You’re a decent New York actor but your constant head-butting with directors makes you unemployable. What do you do? Slap on a wig, a dress, some pearls and a pair of pumps, and audition as a woman, of course.
Welcome to “Tootsie,” the newest offering at Theatre by the Sea. The musical is based on the 1982 movie starring Dustin Hoffman in the title role. In 2019, the musical won two Tony Awards, including Best Book of a Musical.
If you recall the movie – it was 42 years ago, so you’re forgiven if you don’t – the main character (Michael Dorsey) landed a part on a soap opera after auditioning as Dorothy Michaels. In the musical, Dorothy lands a role in a new Broadway play, “Juliet’s Curse.”
Quick backstory on that: Juliet is alive, having failed to kill herself after finding Romeo dead. That’s really all you need to know.
(Wait. Isn’t that the basic plot of the current Broadway hit “& Juliet?” But I digress.)
Here’s what you need to know about “Tootsie.” Michael Dorsey as Dorothy Michaels (Kyle Nicholas Anderson) becomes the buzz of Broadway, playing Juliet’s nurse and helping reinvent the show. So great is her impact that the producers rename the show “Juliet’s Nurse.” Being Dorothy turns Michael’s life persona life upside down. He has beaten his friend Sandy (Brooke Jacob) in landing the part for which she too auditioned. His roommate Jeff (Dean Marino) tries to talk Michael out of doing what he’s doing, and then just sits back to watch the train wreck.
To really complicate things, Michael falls for his co-star, Julie (Joanna Gilliam), who only knows him as a woman.
The first act has some hilarious moments, but it basically acts as the set-up for the punchline that is the laugh-out-loud second act.
Now, for the performers. Each has a moment to shine, and that makes the entire production glisten.
Anderson is superb as Michael/ Dorothy. As Sandy says early on, in certain foreshadowing, “You’re a better woman than me.” Maybe not, but he is believable in a dowdy sort of way. He is vocally strong in several numbers. My favorite is “Unstoppable.”
Jacob is brilliant as the neurotically frustrated Sandy. Nothing goes right for her, and her presentation of “What’s Gonna Happen,” both the first time (which earned her thunderous applause) and in the two reprises.
Marino is laid-back and hilarious as Jeff, Michael’s voice of reason. His rendition of “Jeff Sums It Up” at the top of the second act is worth the price of admission.
Jadon Webster is amazing as Max Von Horn, the actor whose only “talent” is taking off his shirt – multiple times. His malapropisms and hacking of Shakespearean lines are very funny, and his “This Thing,” where he tries to figure out why he’s so drawn to Dorothy, is so good.
Jeff Brooks’ Ron Carlisle, the director of “Juliet’s Curse,” oozes smarm, and shows off his dance skills when showing his ensemble what he wants them to do.
Fred Sullivan Jr. mines comedy gold from his two brief appearances as Stan Fields, Michael’s irascible off-and-on agent. His reaction when he realizes that Michael is Dorothy is absolutely priceless.
Last but not least, it’s great to see local favorite Zoe Gillis graduate from the ensemble into the featured role of Suzie, one of the writers of “Juliet’s Curse.”
You want funny? Theatre by the Sea’s got funny in spades in the form of “Tootsie.” It’s a terrific way to kick off your summer.
[“Tootsie” runs through July 20 at Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck. For tickets and information, call the box office at 401-782-8587 or visit their website at www.theatrebythesea.com.]
