★★★★★
How far are you willing to go in pursuit of a dream? Tootsie, the stage adaptation of the 1982 film, combines comedy and heart in its exploration of this question, set against the stunning backdrop of the New York City theatre scene.
The Australian premiere of this phenomenal show, presented by Teatro At The Italian Forum, in association with On Your Feet Australia, is an absolute triumph and delight.
Tootsie follows the arrogant aspiring actor Michael Dorsey, who, on his fortieth birthday, is disillusioned with the world of Broadway, as they seem intent on not giving him a chance.
In a desperate ploy, he creates the female persona of Dorothy Michaels, who quickly sweeps the cast and crew off their feet. But as his relationships with his friends and colleagues change, the lies quickly unravel, forcing him to confront the consequences of his decisions.
Director and choreographer Cameron Mitchell has crafted an immaculate production, highly polished and full of energy. It is an absolute delight to see the depth of every single character, how they interact and the masterful use of movement in creating each scene.
The music is fantastic, and Nicholas Till, as musical director, has done a marvellous job imbuing every song with depth and so much character across every cast and orchestra member.
Dan Potra’s fantastic set design uses the space to easily transport audiences from the bright lights of the theatre to the bachelor pad apartment and beyond with a few simple pieces.
The transitions are dynamic, using the multiple entrances and exit sites on either side of the stage to make the location changes seamless and engaging.
Costume designer Angela White has done an exceptional job, with every piece immediately telling us who the character is and their role within the scene.
Andrew Bevis takes on the role of Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels, and he is absolutely phenomenal. He captures both the intense desperation of Michael and the confidence of Dorothy, seamlessly transitioning between the two sides of the character with his vocal and physical performance.
Elenoa Rokobaro is an absolute powerhouse of a performer as Julia Nichols, the lead of Juliet’s Curse, the play Dorothy is cast in. It is a joy to watch her on stage. Every song and scene perfectly reflects her love of performing and the sacrifices she makes to pursue this dream.
The role of Jeff Slater, Michael’s roommate and best friend, is played by Tyran Stig, who is perfect in the role. His comedic timing is flawless, and his reactions to the truly ridiculous situations he finds himself in are delightful.
Alana Tranter plays Michael’s former partner and now friend, Sandy Lester, perfectly capturing her anxious nature. Her vocal performance is absolutely incredible. Her rendition of What’s Gonna Happen is particularly wonderful.
Lachlan O’Brien plays the role of the sleazy director Ron Carlisle. He impressively portrays just how extraordinarily unlikable his character is. This perfectly contrasts with producer Rita Marshall, played by Donna Lee. She is so heartwarmingly supportive of the changes that Dorothy brings to the show.
Brendan Irving is amazing as the self-obsessed actor Max Van Horn. He is deeply committed to the bit and perfectly capturing the extraordinary confidence his lack of wit confers.
Stan Fields, Michael’s agent, is brilliantly played by Chris Huntly-Turner, conveying his true resentment for the game he is forced to play in every scene.
The ensemble is truly extraordinary, lending such depth to the world and dazzling on stage with their characterisation, stylish movement and vocal talent.
Tootsie is a riotously funny show, reflecting the consequences of pursuing a dream at any cost. There is an extraordinary exploration of the challenging lived experiences of women in the entertainment industry that will also leave you reflecting.
A perfect blend of comedy, reflection, extraordinary talent and visual delight, Tootsie is an absolute must-see show!
Tootsie the musical runs to 21 June at Teatro at the Italian Forum. 23 Norton Street Leichhardt NSW 2040.
Tickets are on sale here!
Website: https://teatroitalianforum.com.au/date/tootsie/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/teatroitalianforum/
Photo credits: Robert Miniter
