“Help is on the way dear!” This line ran through my head when a co-worker was in need. He was choking on his dinner and I ran to give him the heimlich maneuver. Now, I was never trained in performing the heimlich maneuver, but I did learn it from Mrs. Doubtfire. Yes, if you are not aware, in the movie, Mrs. Doubtfire saves the day when her foe is choking. Leaping over patrons at a fancy restaurant, she runs to the rescue in the nick of time to make sure no one dies on her watch. Seems like a goofy way to learn about a life saving technique, but it only goes to show that I have seen the movie too many times. When I learned that Mrs. Doubtfire was going to be adapted into a Broadway musical, I was instantly intrigued.

Unfortunately COVID prevented this fantastic musical from getting the life it deserves on Broadway, and after many starts and stops, the show was closed, only to re-emerge as a National tour. Boy am I glad that we have tours because this show needs to be seen!

The National Tour kicks off at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, and boy were we delivered a treat. What a hilarious tour-de-force this show is. Mrs. Doubtfire tells the story of an unemployed childish father and husband, Daniel Hillard (Rob McClure) who wants to be the fun dad, and Miranda Hillard (Maggie Lakis) a workaholic- trying to get everything under control mother – as they navigate divorce. Their three children are placed in the center of this messy split, and there is more than enough anger to go around. When Daniel’s custody rights are revoked, he introduces the world to Mrs. Doubtfire – a lovable, by the book, elderly nanny – so that he is able to see his children and prove his worth to Miranda and to the courts. Sounds like a great musical! Who doesn’t love a good story about divorce?

Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick bring the music and lyrics to this wonderful show. Most recently they graced the Broadway stage with their hilarious hit Something Rotten! The score and lyrics to this show are fun. They have all the heart of the story we know from the Twentieth Century Fox film, but are fresh and new for a modern audience. Along with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, the tale of Mrs. Doubtfire is delivered in safe hands. The updated new material does not disappoint. Humor and gut wrenching authenticity are alive and well in this show.

Leading the cast as Daniel Hilliard is Rob McClure. In the film, Robin Williams dons the wig and bodysuit, but McClure makes this character all his own on stage. McClure doesn’t let your preconceived notions of the character get in the way of making great artistic choices. Having seen McClure on Broadway in Something Rotten! as well as on the National Tour, it is a joy to see him work on stage. He truly earns every second of laughter and applause he receives during the performance. The number of costume changes that each member of the cast had to perform was astonishing but kudos to McClure who actually bares more than his soul on stage while changing into his alter ego! It’s fantastic. A masterclass in character development and execution.

Maggie Lakis takes on the challenging role of playing Miranda, made famous by Sally Field in the film. While it is easy to dislike this character because she is making our protagonist’s life difficult, she does a great job of bringing authenticity to Miranda. We see the inner struggle that she has while trying to make sure that her children are getting everything they need. Her voice also fills the theatre and it is beautiful.

Giselle Gutierrez plays eldest daughter Lydia extremely well. Her heartfelt performance shines through this production. She plays the tortured oldest child nicely, while trying to look out for her younger siblings. There is heart and love in her portrayal – as well as a set of pipes that will knock your socks off!

Rounding out the cast is a fantastic ensemble that makes this show flow effortlessly. I don’t remember the last time I had this much fun. A well oiled machine. There is no lag time in this show! You won’t be looking at your watch. You’ll want this show to keep going! The production is tight and effortless!

Jerry Zaks directs this fantastic musical which is going to be a new classic. I predict in the next 5 years, community theaters all over America will be witnessing Run By Fruitings. Do yourself a favor and go see this show. See it twice. You deserve it!

Running time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Mrs. Doubtfire runs until September 30, 2024 and is presented at Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. For more information, click here.