Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical at the NAC Brings Big Laughs
On opening night, November 4, the National Arts Centre in Ottawa was buzzing with excitement as Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical made its highly anticipated debut. I went with my sister, and as two kids who grew up in the 1990s—when Mrs. Doubtfire first hit theatres (1993, to be exact)—we were ready for a wave of nostalgia. That movie was part of our childhood: Robin Williams’ quick wit, the heartfelt family story, and the unmistakable energy of San Francisco.
While we did reminisce a bit and enjoyed seeing Mrs. Doubtfire brought to life again, the stage version has a distinctly modern feel. Right from the opening number, it’s clear this production is designed to be big—with bright colours, jazzy dance numbers, and full Broadway flair. Where the movie balanced humour with realism, the musical leans more into exuberant comedy. Think razzle-dazzle, jazz hands, and quick costume changes—it’s a show that embraces a bit of spectacle, and in doing so, delivers plenty of fun.
Craig Allen Smith, the actor who took on the impossible task of stepping into Mrs. Doubtfire’s sensible shoes deserves major applause. His comedic timing and ability to switch effortlessly between Daniel Hillard and his Scottish alter ego were impressive. There’s a high bar when it comes to portraying such an iconic character, but he handled it with both humour and heart. His voice acting—slipping into characters within characters—had the audience laughing out loud, especially in the unforgettable restaurant scene where Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire nearly collide in a whirlwind of wigs and accents.
Strong Performances and Standout Moments on Stage
Vocally, he really shone in the ensemble numbers, where his energy, comedic timing, and physicality blended perfectly with the cast. The group performances were dynamic and full of life, showcasing his versatility as both a singer and performer. The “kitchen chaos” scene, complete with frying pans and mayhem, was a true standout — a lively sequence that had the audience cheering.
The supporting cast also did a fantastic job. The three young actors playing the Hillard children brought genuine warmth to the stage, each with good singing voices and natural chemistry. Their performances anchored the emotional side of the story, reminding us why Daniel goes to such outrageous lengths in the first place. Frank, played by Brian Kalinowski, and his partner Andrew, played by DeVon Wycovia Buchanan, were another standout duo—vivacious, hilarious, and bursting with personality. Every time they were on stage, the energy lifted, and their playful banter added the kind of levity and charm that makes a musical like this truly sparkle.
If you’re going in expecting a direct recreation of the 1990s film, you might find yourself surprised. This version of Mrs. Doubtfire has its own rhythm. It doesn’t draw heavily on the movie’s soundtrack or 90s cultural cues; instead, it’s been reimagined for the modern stage. The music is upbeat and theatrical, more show tune than soundtrack, and the setting trades the movie’s energetic and timeless San Francisco realism for a more stylized set feel. It’s less gritty family dramedy and more feel-good Broadway romp. Once we adjusted our expectations, we were able to appreciate it for what it is: a fresh, family-friendly interpretation with lots of laughs.
Heart, Humour, and a Family-Friendly Take
There were a few moments that could have used a bit more depth. The musical races through some of the emotional beats—the divorce, the custody struggles, and the bittersweet realization of family change. While these moments are present, they don’t fully land. A few of the ballads, though sincere, felt like pauses rather than emotional climaxes. Similarly, the children’s show sequence, while visually fun, could have been trimmed to keep the pacing tight. But these are small quibbles in an otherwise joyful production.
What the musical does deliver in spades is entertainment. From the inventive costume transformations to the comic choreography, Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical is a testament to the magic of live theatre. There’s something special about seeing a familiar story reinterpreted through dance, song, and performance—especially one that meant so much to so many growing up.
By the end of the show, the audience at the NAC was on their feet, clapping, cheering, and clearly having had a wonderful time. The production truly leans into its mission of being “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” as critics have described. It’s light, it’s funny, and it’s full of energy—a show that families can enjoy together.
A Fun Night Out for the Whole Family
So while it may not perfectly recreate the nostalgic tone of the 1993 film, Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical succeeds on its own terms. It’s a vibrant, heartwarming, laugh-out-loud night at the theatre, buoyed by a talented cast and a story that still carries its message about love, family, and finding joy in chaos.
Mrs. Doubtfire the Musical is running at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa for a limited engagement as part of the Broadway Across Canada series. For tickets, more information, and to see if it’s coming to a city near you, visit broadwayacrosscanada.ca.
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