Tootsie Reviews

Broadway World- Somewhat Recommended

"...A possibly bigger problem is that the story, while slight, isn't served by its musical score. Few of the songs land and are almost immediately forgotten. (Even the love theme, "Who Are You?" which should be rousing, falls flat.) Perhaps that's why the central actors often seem uninvested, and if they're not invested, how can the audience be? The script offers better material to the supporting players, with Payton Reilly, as Michael's aspiring-actress friend Sandy, and Adam du Plessis, as an arrogant director, stealing every scene they're in."

Stage and Cinema- Somewhat Recommended

"...Tootsie’s score, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek, is pure, forgettable fluff. I couldn’t hum a single melody if I tried. Sure, the same was said about Sondheim’s less traditional pieces, but with Sondheim, there was a melodic richness to his work. Here, Yazbek sticks to the basics. Instead of bringing the art-form something new like he did with his glorious Middle Eastern score for The Band’s Visit, in Tootsie he offers a pleasantly passable “musical theater” sound. While the melodies don’t cry out to be heard again, they provide just enough of a smile to move the story along, even when sung at rapid-fire pace (“What’s Gonna Happen”)."

Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended

"...Michael Dorsey and his female alter ego Dorothy Michaels share the Dolby Theatre stage in Tootie, the Tony-winning 2019 Broadway adaptation of the 1982 movie smash, a musical comedy as classic in concept and construction as it is contemporary in its attitudes, casting, and execution."

Total Theater- Recommended

"...Tootsie is replete with snappy and catchy songs; it also has a book that triggers lots of laughter...and a large cast that sings and dances its heart out. The show is a well-deserved hit."

Ticket Holders LA- Recommended

"...Speaking of distracting, one of the surprisingly unattended issues with this Tootsie is the condition of William Ivey Long's once sensational original costuming. I'll bet if Long popped in on a current performance at the Dolby, he'd have to be watched so he doesn't jump off the Hollywood Sign. Although I am the very last person on the planet to criticize actors for how they look, the rigors of the road can be daunting-especially when all there often is to do during the day is catch up on sleep and, for nourishment, consume massive quantities of rich hotel food. From the look of this cast in photos taken when the tour started out, I'll bet Long's costuming then fit some of the actors far better than now."

Its Not About Me- Highly Recommended

"...I first saw Tootsie on Broadway two and a half years ago, and I went absolutely nuts over it. Of course, a second viewing is rarely as good as the first, because nothing’s a surprise anymore, but this touring production, (which is appearing now at the glamorous Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and then moves down to Costa Mesa,) is still excellent, and I heavily suggest that everyone see this show; it’s funny, happy, and not painful in any way. I wish that every Broadway musical would be like Tootsie!"