For the second time in four months, a musical about a male actor dressing up as a woman to land a major role has arrived on local stages.
In June, “Mrs. Doubtfire” made its first local visit at the San Diego Civic Theater. On Wednesday, “Tootsie: The Comedy Musical” opened in its regional theater premiere at Vista’s Moonlight Amphitheatre.
The 2018 “Tootsie” musical, with a score by David Yazbek and book by Robert Horn, was based on the 1982 non-musical film starring Dustin Hoffman as obnoxious and out-of-work actor Michael Dorsey who disguises himself as Southern belle Dorothy Michaels and becomes a star.
During the 36 years between film and movie, public attitudes about cross-dressing comedies have changed. In the “Tootsie” musical, Dorothy is portrayed without caricature and the supporting characters are more woke than in 1982, with one character even commenting about nonbinary identity and trans rights.
But the focus in “Tootsie” the musical isn’t gender politics. It’s on laughs, and they come regularly and sometimes uproariously in this production, co-directed by Larry Raben and Noelle Marion.
Set in the present day, the “Tootsie” musical is about how Michael, disguised as Dorothy, becomes the star of “Juliet’s Nurse,” a Broadway musical sequel to “Romeo and Juliet.” Michael loves the spotlight but he hates living a lie, especially when he falls in love with Julie, the actress playing Juliet (who apparently didn’t die at the end of Shakespeare’s play).
Because Dorothy becomes a musical theater star, this show hilariously spoofs all of the conventions of the genre, including clichéd choreography, kooky vocal warm-ups, predatory directors and bare-chested beefcake actors. Chris Hunter, who plays the empty-headed hunk Max Van Horn, earns the show’s biggest laughs in the second act with his wild physical comedy.
Michael Paternostro, who leads the cast, impressively creates two very distinct characters, the streetwise, rough-talking Michael and gracious and feminine Dorothy. Elizabeth Adabale has a lovely singing voice and warm presence a Michael’s love interest, Julie. Dallas McLaughlin is a gruff, grounding presence as Michael’s straight-talking roommate Jeff.
Summer Broyhill is a good physical comedian as Sandy, Michael’s neurotic ex. Eileen Bowman is boisterous and funny as the show’s producer, Rita. And Steve Glaudini, who is also Moonlight’s producing artistic director, ably delivers the ick factor as the lecherous stage director Ron.
One of the show’s highlights is the choreography by Jennifer Rias, which pays homage to dozens of musicals and choreographers past, while still staying fresh. Music director and conductor Randi Rudolph leads a lush 20-piece orchestra from the pit. And the physical production, with rented sets and costumes, looks great with lighting by Ryan Marsh, sound by Jordan Gray and wigs by Peter Herman.
“Tootsie” is a fun and funny night out, but leave the young kids at home. There are bawdy moments and quite a few curse words in the script and songs.
‘Tootsie: The Comedy Musical’
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Through Sept. 28
Where: Moonlight Amphitheatre, Brengle Terrace Park, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista
Tickets: $15-$60
Phone: (760) 724-2110
Online: moonlightstage.com