Review: Musicalized 'Tootsie' Is a Fun Night Out

It seems that every Broadway musical these days is just based on a popular movie. From "Pretty Woman" to "Beetlejuice" and the forthcoming "Back to the Future," there doesn't seem to be much in the way of original stories on the Great White Way.�
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Therefore, I was not terribly excited for "Tootsie," the musical reimagining of the classic 1982 comedy directed by Sydney Pollack and starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange, Bill Murray, and Teri Garr. That film was about an out-of-work actor named Michael Dorsey who gets by teaching acting in New York City, but is desperate to do his passion. When a female friend auditions for a Shakespeare role, he sees an opportunity and dons a wig, a dress, and makeup to try out under the pseudonym of Dorothy Michaels. To his surprise, he gets the job and his career skyrockets – except, he wasn't expecting to fall in love with the show's leading lady Julie. Wackiness ensues.
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While not everything works in the musical version of "Tootsie," what does is the fact that the book writer Robert Horn has re-crafted the story to not only be contemporary, but also to rethink the story and not present a scene-by-scene copy of a popular film, which is the model for many similar musical adaptations.
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In Horn's version, Michael Dorsey (Drew Becker) is a down-and-out theater actor working at a Times Square restaurant with his roommate Jeff (Jared David Michael Grant). He can't seem to get a job, but while helping his ex Sandy (Payton Reilly), he sees an opening. She is auditioning for a musical sequel to "Romeo and Juliet," and Michael, out of desperation, assumes the identity of Dorothy and gets cast as Juliet's Nurse. Before you know it, he convinces the creative team to go in a more modern direction with the show, which makes him the lead. Of course, Michael falls in love with the show's lead, Julie (Ashley Alexandra), and wackiness ensues.

Those familiar with the film will likely be surprised by the changes. Also, it wouldn't be a modern remake without a dose of 21st�century wokeness, which is certainly welcome, but it feels a little like the producers were trying to cover up the main conceit of the story by calling it out in the last 20 minutes.
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That said, it all sort of works.�
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Most of the actors are terrific, if not hamming it up as much as they could have. Reilly as Sandy has a repeated number that requires her to sing lyrics in quick succession. While impressive, it's hard to understand what she's saying, so you applaud for the technical skill more than anything else. She's a spitfire, though, that's for sure.
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Lakas James Miller as Max Van Horn, a reality star turned the lead of a Broadway musical, hams it up even more as the man who knows his only real talent lies in his ability to rip his shirt off and flex his biceps and abs. He's a hoot.
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Ashley Alexandra as Julie brings much-needed gravitas to the show, allowing for an honest reflection of the script's larger themes. Her powerful vocals are memorable, and she creates something new out of the character previously played by Lange in the film.�
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Drew Becker as Michael/Dorothy is, as expected, a blast. While his Dorothy is the scene-stealer every step of the way, that is the way the role is written. While his vocals are strong when playing Michael, they not as compelling when he is Dorothy – and that's a problem when he has a few numbers where he is required to belt out some pretty powerful notes. Having to use a higher register, the phrases sometimes feel whispered, and the phrasing goes in and out of power ballad mode. Thankfully, when the show calls for more emotion, he's back in Michael's territory and pulls it off with ease.
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To be fair, there isn't really a memorable tune in the show. (The score is by David Yazbek ("The Band's Visit,"�"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.") It all goes down easy when you watch it, but this isn't a musical where you'll be sent home humming the songs and tapping your toes. It's cute and of-the-moment, but it won't stay with you after the curtain falls.�
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For a fun night out though, it certainly fits the bill.
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"Tootsie" is currently playing at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood�from April 26 - May 15th.�For more information and tickets visit�BroadwayinHollywood.com. It will then move to Orange County's Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa�from May 31st�- June 12th.�For more information and tickets visit�www.SCFTA.org.�