Recently, several WJPS students and staff members went on a trip to see the Broadway adaptation of Mrs. Doubtfire. 

The musical has an amazing cast with its matinee cast, including Tyler Wladis from the show Single Parents as Christopher Hillard, Analise Scarpaci from Broadway’s Matilda as Lydia Hillard, and Rob McClure from Broadway’s Beetlejuice as Daniel Hillard and Mrs. Doubtfire.

This adaptation of the 1993 movie of the same name puts a well-executed modern twist on the tale as this new version takes place in the modern-day. 

The way the cooking scene is approached in this version is a seamless and well-executed shift from the original, which shows how times have changed without overemphasizing this point.

This adaptation further develops the character of Daniel’s brother Frank, who is largely undeveloped in the original film. 

This version illustrates Frank as a gay man working with his partner, named Andre. He is portrayed as a wardrobe, hair, and makeup artist for various performers.  

He illustrated more of their job and relationship and their personalities than the film does (mainly focusing on Daniel and his kids). 

There’s even a part during the show’s finale where Frank and Andre adopt a daughter during the number “As Long As There Is Love.” 

This happens right after Daniel’s memorable speech about how there are all kinds of families, rounding out this beautiful expansion of the original story.

WJPS student Katelyn Vi said, “I like how the show covers the topic of divorce because of how the show displays how the children and parents feel during that time. It also shows how the parents fight over custody in court, and this is very accurate to how some divorced families operate.” 

The character expansions, mixed with the incredible results and skill when adapting and performing this beloved story, portray how divorce can affect families in real life.