Help is on the way with Mrs. Doubtfire happening at Ensemble Arts Philly. The show is happening now until February 18, 2024. The classic that we have love that follows a divorced couple and their life after. The dad is in jeopardy of losing custody of his children comes up with the idea to become his ex-wife’s nanny. The journey is a mix of comedy and more.
Before you go to Mrs. Doubtfire
The show is about 2 and a half hours with an intermission. The show follows the movie but adds in new nuances that make the show even more relevant to the times now. Although it is a musical it adds some other layers to the overall meaning behind the original movie. Also, it is a musical and I feel the need to repeat that because some in the audience on the night that I went to see it seemed to have known that or forgot it. Please keep that in mind. The story line picks up after the intermission and becomes a little faster. This show I would recommend for ages 13 and up.
Stand out Performances for me in Mrs. Doubtfire
It goes without saying that the star of the show is Mrs. Doubtfire played by Rob McClure. His comedic timing was everything. At parts where it felt like it dragged, his ability to add that extra comedic relief was timely. It was more than him putting on a dress and saying his lines. He made me feel as if he was Mrs. Doubtfire. That takes a lot to come behind Robin Williams. He didn’t try to be Robin. He was Rob and an amazing actor.
Following behind Rob is Maggie Lakis who played Miranda. First we have to give it up to her for her singing ability. I loved her. The way this story unfolded gave Miranda more depth. It could be that I am a wife and mother now and not simply a junior or high school student when the original came out. The deeper appreciation that I felt to her character was real. I used to see Miranda as the villian who broke up the family but she was much more than that.
Nik Alexander
There was something about Nik that was magnetic. He drew me in with his charm, his singing, and charisma. Nik played Andre Mayem who was in a relationship/marriage with Daniel (Mrs. Doubtfire” brother in law. It was the spice that I really needed to see. Once he was on the stage it was easy for me to go to him to see what his response to the things that were happening that hooked me. I get that in an overall scheme of things his character seemed to be one that wouldn’t get the attention that he deserves but I promise all you need to do is see him in one scene to understand exactly what I mean.
I have to give credit to where credit is due: the entire cast. The kids played by Cody Braverman, Emerson Mae Chan, and Giselle Gutierrez. Giselle’s voice is poetic. I enjoyed the performances.
Mrs. Doubtfire is playing at Ensemble Arts Philly now until Sunday. February 18, 2024. Make sure you get your tickets now. Thank you to the entire cast and production team of Mrs. Doubtfire as well as Ensemble Arts Philly for having me.
