The cover of the Playbill for Tootsie calls the show “The Comedy Musical” rather than a musical comedy. The reversal of usual the word order could not be more apt. Comedy is king in Tootsie. It is a very, very funny show.
The musical is based on the 1982 film of the same name. The music and lyrics are by David Yazbek. The book is by Robert Horn. The principal character in both the film and the musical is actor Michael Dorsey. His uncompromising devotion to his craft is so annoying to everyone around him that he has made himself all but unemployable. As a last resort, he disguises himself a woman so he can audition for a part without being recognized. Many complications ensue when Michael’s alter ego, Dorothy Michaels, gets the part.
In the film, Dorothy’s part is in a soap opera. In the musical, the part is in a musical. Dorothy will play the nurse in a sequel to Romeo and Juliet entitled Juliet’s Curse. Its director, Ron Carlisle, had fired Michael from another show in Tootsie’s opening scene.
Even as Dorothy, Michael cannot contain his impulse to impose his will on the material. Juliet’s Curse needs plenty of help, and Michael joins forces with Julie Nichols, who plays Juliet, to find the truth in their parts. During rehearsals, Michael falls for Julie. At the same time, one of the other actors, Max Van Horn, falls for Dorothy. He’s a reality star who plays Romeo’s brother, Craig.
The musical is set in the present, and its book wisely does not try to teach the same lessons the film’s Michael had to learn about women in the 1980s. What musical’s Michael needs is to learn about himself. There are signs of progress at the show’s smart conclusion.
The movie Tootsie was a great comedy, and musical is a great comedy, too. The book is filled with hilarious dialogue, and the comic timing is wonderful in the touring production, which was directed by Dave Solomon. The original Broadway direction was by Scott Ellis.
The engaging musical numbers use the exhilarating choreography for Broadway by Denis Jones, a frequent visitor to The Muny. The orchestra plays admirably under supervising music director Andrea Grody.
The Broadway scenic designer was David Rockwell. Christine Peters’ scenic design for the tour features movable, painted scenery that gives the show a quaint look. Adding to the show’s charm are William Ivey Long’s costumes, Don Holder’s lighting, Brian Ronan’s sound, Paul Huntley’s hair and wigs, and Angelina Avallone’s make-up.
The accomplished touring cast includes Drew Becker as Michael and Dorothy, Ashley Alexandra as Julie, Matthew Rella as Max, Adam Du Plessis as Ron, Payton Reilly as Michael’s ex-girlfriend, Jared David Michael Grant as Michael’s roommate, Kathy Halenda as the producer, Dianne Manaster as Michael’s agent, Matt Kurzyniec as the stage manage, and Josh Woodie and Nicole Fragala as the book writers.
Tootsie continues through April 2 at the Fox Theater, 527 North Grand Boulevard.
—Gerry Kowarsky
Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
