I absolutely love the theater.  As a way of celebrating this past Easter, after church I went to see Mrs. Doubtfire on Broadway.   I loved the movie with Robin Williams and was curious to see it as a musical.  I was not disappointed.  It was extremely entertaining, funny and the actor who played Daniel Hillard, Rob McClure, was absolutely genius.  He had great comedic timing and he was an equally talented dancer and singer.  I was especially impressed by the actress, Analise Scarpaci, who played Lydia Hillard.  Not only is she a Staten Islander; she did an amazing job in the role as the older daughter.  The advertisement for the show says that “Mrs. Doubtfire is a new musical about the things we do to stay together.” This was not false advertising by any means.

 What was most touching and inspiring about this musical was how it captured the emotions and turmoil as a result of divorce.  The show did a remarkable job of capturing the details, stages, and flurry of emotions all the characters experienced as the marriage dissolved. Each character’s perspective and experience during the breakup of the marriage was explored.  Miranda, (played by Jean Gambatese) and Daniel Hillard’s experience were at the forefront; however, much of the play recounted the three children’s feelings and their perspective.

 There were very touching scenes such as when the children discover all the family photos which included their father, were removed.  The songs and the dialogue made it quite clear that the children want their parents to stay together and always hope for a reconciliation.  The pain and guilt children feel for their parent’s separation was also made evident as well as how they feel responsible for their parents’ divorce.

 If you have gone through a divorce, are contemplating a divorce, have been divorced, or if you are trying to co-parent, I strongly recommend this musical.  It will make you sad.  It will make you laugh. It will give you hope for the future.

  The growth and transformation of the characters was very edifying. A challenging event or life experience can be a catalyst for growth and reaching one’s potential. The importance of honesty, integrity, and transparency in families, relationships, was also made quite clear.

As a parent coordinator, divorce attorney, and having represented children in the past, the play addressed many issues of divorce.  Even the portrayal of the Judge in the court scene was very telling. The play not only described the court system, but it also had a storyline regarding a social worker.  This storyline clearly showed when a family separates, if they cannot resolve their issues without court intervention, the courts as well as outside agencies influence and determine the course of their divorce, their family and future.

The show correctly stressed the importance that children have a relationship with both of their parents no matter what the reason for the divorce or how the parents may have reacted to the divorce.  Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction, however, this play shows that fiction can reveal truths. 

Another aspect of this case, which is particularly funny, especially in these times, was Frank Hillard, who is Daniel Hillard’s brother, played by Brad Oscar; whenever Frank lied, he got extremely loud. The take-away– when all else fails, scream over your opponent.

            Again, I highly recommend this musical. It is appropriate for children as well.  It certainly touched me and helped me see what I do in a whole new light.