Broadway at the Marcus Center presents: TOOTSIE

The cast of the National Tour of TOOTSIE. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

By Mary Boyle

One of the movies that took the 80’s by storm was the 1982 hit Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards and featuring other big-name stars such as Jessica Lange and Bill Murray, as well as a debut performance by Geena Davis, the film was deemed worthy enough to be added to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1998.  In 2018, TOOTSIE joined the list of films turned into Broadway musicals, which now makes its World Premiere in Milwaukee as the final production in the Broadway at the Marcus Center series.

With music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Robert Horn, Tootsie the musical comedy essentially follows the same story as the film, with some minor adjustments.  Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) is a New York based actor struggling to find work because he’s developed a reputation as being difficult to work with; so difficult that his agent, Fran Fields (Dianne Manaster), fires him.  When his ex-girlfriend, Sandy Lester (Payton Reilly), who is also an actor, asks him for help preparing for a new role in a musical, Sandy is exasperated that Michael plays the role of a woman better than she can and – voila! – an idea is born. 

Michael auditions for the role as Dorothy Michaels and impresses the show’s producer, Rita Marshall (Kathy Halenda), much to the chagrin of Ron Carlisle (Adam Du Plessis), the womanizing Director who had previously banned Michael from any of his shows and finds something oddly familiar an annoying about Dorothy.  Michael only tells his secret to his roommate, Jeff Slater (Jared David Michael Grant), who is alternately appalled and gleeful as Michael’s career as Dorothy takes off and he finds himself falling for his leading lady, Julie Nichols (Ashley Alexandra), and being the object of desire by the leading man, Max Van Horn (Matthew Rella).

Unlike the film, which had Michael auditioning for a role in a soap opera, the switch to a Broadway musical makes this production a play-within-a-play and a bit of a quirky love letter to, as well as a spoof on, live theatre.  For those looking for a deep and thoughtful dive on the disparities between women and men in showbusiness, you will not find it here – this is a largely lighthearted and rather shallow comedy, though Michael does come to the eventual conclusion that “being a woman is no job for a man.” 

Directed by Dave Soloman, with choreography by Denis Jones, this musical version of Tootsie too often sacrifices heart and depth for comedy, often coming off as corny – some of this is the writing and some of it is due to the acting.  Jared David Michael Grant, who plays Michael’s roommate Jeff, gives a wooden performance, and neither Drew Becker or Ashley Alexandra has the vocal talent that the stars of a Broadway show require.  That being said, the character of Sandy, played by Payton Reilly, absolutely steals the show, though it helps that her character’s songs are well-written and hysterical.  Overall, this production was still a good time and full of laughs and, if you’re a Broadway musical aficionado, you’ll likely want this one under your belt.
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TOOTSIE runs through June 11th at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall.  Tickets start at $40 and are available online at www.MarcusCenter.org, by calling 414-273-7206, or in person at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 North Water Street in Milwaukee. Groups of 10 or more can secure their seats by calling 414-273-7207.
 
Ticket buyers are reminded that the Marcus Performing Arts Center Box Office/Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Marcus Performing Arts Center is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.
 
About Marcus Performing Arts Center
The Marcus Performing Arts Center (MPAC) serves as a performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin, bringing high-quality arts and cultural programming to the region for over 50 years. As a mission-based non-profit organization located in downtown Milwaukee, MPAC strives to act as an energizing force that connects the community to the world through collaboration, innovation, social engagement, and the transformative power of performing arts. Through multiple performance series and community events, MPAC brings a diverse range of performing arts to the region. Presented series include Johnson Financial Group Broadway at the Marcus Center, MPAC Presents, Dance, Jazz, National Geographic Live, Rainbow Summer, and additional special performances from internationally renowned artists. MPAC's education, community engagement, and inclusion initiatives provide free experiences that annually engage students and life-long learners in Milwaukee. MPAC is proud to be a dedicated War Memorial facility, honoring those who bravely served our country. For more information, visit www.marcuscenter.org.
 
Johnson Financial Group, with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, is a privately owned financial services company offering banking, wealth and insurance solutions through its subsidiaries, Johnson Bank, Johnson Wealth, and Johnson Insurance Services. For more information visit johnsonfinancialgroup.com.
 
Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Group Sales Box Office and Broadway Brands. Led by 18-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.