"Tootsie the Musical" - by Robert Horn and David Yazbek - North Shore Music Theatre (Beverly, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: Kyle Nicholas Anderson as “Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels” in the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
By Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMAG Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
“Nobody does vegetables like me!”
- ("Michael Dorsey") / Robert Horn and David Yazbek
North Shore Music Theatre
Presents the Musical
"TOOTSIE"
Book by Robert Horn
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the COLUMBIA PICTURES motion picture produced by PUNCH PRODUCTIONS and starring Dustin Hoffman
Directed and Choreographed by Richard J. Hinds
Associate Director/Choreographer Elyn Collier
Music Director Sam Groisser
Cast Includes: Kyle Nicholas Anderson* as “Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels,” T. Shyvonne Stewart* as “Julie Nichols,” Brooke Jacob* as “Sandy Lester,” Matt Allen* as “Ron Carlisle,” Luke Hamilton* as “Max Von Horn,” Joshua Morgan* as “Jeff Slater,” Crystal Sha’nae* as “Rita Marshall,” Fred Sullivan, Jr.* as “Stan Fields,” Chase McCall* as “Stuart,” Joann Gilliam as “Suzie,” Female Trio - Corinne C. Broadbent*, Taryn Smithson, Alysia Vastardis; Ensemble - Stemarciae Bain, Connor Barton, Michael Bingham*, Daniel Brackett*, Corinne C. Broadbent*, Aaron Patrick Craven*, Joann Gilliam, Chase McCall*, Elle-May Patterson*, Rachel Lou Redding, Drey'von Simmons, Taryn Smithson, Alysia Vastardis, Jack Wunsch.
Understudies, Study Covers and Swings - There will never be a substitute for players unless a specific announcement for the appearance is made at the time of the performance. Understudy For: Ron Carlisle & Jeff Slater - Michael Bingham*; Michael Dorsey/ Dorothy Michaels - Chase McCall*; Max Van Horn - Daniel Brackett*; Sandy Lester - Corinne C. Broadbent*; Rita Marshall - Elle-May Patterson*; Study Cover For: Julie Nichols - Joann Gilliam; Stan Fields - Connor Barton; Onstage Swings - Rachel Lou Redding Jack Wunsch
Additional Creative Team:
Production Stage Manager - Elizabeth Yvette Ramirez*; Assistant Stage Managers - Dakotah Wiley Horan*, Maria Papadopoulos*; Dance Captain - Elle-May Patterson*; Assistant Music Director/Rehearsal Pianist - Robert L. Rucinski; Conductor - Sam Groisser; Orchestrations - Simon Hale; Scenic Design - Shoko Kambara; Costume Design - Dana Pinkston; Lighting Design - Jack Mehler; Sound Design - Alex Berg; Hair And Wig Design - Rachel Padula-Shufelt; Vocal and Incidental Arrangements - Andrea Grody; Dance Arrangements - David Chase; General Manager - Karen Nascembeni; Associate Producer and Casting Director - Matthew Chappell; Company Manager - Amanda Ostrow-Mason; Associate Director/Choreographer - Elyn Collier.
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
Performances:
August 13, 2024 through August 25, 2024
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
TICKETS:
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call # 978-232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
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Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) presents the hilarious "TOOTSIE THE MUSICAL" which will have audiences jumping for joy.
The NSMT production may one of the funniest shows this season, with laughs literally happening every few beats thanks to a cleverly constructed libretto.
In addition, the songs provided by the show's composer, David Yazbek, are perfectly in tune with the humor.
"TOOTSIE," seamlessly staged in-the-round, directed and choreographed by Richard J. Hinds, is based upon the iconic 1982 film role for which Dustin Hoffman was nominated for an Academy® Award.
The Broadway production opened in April, 2019 and closed in January, 2020 after 293 regular and 25 preview performances.
"TOOTSIE" was not a critics' darling at the time and faced backlash for a reported insensitive approach to the subject of gender misappropriation and fluidity.
However, with extensive re-writes that have taken place since the show went on tour several years ago, many prior objections appear to have been addressed.
That said, there will still most likely be those who might never accept the material no matter how well intentioned these enhancements are approached.
That is unfortunate for them because what remains is a constantly funny show with outstanding performances, great songs, some damn fine staging and terrific ensemble work.
"TOOTSIE" comes courtesy of book writer Robert Horn and songwriter David Yazbek (who provided some newly revised music for the show).
Horn won the Tony® Award for writing the book for this musical and has made improvements to the original script which absolutely shows.
The strength of Horn's script is in the recurring concept of Dorsey's "universe" as Dorsey’s character learns he is NOT the center of his own universe.
In the structure of Horn's script, Dorsey may be a central character or the "nucleus" of the story - but it is the actions by the superb "supporting" characters surrounding him that make this adaptation work.
Every single "supporting" performance is elevated to the point where the character of Dorsey seems to actually be supporting them instead of the other way around...which may be how the universe is supposed to work.
The ensemble is also quite prominent and proficient in every scene and assists during the scene changes allowing the show to flow seamlessly.
Every production detail - from lights, sets and costumes - is flawless.
Quick costume changes for Dorsey into Dorothy are done with precision perfect timing.
There was an offstage crash heard during the August 14th performance and a couple of microphone issues but ultimately neither detracted from the overall production.
(Photo: Kyle Nicholas Anderson as “Michael” with Brooke Jacob as "Sandy" and Joshua Morgan as "Jeff " in the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
As for composer Yazbek: It is interesting to note Yazbek is well known in theatrical circles for lighthearted, comedic scores like the musical staging of both “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (coming up in September at Moonbox Productions) in and “The Full Monty” (presented last year by NSMT and most recently at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord).
Yet, Yazbek won the 2018 Tony® Award for the brilliant musical, “The Band’s Visit” (performed to standing ovations this past year at SpeakEasy in Boston) which was unique given being more somber in overall tone and was a vast departure from those previous shows.
With "TOOTSIE THE MUSICAL" Yazbek appears to harken back to that earlier lighthearted sound and tone, especially with the rousing Act Two number, “The Most Important Night” arguably the best number in the show.
The song is so good, in fact, that one wishes it was used as a recurring theme throughout the show because the melodies that were selected to reprise ("Whaddya Do" and "Who Are You" as examples) are fine songs but just not as conducive to a recurring theme.
Another aspect of the score is a proficient use of underscoring transitional music, normally omitted from cast recordings.
Watching and listening to the fabulous NSMT orchestra conducted by Music Director Sam Groisser perform this transitional music, mostly featured in scene changes, there is an exuberance, a fun kind of jazz quality to Yazbek’s score which one hopes is as fun for the musicians to play as it is for us to hear. It is definitely some of the best music in the entire score.
(Photo: Kyle Nicholas Anderson as “Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels” with T. Shyvonne Stewart as “Julie Nichols” in a moment from the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
"TOOTSIE" concerns Michael Dorsey (Kyle Nicholas Anderson), a talented but 'difficult' actor who struggles to find work.
Anderson owns the Dorsey character from his very first lines to his very last lines.
In "TOOTSIE," playing to the “dichotomy” between Dorsey and Dorothy requires great versatility but Anderson transitions effortlessly between the two.
It is an exceptional performance and one where Dorsey’s growth as a person is witnessed as the story unfolds.
Dorsey's frustrated agent, Stan (Fred Sullivan, Jr.), dumps Dorsey as a client, not wanting anything more to do with him or his damaged reputation.
Sullivan as Stan is a riot whenever on stage but, unfortunately, is not featured as prominently until much later in Act Two when Stan discovers Dorsey's secret.
Yet, the “big reveal” to Stan is still one of the funniest...and longest...laughs in the show's second act.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
Depressed because no one will work with him, Dorsey confides with his playwright-waiter roommate, Jeff (Joshua Morgan) and their neurotic out-of-work actress friend, Sandy (Brooke Jacob).
Sandy has come to Dorsey for advice for an upcoming audition and, in a moment of equal dose inspiration and desperation, Dorsey gets an insane idea. Jacob is an agitated neurotic marvel as Sandy, who executes the intensely Yazbek-hyperventilating song, "What's Gonna Happen."
Jeff, as written, is easily the most hilarious character in the show, and Morgan is weighted (or gifted) with the bulk of the wittiest moments on stage which he carries off superbly.
His scenes with Anderson yield extended moments of prolonged laughter, including the second act’s "Jeff Sums It Up."
Dorsey's attends the audition in disguise as "Dorothy" which lands him the role of a lifetime as a pivotal female supporting character in a new Broadway show loosely (very loosely, almost criminally loosely) based on "Romeo and Juliet" (for those that recall the movie, Dorothy originally landed a pivotal female supporting character on a soap opera).
Given the above, in a hilarious exchange with Jeff, all anticipated complaints from multiple factions are brought immediately to the forefront by Jeff and quickly re-sets the show to what it is intended to be: a preposterous comedy of a foolish, selfish man's gender mis-appropriation.
(Photo: Kyle Nicholas Anderson as “Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels” fends off advances by Luke Hamilton as “Max Van Horn” in a hilarious moment from the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
In the guise of Dorothy, Dorsey ultimately learns far more than he bargained for about being a working woman and brings both social interaction and workplace issues to the forefront, as well.
While Dorsey's intentions are obtuse and self-serving, thanks to Anderson's dominating performance, his intentions as Dorothy all come across as altruistic, well-meaning, and sincere, especially in his interactions with co-star and "love-at-first-sight" Julie ( T. Shyvonne Stewart).
“Talk To Me, Dorothy” is another standout Yazbek tune sung by Anderson in which Dorsey must face the repercussions of his selfish, reprehensible actions and decide how he will fix things with the people closest to him whom he has hurt.
The song itself is one of several ballads that seem to reach as far back as "Full Monty" in terms of "distinctly Yazbek" melodies.
The director’s decision to allow select "elongated moments of silence" on stage play out is smart and allows for them to be perfectly managed and well-executed by the actors.
Stewart gives a compassionate portrayal of Julie and then surprises with the Act Two belter, "Gone, Gone, Gone" supported by a strong back-up Female Trio (Corinne C. Broadbent, Taryn Smithson and Alysia Vastardis) from the talented Ensemble.
(Photo: Kyle Nicholas Anderson as “Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels” in the musical comedy, "TOOTSIE" by Robert Horn and David Yazbek, now playing at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. through August 25, 2024. Photo Credit David Costa Photography)
Also appearing in the "Romeo and Juliet" musical abomination with Julie and Dorothy is handsome leading man, Max (Luke Hamilton) a hilariously dim-witted reality star currently starring as "Romeo's brother."
Hamilton riotously channels his best “Patrick from SpongeBob” as Max, who has developed an intense crush on Dorothy while Dorsey has equally strong feelings for Julie.
Hamilton also shows Max as having an amusingly child-like sense of wonder, easily elevating him from some forgettable throwaway character into one who comedically dominates in every scene.
Other standout performances include Matt Allen as lecherous narcissistic director “Ron Carlisle” and Crystal Sha’nae as the one who reminds everyone that she writes the checks, producer “Rita Marshall.”
"TOOTSIE" as a musical is not simply the movie on stage. If you attend thinking that it will (or should be) then you most likely will leave disappointed.
Instead, with its most recent updates, "TOOTSIE THE MUSICAL" is a fabulously funny show with an appealing score and, above all else, top-notch performances.
"TOOTSIE" continues at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, MA. until August 25, 2024.
Coming up next at Bill Hanney's North Shore Music Theatre: "Million Dollar Quartet" by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux beginning September 24th.
For tickets and information visit www.nsmt.org, call (978) 232-7200, or visit the North Shore Music Theatre box office in person at 54 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.
Approximately two hours, 45 minutes with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
“In these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll - 'TOOTSIE' is it! (Rolling Stone)
Call it “musical comedy heaven” (Rolling Stone).
Call it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” (The Hollywood Reporter).
Call it "TOOTSIE!"
This laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater tells the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime.
Featuring a hilarious Tony®-winning book by Robert Horn and an outrageously clever score by 2018 Tony-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), this New York Times Critic’s Pick is “a joyful delight” (The Washington Post) that’s “so packed with punchlines,
it should be called a jokebox musical!” (Bloomberg).
Based on the 1982 smash comedy hit, "TOOTSIE THE MUSICAL" was nominated for 10 Tony® awards and while capturing the hearts of audiences all over the country.
This hysterically funny show is sure to make you laugh out loud while falling in love with the incredibly talented cast of characters.
Come laugh your heart out and see firsthand why this 1982 smash hit has made a come back as a Broadway success!
RUNNING TIME: Approximately 2h 45m (includes intermission)
CONTENT ADVISORY: This production contains strong language. Recommended for ages 12 and older. We do encourage you to use your judgment based on your own research of the show, your own sensibilities, and a child's age and maturity level.No children under the age of 4 will be permitted in the theatre including babes in arms.
ABOUT BILL HANNEY'S NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE
Since opening in 1955, NORTH SHORE MUSIC THEATRE (NSMT) has become one of the most attended theatres in New England, with approximately 250,000 patrons annually. With a national and regional reputation for artistic achievement, NSMT has received numerous industry awards including Elliot Norton Awards, IRNE Awards, the Rosetta Le Noire Award from Actors' Equity, and the Moss Hart Award. NSMT produced the World Premiere of "Memphis" in 2003, the show went on to win four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Under the new ownership of Bill Hanney since 2010, NSMT continues to annually produce a musical subscription series and an annual production of "A Christmas Carol" along with celebrity concerts, children's programming and year-round education classes for children and adults.
54 Dunham Road
Beverly, MA 01915
PHONE # 978-232-7200
FAX # 978-232-9999
northshoremusictheatre@nsmt.org
