Brisbane review - Tootsie: tight, well-crafted and fast-paced
- 11 hours ago
- 4 min read
By David Wilson
Music and Lyrics by David Yazbek
Book by Robert Horn
Based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the Columbia Pictures motion picture starring Dustin Hoffman
Directed by Nichlas JoyVocal Direction by Jade Enright
Choreographed by Nikki Bovey
Production Management by Tianna Paget
Brought to you by Beenleigh Theatre GroupAt the Crete Street Theatre, Beenleigh5 – 21 June 2026
Tickets $35 concession/child $40 adult
Tootsie is based on the much-loved 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman and has successfully transformed one of Hollywood’s most popular comedies into a fast-paced, contemporary musical comedy. Featuring music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Robert Horn, the musical premiered in Chicago in 2018 before transferring to Broadway in 2019. It received an impressive eleven Tony Award nominations, winning Best Book of a Musical, and quickly earned a reputation as one of the funniest new musicals of recent years.The story follows talented but notoriously difficult actor Michael Dorsey, a performer whose uncompromising nature has made him virtually unemployable. Desperate for work and one final opportunity to pursue his dreams, Michael reinvents himself as actress Dorothy Michaels and unexpectedly finds fame, success and acceptance. What follows is a clever, heartfelt and thoroughly entertaining exploration of identity, honesty, ambition and finding the courage to become the person you were always meant to be.Beenleigh Theatre Group has delivered a very tight, well-crafted and fast-paced production that never outstays its welcome. Thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end, it is driven by a totally committed cast who are visibly enjoying themselves on stage, which is always wonderful to see. The production embraces the sitcom-like humour of the material while never losing sight of the genuine heart beneath the laughs.Confident and clever direction by Nichlas Joy is evident throughout, perfectly balancing the heart of the story with the out-and-out humour. The pacing is excellent, the storytelling crystal clear, and every comic moment lands exactly as intended while still allowing the emotional beats room to breathe.Nikki Bovey's fingerprints are all over the wonderful choreography that underpins the show – not just the big numbers, which are excellent, but the entire visual language of the production. Movement is used constantly to energise scenes, establish character and maintain momentum. The result is a production that always feels alive and in motion.
Vocally, the company is excellent under the vocal direction of Jade Enright. The principal vocals are impressive, the harmonies are strong and the overall standard consistently high.Adam Goodall is absolutely outstanding as Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. It is a hugely demanding role requiring an actor to portray multiple layers of character simultaneously, navigate substantial vocal challenges and carry almost every scene of the show. Goodall delivers perfectly. His characterisation is nuanced, his comic timing impeccable and his vocals consistently strong throughout. It is a totally polished performance in all respects. Brilliant.Heloise Ruinard was wonderful as Julie Nichols, the talented performer at a crossroads in her life, delivering a beautifully natural performance. Her vocals are excellent throughout and her on-stage chemistry with Goodall is both believable and engaging, giving real weight to the central relationship.Amy Petty was outstanding as Sandy Lester, Michael's neurotic, anxious and frequently exasperated friend and ex-girlfriend. Petty’s characterisation and physicality were perfect, as was her comedic timing. Every appearance generated laughs, yet Petty also ensured the audience genuinely cared about Sandy's journey. Her performance of 'What's Gonna Happen' was brilliant and showcased both her vocal ability and her exceptional comic instincts.David McLaughlin was absolutely hilarious as the sardonic realist Jeff Slater, Michael's loyal friend, roommate and struggling playwright. McLaughlin's comic performance was wonderfully judged throughout and his performance of 'Jeff Sums It Up' was hilarious, earning some of the strongest audience reactions of the night.
Patrick Lockyer delivered a wonderfully unleashed Max Van Horn, the self-absorbed reality TV star, fully embracing the character's larger-than-life personality and receiving some of the evening's biggest laughs. Kristian Weber made a perfect Ron Carlisle, the demanding director of the Broadway musical at the centre of the story. Weber captured the authority, intensity and downright absurdity of the character perfectly, creating a memorable and highly entertaining performance. Special mention of the opening of the show - wonderful!Janice Hancock made much of her role as Rita Marshall, the level headed producer, as did Danny Wilson-Clayton as Michael’s frustrated agent Stan. Very New York!The entire cast is wonderful, including a very talented ensemble who contribute enormously to the success of the production. Whether involved in large musical numbers, supporting scenes or rapid-fire comic moments, the ensemble maintained outstanding energy and commitment throughout. Their enthusiasm is infectious and contributes significantly to the production's success.
Tootsie is a musical that relies on precision, pace and absolute commitment from its cast and creative team. Beenleigh Theatre Group has delivered all three in abundance.I thoroughly recommend you get along to see this high-quality production.
Tickets are on sale now. Season runs until 21 June 2026.
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