Rhetorical Review

The show’s heart lies in Tony-nominated Rob McClure‘s portrayal of Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire. McClure masterfully captures the essence of Robin Williams’ beloved character without slipping into mimicry, blending comedic timing with emotional vulnerability. His quick transformations between Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire are seamless, showcasing both his physical comedy and ability to elicit genuine emotion. It is so daunting to fill any role that Robin Williams originated because there is no way any actor can ever fill his shoes. However, McClure smartly nods to Williams while making the role his own. Also, McClure is taking on a genre that Williams never touched—musicals. The most impressive scene for me was McClure’s “Telling Time Rap.”

In the original movie, Robin Williams (as Daniel Hillard) sneaks onto the set and improvs with dinosaurs, unaware that his boss, played by Jonathon Lundy, is watching. In the musical, we get to see McClure use a loop station to rap a fast-paced, humorous song that teaches kids how to tell time. Almost every sound is created live for the audience (in real-time), which is very impressive.

McClure is phenomenal; however, the supporting cast also delivers strong performances that complement his energy. Catherine Brunell, as Miranda Hillard, brings depth to her role with a powerful voice and an emotional arc that highlights a newly divorced/single mom’s journey of independence and reflection.

The Hillard children, played by Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia), Sam Bird (Christopher), and Charlotte Sydney Harrington (Natalie), inject the show with energy and warmth as they interact with McClure. Giselle Gutierrez, who plays the oldest daughter, has a set of pipes that is truly impressive and is featured several times throughout the show.  Gutierrez’s shines in “What the Hell” and “Just Pretend.” I can’t wait to see what she does in the future.

Aaron Kaburick (as Frank Hillard) and Marquez Linder (as Andre Mayem) are impossible not to love as the Hillards’ gay uncles. They light up the stage with infectious joy and humor, and their banter serves as some of the production’s most endearing highlights. I am so glad that this show, which already lends itself so well to identity-fluid messages, was updated to showcase an LGBT couple. In a production that’s often hilarious and light, the inclusivity added layers of warmth and acceptance, reinforcing the idea that love transcends all boundaries. It’s a beautiful reminder that family comes in many shapes, and love is the thread that holds all of us—especially Daniel in the play, at times—together.

I was particularly struck by how well Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical balances heartfelt emotion with comedic timing. Adding music to already emotional scenes dealing with heartbreak, divorce, and losing your children was almost more than my heart could take at moments; these are heavy and relevant themes, especially for modern audiences, and the cast delivered the emotions flawlessly to the audience. I appreciated how the production softened these heavy emotions with a lot of comedic relief at just the right moments—even more than the 1993 classic. The humor never felt forced but instead complemented the emotional moments, creating a dynamic that made the show more relatable and engaging.

While the musical numbers—composed by the Kirkpatrick brothers—are lively and fun, they sometimes lack the emotional depth to leave a lasting impression. Songs like “Make Me a Woman” are cheeky and entertaining, while “Let Go,” sung by Miranda, strikes a more introspective tone. However, the songs serve more as a means to propel the narrative rather than standing out as unforgettable anthems. That said, the choreography by Lorin Latarro is lively, with ensemble numbers like the over-the-top tango and the hilarious tap-dancing chefs sequence adding a vibrant energy that keeps the audience engaged.

Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical faithfully adapts the film’s central themes of family, identity, and love, adding a contemporary edge with updated cultural references that resonate with today’s audience. While some may believe the musical leans too heavily on beats from the movie, I felt that it always put its own spin on those scenes. Every character felt familiar, yet different, and that is what makes a good adaptation.

Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical offers a delightful and family-friendly experience that captures much of the original film’s warmth and humor. McClure’s outstanding performance, combined with a strong supporting cast, makes this stage adaptation a fun and heartwarming outing. Though some of the musical numbers may not be as memorable as hoped, the lively choreography, inventive staging, and emotional depth of the performances ensure that Mrs. Doubtfire remains an entertaining and moving theatrical experience. Fans of the film will appreciate the homage, while newcomers will find a touching tale about the lengths one father will go to stay connected with his children.

Zions Bank & Broadway at the Eccles
presents Mrs. Doubtfire
September 10th-15th, 2024
Delta Hall at the Eccles Theater
Salt Lake City, Utah

Accessible Performances:
OPEN CAPTIONED: Saturday at 1:00 PM
During our captioning performances, we offer a screen near the stage that will provide live captions throughout the show. Patrons who are interested in the captioned performance should select seats located at Orchestra Right on the Main Floor (excluding Orchestra Pit seating).

AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Friday at 7:30 PM
The spoken narration of the performance’s key visual elements. This option is available on the following performances. Devices are available at the Patron Services window in the main lobby.

ASL INTERPRETED: Thursday at 7:00 PM
American sign language is scheduled upon request. Listed below are our current scheduled performances.

Recommended for ages 6 and up. Infants not admitted. All patrons require a ticket regardless of age.