Mrs. Doubtfire is a musical based on the 1993 film of the same name, which in turn is based on the 1987 novel Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine, with music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick and a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell.
The musical is set in the city of San Francisco, California.
The Plot.
Daniel Hillard, a struggling, out-of-work actor, will do anything for his kids. After losing custody in a messy divorce, he creates the kindly alter ego of Scottish nanny Euphegenia Doubtfire in a desperate attempt to stay in their lives.
As his new character takes on a life of its own, Mrs. Doubtfire teaches Daniel more than he bargained for about how to be a father. A hilarious and heartfelt story about holding onto your loved ones against all odds, Mrs. Doubtfire is the musical comedy we need right now — one that proves we’re better together.
Some Background.
Producer Kevin McCollum had previously spoken to The New York Times in 2013 about the 1993 movie’s musical prospects, noting that the plot was “tailored for Broadway audiences.
This musical adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire (the motion picture), was in the works in 2015, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Zippel, and a book by Harvey Fierstein (who played Frank Hillard in the movie).
Its first cast held an initial reading in May of 2019, and the musical made its world premiere at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Washington, with its previews beginning on November 26, 2019.
Mrs. Doubtfire began its Broadway previews on March 9, 2020, at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, with a planned opening night the following month however, due to the coronavirus pandemic, all Broadway productions were suspended on March 12, 2020.
Mrs. Doubtfire resumed previews on October 21, 2021, officially opening December 5th of that same year.
