Review by Jennifer Mustoe, Front Row Reviewers
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo is as funny as the movie it comes from and then some with its wonderful score and talented cast. Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical is a comedy based on the 1993 film starring Robin Williams as the Scottish nanny Mrs. D. It is as enjoyable as the movie, but the music and the added characters and plot make it adorable in its own right.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical shows us the story of the Hilliard family: Daniel (Craig Allen Smith), a free spirit, an inspiration-laded, often out-of-work actor whose parenting skills rely heavily on having fun with his kids, but giving them little structure. His wife Miranda (Melissa Campbell) has had it. Her love for her husband has been squelched as she carries most of the parental duties, so much so that she asks for a divorce and custody of their three children: Lydia (Alanis Sophia), Christopher (Chance Challen/Theodore Lowenstein), and little Natalie (Ava Rose Doty/Vivian Atencio). Daniel struggles with Miranda’s unexpected and remarkably devastating decision and creates the character Mrs. Doubtfire to be a nanny to his own children, and it is quite the transformation.
Smith as Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire, the quick-witted, quick-change artist carries the show with athleticism, wonderful comedic timing, excellent vocals, stunning dancing, and the compassion and sweetness this role requires. Smith shines on all counts and brings a personal touch to his performance. All his songs are great, but “Easy Peasy” steps it up with culinary information and the goofiest explanation of how to cook dinner I’ve ever seen. If Mrs. Doubtfire lived at my house, I’d give her cooking duty every night. On tours, you spend a lot of time with your cast members and others involved in the production, and it would seem to me that Smith is someone you’d want to hang out with.
Campbell as Miranda, with her beautiful voice and well-executed performance of a harassed wife who still loves her husband in a way, but chooses to do what she thinks is right for her kids is believable and sometimes heart-breaking. This is one of the plot points that may touch many audience members who have had divorce in their lives–either as a partner or a child. How it’s handled in the musical is hard to watch as at times it’s all too real, but Campbell and Smith carry it off with obvious desperation and despair for each. And their children. The family is splintering in pieces, and it shows in the anxiety of all concerned. Lydia, Christopher, and Natalie struggle with hurt, confusion, and anger–totally understandable. These three young actors play their parts well, and seem very much like siblings who love and bug each other.
Brian Kalinowski as Daniel’s brother Uncle Frank Hillard is fantastic. His loudness is a running joke and brings laughs every time. Haven’t we all known someone who just speaks. Too. LOUD? In this show, it’s very funny. Frank’s husband Andre Mayem, played by Devon Wycovia Buchanan is as extravagant as his husband is loud, and these two loving partners inspire not just laughs but tenderness to this crumbling family. They are the ones who transform rather ordinary-looking Daniel into the wonderfully comfy Mrs. Doubtfire.
Miranda finds a new love, the hunky Stuart Dunmaire (Collin Salvatoré), which throws Daniel into even more torment. This twist helps the plot move forward naturally. Other excellent characters include Mr. Jolly, a truly dorky children’s show host. Scott Taylor-Cole nails this role. Kirsten Angelina Henry as Flamenco Singer brings a rather lovely performance that wins laughs nonetheless.
Those who make this show tick in the background are worth their weight in laughter gold. Tour Choreographer Michaeljon Slinger creates some of the best dancing I’ve seen in a musical. Choreography by Lorin Latarro is fantastic–the ensemble numbers are so fun. Direction from Jerry Zaks is tight and authentic. Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick are a combination of brilliance, enthusiasm, and audience appeal. Music Supervision, Arrangements, and Orchestrations by Ethan Popp, Scenic Design by David Korins, Costume Design by Catherine Zuber, Lighting Design by Philip S. Rosenberg, Sound Design by Brian Ronan and Craig Cassidy, and Hair & Wig Design by David Brian Brown combine to make Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical shine.
All jokes aside, what I love about this story is that Daniel as the goofy dad is one I felt sorry for and frankly, kind of annoyed with. But the beauty of this entire show is who Daniel becomes as soon as he transforms into Mrs. Doubtfire. He assumes this identity to see his kids, which is understandable and admirable. But Daniel finds not just responsibility but a more adult caring for his three children and more compassion and understanding for Miranda, too. Everyone thrives because of Mrs. Doubtfire, but it’s really that Daniel is given the opportunity to jump out of his irresponsible self and assume a persona that had always been there, just hadn’t been internalized.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical runs only a short time, so don’t miss it. The theater at The Covey Center for the Arts is beautiful, spacious, and clean. The staff is amazing. And their newly installed concessions stand looks pretty tasty.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical ScoreMrs. Doubtfire the Musical Instagram
The Covey Center for the Arts presents .
The Covey Center for the Arts, 425 W Center St, Provo, UT 84601
Thurs., Dec. 4 – Sat., Dec. 6, 2025, Thurs.-Fri., 7:30 PM; Sat., 2 PM, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $29 – $69+
Contact: 801-852-700
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