the mommy avenger

I have to admit, I was never a fan of the movie Mrs. Doubtfire. It may have even left me thinking  Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical at Broadway at the Eccles would probably leave me feeling a little less than impressed. But, I always love to see the Broadway tours at the Eccles, so I was happy to give it a try. Imagine my delight when I found myself totally enthralled and laughing during the entire show.

At the center of this uproarious and heartfelt production is the incredibly talented Rob McClure, who originated the role of Daniel Hillard on Broadway. McClure’s ability to infuse the character with humor, charm, and deep emotion makes him the true standout of the evening.

For those familiar with the 1993 film, the plot is largely the same: Daniel Hillard, a down-on-his-luck voice actor, loses custody of his kids in a messy divorce and devises an elaborate plan to stay close to them—by transforming into the elderly Scottish nanny, Mrs. Euphegenia Doubtfire. While fans of Robin Williams may approach McClure’s performance with high expectations, he takes the role and makes it entirely his own, which I really appreciated. His portrayal of Mrs. Doubtfire is nothing short of a masterclass in physical comedy, quick changes, and impeccable timing. Whether he’s scrambling between Daniel and Doubtfire in the show’s many rapid-fire costume swaps or delivering witty one-liners, McClure holds the audience in the palm of his hand.

What truly sets McClure’s performance apart is his ability to balance the humor with the underlying emotional weight of the story. At its core, Mrs. Doubtfire is about a father desperately trying to be with his children, and McClure brings an authentic vulnerability to Daniel that grounds the comedy in something deeply relatable. His duet with his eldest daughter, Lydia, in the moving number “Just Pretend,” adds an emotional layer that takes the show beyond a simple laugh-fest. It’s a reminder of the lengths parents will go to for their kids, even when life falls apart.

The stage adaptation introduces some delightful modern touches, updating the humor with references that today’s audiences will appreciate while retaining the essence of the original story. McClure’s gift for impressions remains front and center, as Daniel cycles through a slew of hilarious voices and characters. His use of a loop machine to create an entirely improvised musical number is a show-stopping moment that had the audience at the Eccles erupting with laughter. These clever additions help keep the show fresh, even for those who grew up with the movie.

While McClure is undoubtedly the star, the ensemble cast brings strong performances as well. Catherine Brunell, playing Miranda Hillard, adds complexity to her role as Daniel’s ex-wife. The child actors portraying the Hillard kids also deserve praise for their energy and charm. They contribute to some of the musical’s most heartfelt moments, especially in family scenes where the bond between the characters shines through. We also absolutely loved whenever Frank (Aaron Kaburick) and Andre (Marquez Linder) graced us with their presence because we knew there would be tons of laughs.

The production design is another highlight, with seamless transitions between the different settings—from Daniel’s chaotic apartment to the upscale interiors of Miranda’s world. The costumes, particularly Mrs. Doubtfire’s signature outfits, are comically exaggerated and make for some of the biggest laughs in the show.

Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical is a joyous celebration of family, love, and laughter. Rob McClure’s performance alone is worth the price of admission, but the entire production is filled with energy, heart, and humor. This show will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Broadway at the Eccles has brought something truly special to Salt Lake City—don’t miss it! You can see it for yourself by picking up tickets online. The show will have performances now through September 15th, 2024, so don’t miss your opportunity to see it while it’s here! Be sure to check out all the other incredible shows in store for Salt Lake City in the new 2024-2025 Broadway at the Eccles Season, too!

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}