(l tor r) Avery Sell, Jake Ryan Flynn, Rob McClure, Jenn Gambatese, and Analise Scarpaci in ‘Mrs. Doubtfire.’ (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Sorry, poppets: Mrs. Doubtfire will return on April 14, though the production had initially hoped to return to Broadway in March. Based on the hit comedy film starring Robin Williams, the Broadway musical had just begun previews when COVID-19 shuttered theaters in 2020; now, almost two years later, the production, helmed by Jerry Zaks, will be on pause again. The first pause started on January 10, when the omicron variant of COVID-19 was sweeping through the city. Then, producers said the show would return on March 14. However, that start date has been pushed by an entire month.
“When we closed on January 9, we started working on a plan to reopen as soon as we could with the hope of providing long-term employment for everyone who works on Mrs. Doubtfire and for an extended run of the show,” said producer Kevin McCollum in a statement. “I am beyond grateful for the support of the extraordinary cast, crew, orchestra and creative team, along with the Roundabout Theatre Company, operators of the Stephen Sondheim Theatre, who really want the show to be back and running, delighting audiences from around the world.”
Tony Award nominee Rob McClure stars as Daniel Hillard, and the rest of the Mrs. Doubtfire cast features Jenn Gambatese as Miranda Hillard, Peter Bartlett as Mr. Jolly, Charity Angél Dawson as Wanda Sellner, Mark Evans as Stuart Dunmire, J. Harrison Ghee as Andre Mayem, Analise Scarpaci as Lydia Hillard, Jake Ryan Flynn as Christopher Hillard, Avery Sell as Natalie Hillard and Brad Oscar as Frank Hillard.
The musical centers on Daniel Hillard, an out-of-work actor and fun dad who will do anything for his kids. But after getting divorced, he aims to still see his children by taking on a new persona: maternal, Scottish nanny Mrs. Doubtfire. Hijinks ensue as Daniel learns more about being a father and the various forms a family can take.
