By JACKIE MOE
The national tour of Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical is making its Southern California premiere at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from September 24 to October 6, 2024. This highly anticipated production, based on the beloved 1993 film, brings with it a fresh wave of comedy, heart, and familial warmth, with Rob McClure reprising his Tony-nominated role as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire.
For many, Robin Williams’ portrayal of the eccentric nanny is iconic. McClure, who debuted the role on Broadway in 2019, now brings his own interpretation to audiences across the country, including those in Costa Mesa.
The Broadway production may have been short-lived due to the pandemic, but the musical’s impact was undeniable. And as McClure himself noted, this show was always destined to thrive on the road.
Ahead of the Costa Mesa premiere, Backstage SoCal had the opportunity to catch up with McClure to discuss his journey with Mrs. Doubtfire, revisiting the character, and the excitement of sharing this story with audiences outside New York.
What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be stepping into the iconic role made famous by Robin Williams?
I was elated and terrified. I know how beloved Robin Williams’ performance is by fans because I am one of them. This movie, and Robin, were formative to me growing up. I felt a huge responsibility to get it right. Not to do an impression, but more importantly, to try and tap into how I remember him making us feel.
If Mrs. Doubtfire had to give you one piece of life advice right now, what do you think she would say?
I think Mrs. Doubtfire would remind me to call my parents. To put family first. Get off my phone. And eat my vegetables.
You’ve mentioned ‘unfinished business’ with the role of Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire. What aspects of the character did you focus on refining for this tour?
I’d like to think my performance has gotten richer with every day I’m a real father. When I read the first draft of this, I didn’t have a child. Now I have a 5-year-old. I get it now. I’m Daniel. I’d do whatever it took to stay in my kid’s life against any odds.
What’s the funniest or most unexpected thing that’s happened to you while performing as Mrs. Doubtfire, either on Broadway or during the tour?
Oh god. I almost chopped off the tip of my finger during “Easy Peasy” one night. I chop veggies during a big rhythmic cooking sequence and I wasn’t careful ONE TIME, and I hacked into my finger and had to finish the act pinching my finger closed and trying not to get blood everywhere! Live theatre baby!!!
How do you balance the physical comedy with the emotional depth of the character? What’s the most challenging aspect of playing a role that requires such a wide range of skills?
What’s interesting is that I don’t think of them as big gear shifts. The physical comedy and the emotional depth are both driven by the same stakes. The need to do whatever it takes. The fact that one makes the audience laugh and one makes the audience cry is a wonderful magic trick. But I get on one train at the beginning of the show. And that train goes all kinds of places, but always on the way back to my kids. The crazy skillset required is quite the nightly climb. But it’s thrilling. Two dozen impressions, 31 quick changes, loop machines, breakdancing, tap dancing, puppetry….. it’s a WILD ride.
Mrs. Doubtfire is all about family and going to great lengths to be with your loved ones. How has playing this role influenced your own perspective on family and relationships?
I’m actually really feeling this right now. As an actor, you get used to chasing the work, wherever that leads. But once a kiddo is around, your priorities shift. Her wellbeing is at the forefront now. That happened to me while playing Mrs. Doubtfire. I’m sure that had a lot to do with it. I can’t pretend to be a great Dad at night, and be a crappy one at home.
What’s your pre-show ritual before transforming into Mrs. Doubtfire?
I run the seats of the theatre, touching every seat as I pass. It’s something I’ve done for 15 years. It warms me up physically and gives me a nice connection to the space.
The original movie has such a beloved fan base. Have you had any memorable interactions with fans who grew up watching the film?
I have over 300 letters now. From children to Grandparents. From die-hard fans of the film to people new to Euphegenia. And while every story is different, they all, in one way or another experienced the transformative and healing power of live theatre and the warm embrace that Mrs. Doubtfire is, was, and always will be.
Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Show Dates: September 24 – October 6, 2024
Phone: (714) 556-2787 or scfta.org