Man, What a Woman!

Tootsie

A Theater Review

Erie Playhouse™s present show asks two serious questions about success: First, how bad do you really want it?

And, secondly, if you get it, was it really worth it?

When blind ambition and I™ll-Show-You-Revenge join hands in one man™s frustrated psyche, the only answer can be¦a comedy musical, of course!

Rejiggered from the original 1982 comedy Tootsie that starred Dustin Hoffman, the new version contains music and lyrics by David Yazbek and a book by Robert Horn and relates the story of a very frustrated thespian.

Michael Dorsey (Jordan Wolfe) is a dedicated stage actor. Too dedicated. He argues with casting directors, producers and theatrical directors to the point where no one will hire him in New York City. Persona non grata, the only way he believes he can now get hired is by auditioning for roles is as a woman. Thus, Michael Dorsey becomes Dorothy Michaels. And doors open.

Well, a door. Dressed in drag, Michael/Dorothy immediately lands a role in a god-awful musical sequel to Shakespeare™s Romeo and Juliet entitled Juliet™s Curse. Here he/she co-stars (and begins to fall in love) with Julie Nichols (Natalya Myers), a beautiful, sensitive actress who™s also caught the eye of the show™s director, the lecherous, vainglorious Ron Carlisle (Dan Bainbridge).

While Michael™s roommate Jeff (Ryan Dawley) strongly cautions him at every step”whether it™s becoming Dorothy and depriving actresses of work or deceiving Julie”Michael™s ambition and passion may prove to be his undoing. Through his alter ego, Michael eventually learns there™s more to being a woman than donning a wig, dress and heels.

The live music and songs add flavor, fun and affinity with some of the characters. Whaddya Do expresses Michael™s frustrations at the glass-ceiling effect effecting his career. The comical What™s Gonna Happen, is sung by Sandy (Melina Walter), Michael™s overly manic ex-girlfriend, a whirling dervish of issues and tissues. The bittersweet There was John, performed by Julie and Dorothy, regards Julie™s choice of her acting career over her significant other.

Bainbridge™s Ron is always harmlessly laughable in his ego, his tyranny in rehearsals and attempted seduction of Julie; Nathan Irwin as sensitive, dim bulb Max Van Horn, Dorothy™s co-star in the play, gathers belly laughs for his lines and accolades for his abs.

Yet it™s the dual/dueling roles by Wolfe that offers the most laughs, lows and love through his dramatic fission. Conversely, with the fusion of his fellow talented thespians, the live musicians and director/choreographer Richard Davis™s oversight, Tootsie formulates a fun night at the Playhouse.

Considering seeing the musical before it™s”as Al Jolson once sang”Toot, Toot, Tootsie! (Goo™bye).

***Daphne Beaumont

Tootsie continues through February 11. For more information visit erieplayhouse.org