Twice in the past month the Fox Theatre has hosted musicals based on films with the heavy stamp of the genius that was Robin Williams. Divorcing these properties – “Aladdin” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” – of Williams’s imprimatur is no mean feat, and both succeed in exactly the same way: by casting the lead roles with performers who bring their own distinctive and distinctively different talents. This is true, of course, of most performances (i.e., comparing one actor’s Hamlet to another’s), but it is even more of a consideration with the film-to-stage adaptations.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” is the second of the two recent productions, and although it is slightly less successful than the Disney property, it is still a fun and entertaining way to spend approximately 2 ½ hours in the post-holiday sugar-crash. I was especially looking forward to Rob McClure’s performance in the title role as Daniel Hillard and his alter ego, the hip old granny, Euphegenia Doubtfire – a performance that’s received consistently good marks during this production’s tour.
Opening night at the Fox, McClure was replaced by Alex Branton, who usually plays in the Ensemble and as the Director. It’s hard to know what I may have missed by the absence of McClure, but doubt now. It is to Branton’s credit (and talents) that his two-fer performance was such a delightful sweep through this charming, cross-dressing story of divorce, desperation and the dynamics of family – filled with 20 musical numbers, zingy one-liners and a plenitude of pop-up dances.
To paraphrase a Mrs. Doubtfire-ism, the key to solid production is laughter, and Branton and his fellow performers deliver a satisfying patter of well-executed physical comedy and inventive (if not evenly memorable) musical numbers. “Mrs. Doubtfire” is directed by Jerry Zaks, with music and lyrics by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell.
As the increasingly harried Daniel/Euphegenia, Branton was impressively frantic as he pivoted from moments drama to slapstick, song-and-dance and even onstage costume changes. Branton’s ability to seamlessly and believable toggle between the demands of this role is one of the show’s bona fide strengths. One of the best Branton moments is the up-tempo, pop inflected “Easy Peasy,” during which he learns to prepare a meal with the help of an energetic ensemble of back-up cooks. The number had the same lively vibe as the “Hot Chocolate” song in the movie “The Polar Express.” “Easy Peasy” is one of the best numbers choreographed by Lorin Latarro.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” is more than a one-housekeeper show. Joining Branton is Maggie Lakis (McClure’s real-life spouse) as Miranda, Daniel’s exasperated wife/ex-wife. Aaron Kaburick (reprising his Broadway role and is a native of Carlinville, Ill.) is Frank, Daniel’s hair stylist brother. It seems redundant to describe Frank, who shouts whenever telling a lie (which is often), as comic relief in a musical filled with comedy, but that’s exactly Kaburick’s achievement.
Nik Alexander plays Andre, Frank’s husband, and provides one of the best performances of the evening. Together with Frank, Daniel, Andre and the Ensemble, Alexander delivers a clever, show-stopping wonder with “Make Me a Woman.” Equally strong in her own way was Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia, the eldest daughter. Gutierrez displayed confidence and mature poise while delivering “Just Pretend,” a nuanced, poignant father-daughter duet.
As Miranda’s hunky himbo love interest, Stuart, Leo Roberts’s uneven acting and muffled dialogue (there were also numerous mic’ing issues during the show) were more than offset by his booming performance of “Big Fat No” – quite unexpected in a very good way.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” closes with “As Long As There Is Love,” a song that resonates with the show’s message of inclusion and a modern, expanded notion of what constitutes a family.
The song is not the strongest in the show, but it would have served as the appropriate ending. There’s an extraneous, unnecessary epilogue scene after the song, with Mrs. Doubtfire using hand puppets to reinforce the song’s theme of families coming in all sizes, shapes and genders.
This ending required another Mrs. Doubtfire-ism: “I Admire That Honesty, Natalie, That’s A Noble Quality. Never Lose That, Because It Often Disappears With Age, Or Entering Politics.”
Performances of “Mrs. Doubtfire”” at the Fabulous Fox run through January 7. Show times vary. Tickets on sale now at MetroTix.com or by calling 314-534-1111. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com
CB Adams is an award-winning fiction writer and photographer based in the Greater St. Louis area. A former music/arts editor and feature writer for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, his non-fiction has been published in local, regional and national publications. His literary short stories have been published in more than a dozen literary journals and his fine art photography has been exhibited in more than 40 galley shows nationwide. Adams is the recipient of the Missouri Arts Council’s highest writing awards: the Writers’ Biennial and Missouri Writing!. The Riverfront Times named him, “St. Louis’ Most Under-Appreciated Writer” in 1996.
(St. Louis, MO) – The Fabulous Fox Theatre is thrilled to announce its spectacular 2023-2024 Broadway season featuring a mix of Broadway’s biggest hits and St. Louis favorites. Made up entirely of Fabulous Fox premieres, the 2023-2024 Broadway Subscription will include the Broadway smash-hit BEETLEJUICE, the electrifying TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, the heartfelt MRS. DOUBTFIRE, the dazzling musical comedy FUNNY GIRL, thegroundbreaking COMPANY, the spectacular MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, and the most Tony Award®-winning musical of the season MJ. An eight show package is also available to subscribers with the addition of the magical ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil®. Off-Series specials include the anticipated St. Louis returns of COME FROM AWAY, Disney’s ALADDIN, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical, MAMMA MIA! and the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical, THE BOOK OF MORMON, as well as the St. Louis premiere of JAGGED LITTLE PILL.
BEETLEJUICE | October 10-22, 2023
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to St. Louis. Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “Screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical | November 14-26, 2023
There is only one. Her voice is undeniable. Her fire is unstoppable. Her triumph is unlike any other. An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. Set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits, this electrifying sensation will send you soaring to the rafters. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards® and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE | December 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to St. Louis in an internationally acclaimed new 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 HollywoodReporter). 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.
FUNNY GIRL | January 23 – February 4, 2024
Welcome to musical comedy heaven! Featuring one of the most iconic scores of all time by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill, an updated book from Harvey Fierstein based on the original classic by Isobel Lennart, tap choreography by Ayodele Casel, choreography by Ellenore Scott, and direction from Michael Mayer, this love letter to the theatre has the whole shebang! The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened—she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
COMPANY | February 27 – March 10, 2024
Winner of 5 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical, COMPANY “strikes like a lightning bolt. It’s brilliantly conceived and funny as hell” (Variety). Helmed by three-time Tony Award®-winning director Marianne Elliott (War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America), this revelatory new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy is boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful and downright hilarious. It’s Bobbie’s 35th birthday party, and all her friends keep asking, Why isn’t she married? Why can’t she find the right man and isn’t it time to settle down and start a family? As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married, and being alive in the 21st-century could drive a person crazy. COMPANY features Sondheim’s award-winning songs You Could Drive a Person Crazy, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side by Side and the iconic Being Alive. Let’s all drink to that!
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL | April 30 – May 12, 2024
Pop the champagne, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is the winner of 10 Tony Awards® — including Best Musical! Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL! Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. Directed by Tony Award® winner Alex Timbers, MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love. With a book by Tony Award® winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award® winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award® winner Sonya Tayeh, MOULIN ROUGE!THE MUSICAL is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 31: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) (L-R) Tavon Olds-Sample, Myles Frost and Christian Wilson during the one-time only special “Thriller” curtain call at the 2022 Halloween performance of the hit Michael Jackson musical “MJ” on Broadway at The Neil Simon Theater on October 31, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Photo credit: Bruce Glikas
social media credit is @bruglikas /@broadwaybruce_ @mjthemusical
MJ | May 28 – June 9, 2024
The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to St. Louis as MJ, the multi-Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status. MJ is “startin’ somethin’” as it makes its St. Louis premiere at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in May of 2024.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil® I November 29-December 10, 2023
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…is Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show, based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicolas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of Christmas. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, ‘TWAS THE NIGHTBEFORE…features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters – and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show was conceived and is directed by Cirque duSoleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater.
Come From Away
Series Specials
Six additional Broadway shows will be offered as specials to 2023–2024 season ticket holders for priority seating before their public on-sale dates. The breathtaking musical COME FROM AWAY will bring back the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them to the Fox stage November 3-5, 2023. Discover a whole new world of unforgettable magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle at Disney’s ALADDIN December 12-17, 2023. The longest-running and highest-rated holiday television special, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical, will fly into St. Louis December 23, 2023 for three performances only. Based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, JAGGED LITTLE PILL will rock the Fox stage January 18-21, 2024. Beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA, MAMMA MIA! will be a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget February 13-18, 2024. Back by popular demand, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical THE BOOK OF MORMON will play the Fox April 9-14, 2024!
New seven and eight-show season ticket packages will go on sale Wednesday, June 21. Current Broadway season ticket holders will receive their renewal information in the coming weeks. On-sale dates for individual shows will be announced later. For more information, please visit FabulousFox.com or for production photos,
Jagged Little Pill
2023 – 2024 U.S. Bank Broadway Series Shows and Specials:
(The Season Ticket Package shows are in bold)
BEETLEJUICE * October 10-22, 2023
COME FROM AWAY * November 3-5, 2023
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical * November 14-26, 2023
‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… by Cirque du Soleil® * November 29-December 10, 2023
Disney’s ALADDIN * December 12-17, 2023
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Musical * December 23, 2023
MRS. DOUBTFIRE * December 26, 2023 – January 7, 2024
JAGGED LITTLE PILL * January 18-21, 2024
FUNNY GIRL * January 23 – February 4, 2024
MAMMA MIA! * February 13-18, 2024
COMPANY * February 27 – March 10, 2024
THE BOOK OF MORMON * April 9-14, 2024
MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL * April 30 – May 12, 2024 MJ * May 28 – June 9, 2024
Lynn (Zipfel) Venhaus has had a continuous byline in St. Louis metro region publications since 1978. She writes features and news for Belleville News-Democrat and contributes to St. Louis magazine and other publications.
She is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic, currently reviews films for Webster-Kirkwood Times and KTRS Radio, covers entertainment for PopLifeSTL.com and co-hosts podcast PopLifeSTL.com…Presents.
She is a member of Critics Choice Association, where she serves on the women’s and marketing committees; Alliance of Women Film Journalists; and on the board of the St. Louis Film Critics Association. She is a founding and board member of the St. Louis Theater Circle.
She is retired from teaching journalism/media as an adjunct college instructor.
