Courtney Castellino — Theater Critic

The show is one of the most lavish I've ever seen in a touring production. The sets ooze opulence and art deco panels shimmer as they glide across the stage. The background projections are used in a way that deepens the stage and augments the physical props, rather than replacing them (scenic and projection design by Paul Tate Depoo II). The mansion scenes contrast harshly with George Wilson's (Tally Sessions) gas station, which comparatively looks like an apocalyptic wasteland, making the class differences glaringly obvious and highlighting the hard work done by the lower class to achieve the American Dream, to no avail.

The show is one of the most lavish I've ever seen in a touring production. The sets ooze opulence and art deco panels shimmer as they glide across the stage. The background projections are used in a way that deepens the stage and augments the physical props, rather than replacing them (scenic and projection design by Paul Tate Depoo II). The mansion scenes contrast harshly with George Wilson's (Tally Sessions) gas station, which comparatively looks like an apocalyptic wasteland, making the class differences glaringly obvious and highlighting the hard work done by the lower class to achieve the American Dream, to no avail.

Jessica Crouch (Donna) is a powerhouse. Her vocal range is slightly limited, but, wow, can she hold a note! “The Winner Takes It All” earned Crouch some deserved extra-loud applause. Alex Lanning (who understudied Rosie on the night I attended) is playful and supportive of her friend and strikes a perfect balance of funny and sincere in her main number, “Take a Chance On Me”. Jalynn Steele (Tanya) is the comic relief character, and the actress fully embraces this role she perfected during its Broadway run, completely owning it in a sassy, commanding performance, especially in the hilarious “Does Your Mother Know”. All three shine brightly in "Chiquitita".

Jessica Crouch (Donna) is a powerhouse. Her vocal range is slightly limited, but, wow, can she hold a note! “The Winner Takes It All” earned Crouch some deserved extra-loud applause. Alex Lanning (who understudied Rosie on the night I attended) is playful and supportive of her friend and strikes a perfect balance of funny and sincere in her main number, “Take a Chance On Me”. Jalynn Steele (Tanya) is the comic relief character, and the actress fully embraces this role she perfected during its Broadway run, completely owning it in a sassy, commanding performance, especially in the hilarious “Does Your Mother Know”. All three shine brightly in "Chiquitita".

This musical is exceptionally well cast. Kellogg and Eldred's Anne and Will have great chemistry; Paul Jordan Janson (as Lance) and Allison's Angélique serve up some comic relief; and Ochoa's May and Noah Marlowe (as François) feel earnest and authentic. Torres is hilarious as the slightly daft playboy, Romeo. The cast's overall experience results in a highly polished spectacle.

The show uses rapid-fire dialogue, physical comedy, and multiple endings to capture the unpredictability of the board game, as well as harness the energy of the movie. The inventive set, designed by Lee Savage, is one of the best parts of this show.

Mrs. Doubtfire may not push any theatrical boundaries, but it does succeed in delivering a fun night out. The show taps into the nostalgia of the movie while offering fresh performances and some updates that make it more than just an attempt to capitalize on the film’s fan base. See Mrs. Doubtfire on stage at the National Arts Centre through November 9th.

Mrs. Doubtfire may not push any theatrical boundaries, but it does succeed in delivering a fun night out. The show taps into the nostalgia of the movie while offering fresh performances and some updates that make it more than just an attempt to capitalize on the film’s fan base. See Mrs. Doubtfire on stage at the National Arts Centre through November 9th.

I do hope that last night was a one-off, opening night glitch. This really is such a great show and the cast looked like they were having a phenomenal time, so it would be nice if the audience could too. A word of advice would be to listen to the Broadway cast recording before attending the show if you are not already familiar with the lyrics, just in case.

Having now seen the show for myself, I can confirm that it is true that MJ is structured so that it takes place in the lead up to Jackson’s Dangerous Tour – which is, incidentally, immediately before MJ’s biggest scandals emerge.