Inspirational ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ musical is something to see at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall
Behind many great performances, it has been said, is a sad person — someone like Daniel Hillard, aka Euphenagia Doubtfire.
Robin Williams first brought the dual identity to life in the 1993 film by the same name as a divorced father who would stop at nothing to see his children. It was one of the greatest and most hilarious performances in the late Hollywood legend’s career.
It was also one of the most moving and inspirational of his performances. Amidst the many laughs is a lesson in the truest of love, the love a parent feels for their children.
The story would find its way to Broadway a few years ago and now to an American Tour, with “Mrs. Doubtfire” the musical at Bass Performance Hall now through Nov. 10. It’s the latest production in Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series Presented by PNC Bank.
For the most part the musical stays true to the storyline of the movie. However, now the story has music and lyrics from brothers Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick to bring it even more to life, with some popping choreography by Lorin Latarro, all under the umbrella of the direction of Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks.
Daniel (Dallas native Alex Branton on this evening, with Jonathan Hoover also in the role in several other performances) is a talented actor, but because of his perfectionist attitude he has trouble staying employed. The happy-go-lucky personality that his wife Miranda (Catherine Brunell) fell in love with is now taking a toll after years of her being the “responsible parent.”
When she comes home with plans for a simple birthday celebration for their son, having told Daniel they couldn’t afford anything more, she finds him throwing a party for the neighborhood kids. She responds by telling him she’s had too much and wants a divorce.
In court, the judge tells Daniel that if he can find steady employment and a suitable place to live, he will consider joint custody of their three children. In the meantime, Miranda will have full custody and he will have limited visitation.
If there is one thing at which Daniel excels, it is loving his children so much so that he literally takes on a secret identity — Mrs. Doubtfire — and even gets himself hired by his ex-wife as a nanny. Hilarity ensues as Daniel works to keep his identity a secret from Miranda, knowing the consequences should she find out.
Daniel calls upon the help of his brother Frank (Aaron Kaburick) and his husband Andre (Marquez Linder) to use their Hollywood makeover skills to “make me a woman.” That scene, which also features one of the show’s more clicking musical numbers, makes clear to us how far Daniel will go when it comes to being with his children.
And Frank, who speaks in a shouting voice when nervous, provides several funny moments in the show, especially when a social worker drops in to see Daniel and is greeted by Mrs. Doubtfire.
Things get more complicated when an old flame from Miranda’s past, Stuart Dunmire (Alex Ringler), pops back into her life, first to help launch her new business, and then as a boyfriend. Turning to Mrs. Doubtfire for romance advice not only brings about some humorous exchanges, but challenges Daniel’s acting talents even more.
Through it all, Daniel finds opportunity to change the very things that drove him and Miranda apart, albeit through Mrs. Doubtfire.
He also finds a new opportunity to use his talents elsewhere, highlighted in the song “It’s About Time.” Like everything else in his suddenly turned-upside-down life, a career once going nowhere is suddenly about to take off — but again, ironically, it’s through Mrs. Doubtfire.
As it is noted in a late show scene, she brought out the best in all connected to her — the kids, Miranda, and Daniel himself.
Divorce is going to bring sadness with it, though. Even as she attempts to move on with her life, we see the emotional battle within her as she soulfully Miranda sings the somber “Let It Go.”
And oldest daughter Lydia (Giselle Gutierrez) reminds us that children often take it the hardest, notably in the beautiful duet with her dad, “Just Pretend.” She also reminds him that while he sees them every day, they’re not really seeing their dad.
Along with his ability to make us laugh, much like a sad clown, Branton expertly displays the behind-the-makeup complexities of Daniel’s new life. He also quietly shows Daniel’s inner strength and restraint in accepting that his life is forever changed, as are the lives of those he loves most.
Creating a chemistry involving two souls exiting from a love that was once strong is a huge acting challenge, but one that Branton and Brunell master. It’s a cornerstone to the entire story.
The show also brings the story into the 21st century, with technological updates that did not exist in the original version, such as cell phones, for example. Also, more recent pop culture references include Daniel responding sarcastically to Miranda about the party, “I’ll cancel Taylor Swift.” And Mrs. Doubtfire also asks Siri how to make a meal.
As a single divorced dad myself when I saw the film in 1993, I could relate to Daniel’s plight. While I was fortunate enough to see my child often, it was still never enough.
And if it took wearing a dress, wig and makeup to make that happen, I would have gone shopping immediately after leaving court.
Now that, just like this show, would have been something to see.