Helloooo, DC! ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ Is at National Theatre

Helloooo!

Everyone’s favorite early 1990s Scottish nanny — Mrs. Doubtfire — is at the National Theatre… but only for a few days.

The much-anticipated tour of the comedy musical (that was inspired by the 1993 blockbuster and a 1987 novel) is likely just the laugh you need right now.

You probably know the gist: Out-of-work voice actor Daniel Hillard (Rob McClure) is the carefree, fun parent, who usually acts more like a child. About five minutes into the show, he’s having fun, but his ambitious wife, Miranda (played by real-life wife Maggie Lakis), files for divorce, and the consequences are harsh.

Not only is his marriage over, but due to his new job and housing insecurity, the judge restricts his access to his three children.

A bit much? Yes. But there’s gotta be a reason why he’d go to excessively great and hilarious lengths to see his kids. So suspend your disbelief and enjoy the antics!

Turning to his costume-designer brother and his brother’s stylist partner, Hillard turns himself into an older Scottish lady, Mrs. Doubtfire, to play the nanny so he can be with his kids all day. And the result is comedy gold.

Critics looking really hard will possibly find some controversy over the show’s promotion of drag culture. Or they’ll scoff at the reality that despite a modern-day setting, this musical still holds onto gender roles that were viewed quite differently in the 90s. But most of the audience will be fondly remembering a classic story that pulled at their heartstrings and had them rolling with laughter.

And sure — the biggest chuckles come from the movie’s best lines. Why not? Robin Williams (playing Mrs. Doubtfire in the movie) is a tough act to follow. But McClure manages it with ease.

In fact, McClure IS the show. He does the voices; he makes the laughs; and he turns into Mrs. Doubtfire before the audience’s very eyes.

Don’t miss this one, poppets.

Mrs Doubtfire will play for one week only, through October 15th, 2023.