I have a confession to make. I liked Mrs. Doubtfire a lot, but Daniel Hillard, not at all. It just isn't funny to see a grown man with three kids, and a marriage going down the tubes, act like an idiot, and then not understand why the judge doesn't see him as a fit father. That Rob McClure brings both these characters to life so capably says everything good about his acting ability.
For those who haven't seen the Robin Williams movie, the plot revolves around Daniel, who will do anything to be able to interact with his kids, even to the point of assuming the identity of an elderly Scottish nanny.
Jenn Gambatese is wonderful as Daniel's soon to be ex, Miranda. In addition to having a strong, beautiful voice, she completely conveys her mix of feelings. She's tried with Daniel, but she doesn't like the person she's become while having to deal with his antics. There is love, but love is not enough. The children, of course, are completely adorable. At the performance I saw, Ava Gail Prince could melt ice as Natalie, Tyler Wlandis was sturdy and handsome as Christopher, and Analise Scarpagi wowed as oldest child, Lydia.
The audience was wildly entertained by the song-and-dance numbers performed by the superb ensemble. Fortunately, they've kept in the message at the end, reminding us all that families can come in many different forms. This is a show that will be fun for everyone, grown-ups as well as kids.
