Drew Eberhard

Under the exquisite Direction of Danya Taymor, Susie Hinton’s subliminal novel takes on new life, and is produced in such an exquisite manner that it might just be the finest musical to grace a stage format to date. From the dynamic choreography, to the use of the stage and every level of the set, you feel 1000% a part of the story, and the wild ride is something not seen in recent years.

With exquisite Scenic Design by Lee Savage, that will take your eyes and mind on a journey, coupled with beautiful Lighting Design by Ryan O’Gara flowing seamlessly to blend the world of the show together cohesively. Exceptional Costume Design by Jen Caprio and Hair/Wig & Makeup Design by J. Jared Janas gives each character its own distinctive personality amidst the world of the show, and is a thrilling feast for the eyes. Topping it off with an immersive Sound Design from Jeff Human, making your pulse race one moment, and you squeal with laughter the next. Clue: A New Comedy proves to be a technical knockout, and sitting on a level all their own.

Bob Dylan’s music is centrally located in the story, helping to propel the action forward, and allow the audience to take a journey with its characters, but Dylan himself is not a character in the story, nor is he ever mentioned. The story takes place in Dylan’s birthplace of Duluth, Minnesota, and its setting is ushered in a mere seven years before Dylan’s birth. All the songs are performed on instruments that would have been readily avail in 1934. McPherson stated that Dylan’s record company approached him in hopes of creating a stage work featuring Dylan’s music, and in no way should be considered a jukebox, but rather a story in which characters reveal themselves, and their circumstance throughout using economic writing.

Featuring 23 musical numbers, Mrs. Doubtfire will have you laughing and rocking in your seats. The fast paced, up-tempo nature of the musical will grab you and pull you in from the very start. Despite the fun up-tempo nature of the show, and the blistering speed at which the events unfold, deep rooted in its plot are life lessons, and an otherwise retrospective lens that many in the audience will find the ability to relate to. The musical is a depiction of the Modern American family at who’s centralized storyline centers around parental divorce, and the effects it takes on the family as a whole. Mrs. Doubtfire is hailed as being the new musical that centers around this idea of “...the things we do to stay together...”

As Bobbie she is free spirited, carefree, and effervescent. She brings so much joy to the character, and her vocals are top notch. Her “Marry Me a Little...” is poignant, and beautifully delivered. Her “Being Alive,” is a moving rendition, and delivered with utter finesse. There is a sparkle in her eye, and hope in her heart. Her moments with each of the boyfriends shows a different side to her Bobbie, and you feel for her plight.

Katerina McCrimmon is the perfect Fanny Brice, and the truest embodiment of the character. A South Florida native, Katerina fills some very big shoes and proves she is the absolute it-girl! There is no mistaking her natural comedic timing, and her powerful voice, backed by a very strong stage presence from the first time she utters, “Hello, Gorgeous!” I fell in love with this show all over again, and in the capable hands of Ms. McCrimmon the sky is the limit, and her Fanny Brice, will go down as one of the strongest turns to date.