Review: Mrs. Doubtfire at Orpheum

The musical closely follows Mrs. Doubtfire's plot, but no one can replace Robin Williams. It was a well-acted performance at the Orpheum Theater.

2023 North American Tour and London Production

Act I "That's Daniel" – Lydia, Miranda, Daniel, Ensemble "I Want to Be There" – Daniel "I Want to Be There" (Reprise) – Daniel "Try a Little Harder" – Daniel "Make Me a Woman" – Daniel, Andre, Frank, Ensemble "What the Hell" – Lydia, Natalie, Christopher "The Mr. Jolly Show" – Mr. Jolly, Ensemble "So Long From Mr. Jolly" – Mr. Jolly, Ensemble “Easy Peasy" – Daniel, Ensemble "I Want to Be There" (Reprise) – Daniel "The Mr. Jolly Show” (Reprise) – Mr. Jolly, Ensemble "About Time" – Daniel "Rockin’ Now" – Daniel, Frank, Andre, Lydia, Christopher, Natalie, Ensemble According to ChatGPT: Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical is a Broadway comedy musical based on the beloved 1993 film starring Robin Williams. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly show that combines farce, heartfelt emotion, and big production numbers, staged in a grand, classic Broadway style that fits the Orpheum perfectly. 📖 Story Summary Daniel Hillard is a loving but irresponsible actor and devoted father whose marriage collapses after years of chaos. After a difficult divorce, Daniel loses custody of his three children, devastating him. Desperate to stay close to them, he disguises himself as an elderly Scottish nanny named Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire and gets hired to care for his own kids. As Mrs. Doubtfire, Daniel becomes a better parent — more patient, attentive, and emotionally present — while trying to keep his double life secret. Complications escalate when his ex-wife Miranda begins dating someone new, forcing Daniel to confront his jealousy, immaturity, and fear of being replaced. The disguise inevitably unravels, leading to a reckoning where Daniel must prove he can grow up — not just for his kids, but for himself. 💞 Themes Parenthood and responsibility — love alone isn’t enough; maturity matters. Identity and self-acceptance — Daniel learns to be a real father without hiding behind a costume. Family in modern forms — the show affirms that families can still be loving even when they change shape. 🎶 Style & Experience The musical features fast-paced comedy, physical humor, and show-stopping costume quick-changes that are especially thrilling live. Songs are upbeat and Broadway-friendly, mixing heartfelt ballads with comedic ensemble numbers. While broadly funny, the show lands surprisingly emotional moments, especially around co-parenting and letting go. 🎭 Overall Feel Mrs. Doubtfire is joyful, crowd-pleasing, and warm-hearted, balancing laugh-out-loud comedy with sincere emotion. It’s less satirical than some Broadway shows and more about big laughs, big heart, and theatrical spectacle — making it a great choice for families and anyone looking for an entertaining, feel-good night at the Orpheum. Mrs Doubtfire Review Highlights Rob McClure (the actor playing Mrs. Doubtfire) played very well The staging was excellent Lowlights The musical score was unexciting, with no memorable songs

Act II “Entr’acte” – Orchestra "The Shape of Things to Come" – Miranda, Daniel, Female Ensemble "Big Fat No" – Stuart, Daniel, Male Ensemble "Let Go" – Miranda "Clean It Up/What The Hell (Reprise)" – Daniel, Lydia, Christopher, Natalie "Playing with Fire" – Full Company "Welcome to La Rosa" – Maire-d and Waiters "He Lied to Me" – Flamenco Singer, Flamenco Dancers "Just Pretend" – Daniel, Lydia "As Long as There Is Love" – Full Company