Tootsie, the musical-comedy adaptation of the 1982 Academy Award-winning movie that starred Dustin Hoffman, is totally fun and provides one belly laugh after another.
Santino Fontana nails Hoffman’s role as Michael Dorsey, an out-of-work actor who in order to obtain a role in a new musical impersonates a female, and becomes a star under the name Dorothy Michaels. He sells the role with great comic timing as well as sensitivity.
Director Scott Ellis keeps the show fast-paced, flowing at a laugh-a-minute tempo. The gifted ensemble of Broadway veterans and a couple of newcomers is well integrated: Lilli Cooper plays Dorothy Michaels’ love interest with great aplomb, and Michael McGrath, Reg Rogers, and Julie Halston provide comedic support. David Yazbek’s score (music and lyrics), Robert Horn’s book, and Denis Jones’ choreography enhance Tootsie as a candidate for a Tony for best musical.
I highly recommend this show (at the Marriott Marquee Theatre) if you want your funny bone tickled.
