the mommy avenger

A new Broadway musical is gracing the stages at the Pikes Peak Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy is here for a very limited engagement.

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. The portrayal of Mrs. Doubtfire is loaded with 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, the audience can’t get enough!

What truly stands out in this musical is the 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 that is brought with 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. We especially loved when 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 erupting with laughter. These clever additions help keep the show fresh, even for those who grew up with the movie.

The ensemble cast brings strong performances as well. 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 and Andre 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. The entire production is filled with energy, heart, and humor. This show will leave you grinning from ear to ear.

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