Fun-loving Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire is headed to Broadway. After a record-breaking run at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre, raking in more than $4.7 million in ticket sales over 42 performances, “Mrs. Doubtfire” the musical will head to the Great White Way this spring.
Rob McClure (“Beetlejuice,” “Something Rotten”) will lead the cast as Daniel Hillard, an actor who creates a female alter-ego to pose as his children’s nanny in order to spend time with them after losing custody in a divorce. Jenn Gambatese (“School of Rock,” “Tarzan”) will star opposite McClure as Miranda Hillard, Daniel’s ex-wife. Robin Williams played Daniel/Mrs. Doubtfire, while Sally Field portrayed Miranda in the hit 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire,” which earned Golden Globes for Williams’ performance and for best motion picture – musical or comedy.
Related Stories
The rest of the cast will include Mark Evans (“The Play That Goes Wrong,” “Waitress”), who will put a Broadway spin on Pierce Brosnan‘s character Stuart Dunmeyer, Miranda’s new beau. As for the Hillard kids, Analise Scarpaci (“Matilda the Musical,” “A Christmas Story: The Musical”) will play Lydia, Jake Ryan Flynn (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) is Christopher and Avery Sell will portray Natalie. Brad Oscar (“Something Rotten,” “Big Fish”) will take on Harvey Fierstein’s colorful role as Uncle Frank Hillard.
Popular on Variety
“Mrs. Doubtfire” the musical is helmed by Tony Award-winning director Jerry Zaks (“Hello, Dolly!”). Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell wrote the book, with music and lyrics written by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. Lorin Latarro (“Waitress”) will choreograph and Ethan Popp (“Tina”) will act as music supervisor. The musical is produced by Tony winner Kevin McCollum.
Movies turned to Broadway shows can be hit or miss. The “Tootsie” musical, based on the 1982 film, was critically acclaimed, but didn’t hold up at the box office. It will close on Jan 5. Conversely, the “Moulin Rouge!” musical, which opened on July 25 and is based on the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, is currently a critical success.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” will begin previews at Stephen Sondheim Theatre on March 9 and will open on April 5.
