Tootsie Tickets

Tootsie Implodes on Stage with Dance, Drama, Comedy & Music

Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre held the tryout for "Tootsie" in September 2018. The world premiere, before heading off to Broadway, witnessed an attendance by musical aficionados, Windy City theater buffs, and producers. The verdict was unanimous: Tootsie is a successful crowd pleaser. Book writer Robert Horn sets the story in the present and presents Michael Dorsey, played by Santino Fontana, as a man with a narcissistic male ego. This approach gives it a modern touch, as the whole plot of Dorsey pretending to be a woman strays from feminist empowerment. Horn is brilliant with his one-liners, and the entire script results in a vibrant musical comedy with enough spunk to get the crowd rolling. As opposed to the movie, in which Dorsey auditions for a soap opera, the stage adaptation sees him pining for a stint in a musical, thus making way for singing and dramatics.

More on Michael Dorsey – A temperamental actor, Dorsey's reputation for being difficult prevents him from getting any new gigs, especially since his agent has also dropped him. After learning about a challenging female role, he decides to audition for it and makes his appearance as Dorothy Michaels, a fresh and sassy actress. Michaels shines in her female role, so much so that Dorothy Michaels becomes an overnight Broadway sensation. The hilarious script sees Dorsey managing not just his own career but also that of Dorothy, all the while fending off advances from male suitors.

Santino Fontana is phenomenal as both Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. He plays to perfection Dorsey's self-centeredness and Dorothy's diva persona. His vocal range is brilliantly versatile as he switches from singing baritone to a powerful clear voice quite effortlessly. As he moves back and forth musically, it is a marvel to see his fluidity and rapidity. The costume changes by designer William Ivey Long are also handled with equal ease as Fontana dresses down from drag queen to a casual guy.

Lilli Cooper – Tootsie The Musical provides ample opportunity for its ensemble cast to shine individually, and Copper as Julie Nichols, Michael's love interest, does not disappoint. She portrays the role of a career-driven actress beautifully, while also growing as a performer through her kindness and honesty.

On the Crew – Scott Ellis directs seamlessly, combining scenic and comic elements. The score by David Yazbeck is one of the highlights of the musical; Yazbeck won the 2018 Tony Award for Best Original Score for The Band's Visit, and his loping melodies, driven by witty lyrics and superb orchestration, will stay with the audience long after the show ends. David Rockwell's set is elaborate and realistic, swiftly moving from cityscape to Michaels' apartment, theater stage, restaurant, rehearsal room, and park bench. Denis Jones' choreography is brilliantly executed by the actors. Tootsie thrives as a musical comedy with just the right glazing of Broadway-worthy polish, and may even shine as the next big thing on stage following its Broadway premiere. Tootsie tickets should not be missed when the musical opens in March 2019 at the Marquis Theatre.