TBTS’s “Tootsie”— clever, comical winner

Theatre Review by DON FOWLER
Posted 7/3/24

Theatre By The Sea takes the award-winning Dustin Hoffman movie and Broadway musical based on the movie to new heights with its clever, comical production, directed and choreographed by Richard …

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TBTS’s “Tootsie”— clever, comical winner

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Theatre By The Sea takes the award-winning Dustin Hoffman movie and Broadway musical based on the movie to new heights with its clever, comical production, directed and choreographed by Richard Hinds.

Producer Bill Hanney knows how to pick crowd-pleaser shows, and “Tootsie” is one big crowd pleaser.

It is funny—hysterically funny at times.

It is clever. Michaael/Dorothy’s costume and character changes are done with perfect precision.

It has a moral overtone regarding sexism that comes through with flying colors.

It has great song-and-dance numbers that blend in beautifully with the story line.

This is a musical that requires a large cast that can work in harmony.

For example: You remember the old actor’s adage: There are no small parts…”

Trinity veteran Fred Sullivan, Jr. has two relatively short scenes in the musical, and he ABSOLUTELY KILLS THEM. Every word, every gesture has the audience in stitches.

Supporting actors Dean Marino (Jeff) and Brooke Jacob (Sandy) individually bring down the house with “Jeff Sums It Up” and “ What’s Gonna Happen,” two of the funniest songs ever written for a musical.

Joann Gilliam brings her beautiful voice to the role of Julie and Jason Webster adds his hysterically funny physicality and over-the-top humor to the role of Man.

And then there is Kyle Nicholas Anderson as Michael/Dorothy, the 40-year-old failing actor whose big mouth and attitude cause him to be an outcast in the Broadway community.

His decision to dress as Dorothy and audition for a part in a turkey of a “Romeo and Juliet” parody musical sets the ball rolling for some of the cleverest comedy seen on stage in a long time.

Anderson makes a completely believable Dorothy, and has a voice to prove it.

You probably remember what happens as he falls in love, becomes a star and is eventually outed. If you don’t, I won’t spoil it for you.

This is a show that requires perfect timing, and one that is meant to be seen more than once.

If you want to add a highlight to your summer, call 782-TKTS today and get your tickets to “Tootsie.”

The show runs through July 20.

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