Music & Lyrics by David Yazbeck. Book by Robert Horn. Directed by Larry Raben. Choreography by Jennifer Rias. Music Direction by Andrew David Sotomayor. Scenic Design by Christine Peters. Lighting Design by Richard Latta. Costume Design by William Ivery Long. Sound Design by Kevin Heard. Wig Design by Roxanne De Luna. At Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit, ME through October 29, 2023.
by Linda Chin
The Tony Award-winning musical comedy Tootsie, now enjoying its regional premiere at the Ogunquit Playhouse, is an adaptation of the now 40-year-old movie starring Dustin Hoffman in a red wig, glasses, and the now iconic gown with red sequins. Tootsie is Michael Dorsey, a talented 40-year-old actor who’s talented and deeply committed to his craft but whose arrogance and know-it-all attitude have alienated producers, directors, and colleagues alike. Desperate to work, Dorsey disguises himself as a woman, adopts a female persona, names himself Dorothy Michaels, and lands a role in a soap opera. The star-studded cast of characters – including Dorsey’s agent George (Sydney Pollack), friend/ex-girlfriend Sandy (Teri Garr), and television co-star Julie Nichols (Jessica Lange) – are not made aware of this charade; the only person he confides in is his deadpanning roommate, Jeff Slater, played in the movie by Bill Murray.
In Tootsie the Broadway musical, creatives Robert Horn (book) and David Yazbeck (music and lyrics) retain the New York City setting but shift the show-within-a-show format from screen to the stage, and William Ivery Long (costume design) has modified the iconic red-sequined gown to an hourglass-shape and neckline that reveals more of the titular character’s decolletage. Michael Dorsey (a delightfully versatile Dan De Luca, Oguinquit’s The Nutty Professor) auditions for the role of Juliet’s nurse (in a madcap musical continuation of Romeo and Juliet) as Dorothy Michaels. Dorothy’s vision and ideas to make the show better impress the “person who writes the checks,” producer Rita Marshall (a sassy and smart Sally Struthers, in her 23rd production at Ogunquit, and as the “best man [woman/actor] for the job,” and lands the role.
Cross-dressing, deception, and dramedy on and off-stage ensue, including Dorothy and co-star Julie (a pitch-perfect Nicole Fragala, normally played by Erica Dorfler on opening night) falling for one another, and strong leading man Max Van Horn (a brainy and brawny Anthony Festa) serenading Dorothy under her window, hoping for romance. Also, on the homefront, Michael’s often hysterical and neurotic ex-girlfriend Sandy (a hysterically funny and joyous Jen Cody) and supportive best friend and confidante Jeff (riotously funny and charming Reed Campbell) deliver so much energy and humor that the audience rolls in the aisle. Sandy’s “What’s Gonna Happen” in Act 1 and Jeff’s “Jeff Sums it Up” that opened Act 2 were showstoppers. With top-notch staging by director Larry Raben and choreographer Jennifer Rias, superb music direction by Andrew David Sotomayor and a kick-ass band, a cast of triple-threats (with great comedic timing), the overall acting and writing in Ogunquit’s production of Tootsie pops.
The 1982film was written as a story about sexism in the entertainment industry, and sexism and sexual harassment are unfortunately still pervasive four decades later, validating that this show’s message remains timely. There is a general consensus that director and choreographer Ron’s (an elegant and eloquent Josh Breckenridge) behavior towards women in and outside of the rehearsal room is creepy. But the continuous gag about “a man in a woman’s dress” in the reinvented musical is dated or funny, and given contemporary gender politics, having a person who identifies as a man leading the change shouldn’t be the subject of much debate. What would an enlightened Michael Dorsey think? As an actor searching for truth in storytelling, he might boldly suggest that Rita Marshall, a successful woman producer in a male-dominated business, be the leading lady. For tickets and information, go to: https://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org/
