten letters saying things like, ‘Thank you for putting on stage what I’m feeling.’”

Kaburick plays Daniel’s brother, who uses his own skills as a makeup and wig artist to help Daniel make the transformation. The scene where Daniel shows up at his door asking for help is one of the story’s most funny, yet eye-opening moments.

“You’re looking at a father who would do whatever it takes to be with his children, and there’s something very special about that,” Kaburick said. “Our writers worked really hard to get the message across that love prevails. Of course, there’s the iconic comedy, but along with it is a very strong message about caring.

“And the writers have brilliantly written a song for that scene that captures that moment in a very theatrical way.”

Do not, however, expect a scene-for-scene retelling of the movie, said Kaburick, who has been a part of the production since it debuted on Broadway in 2019. While the musical stays true to the hysterical and heartfelt story, there are some differences from the screen to the stage.

For example, cell phones and the internet were not yet controlling the world in 1993.

“It’ll be pleasant surprises,” Kaburick said with a smile. “I’ve heard people say things like, ‘Oh, I love how they’ve updated it.’

“But the best thing is it still feels like the story we all know and love.”

This story was originally published October 31, 2024 at 12:17 PM.