It’s a Family Affair! Join the Hilarious Hijinks of Mrs. Doubtfire—A Musical Rollercoaster You’ll Want to Ride Again and Again!

October 29th, 2024

The Kravis Center’s staging of Mrs. Doubtfire located in the beautiful City Place Community of West Palm Beach, adapted from the unforgettable 1993 film starring Robin Williams, will definitely if not already become a highlight of its season. The show brings together a creative team led by the Kirkpatrick brothers, Wayne and Karey (known for Something Rotten!), created a classic musical comedy structure.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE: (L to R) Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia Hillard), Cody Braverman (Christopher Hillard), Emerson Mae Chan (Natalie Hillard), Maggie Lakis (Miranda Hillard), and Rob McClure (Euphegenia Doubtfire). Photo by Joan Marcus

Jonathan Hoover’s performance as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire is nothing short of spectacular. He carries Robin Williams’s legacy with sincerity and his own signature charm, particularly in the heartfelt “I Want to Be There”—Daniel’s poignant declaration of his desire to be a present, better father. The song title may be on the nose, but Hoover makes it feel raw and genuine, proving his skill as both a comedian and an earnest storyteller.

A standout musical number, “Make Me a Woman,” features Daniel’s brother Frank (played with delight by Aaron Kaburick) and Frank’s husband Andre Mayem (played by Marques Linder), who transform Daniel into Mrs. Doubtfire with flair. It’s a fun, dynamic scene filled with colorful costumes and wigs making it an exuberant makeover moment. However, Hoover also shines in “Easy Peasy,” where Daniel’s attempt to make a picture-perfect meal satirizes the influencer era, creating laughs and underscoring Daniel’s relatable struggles of being a parent.

One of the most dazzling moments of the show, however, is Hoover’s performance of “It’s About Time,” where Daniel, working as a janitor at a TV station, imagines himself revamping the outdated Mr. Jolly Show with a hip hop feel which assisted with education. Using a looping machine, Hoover fills the stage with infectious energy, showcasing his remarkable comedic timing and musical versatility as the predominantly Caucasian crowd was treated to classical hip hop musical delivery.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE: Rob McClure (Daniel Hillard). Photo by Joan Marcus

The supporting cast is equally delightful. Kaburick and Alexander’s portrayal of Frank and Andre is a comedic highlight, and they offer some fun, over-the-top moments. Kaburick’s ability to transition from calm to LOUD when Frank is telling a lie adds layers of laughter. Catherine Brunnell, plays Miranda with depth and tenderness depth and tenderness, her ballad “Let Go” delivers an emotionally raw reflection on the end of a marriage. The young actors playing the Hillard children, particularly Giselle Gutierrez as Lydia, bring both sass and vulnerability to their roles, highlighting the emotional toll of family separation when going through divorce.

While Mrs. Doubtfire is a re-mix, it is undeniably a feel-good production with an abundance of laughs, heartfelt moments and truly delightful performances. Hoover’s portrayal is an impressive performance, and the entire cast brings immense energy to this family-centered story. If you’re looking for a night of musical theater fun with a touch of nostalgia, say “Hello, Poppet!” to Mrs. Doubtfire—it’s a show that exceeded my wife and I expectations and delights from start to finish.