I think “Tootsie” just made it into my top five favorite musicals thanks to Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre.
Based off the 1982 film of the same name, “Tootsie” follows Michael Dorsey, an irritating, down on his luck actor who decides to take on “the ultimate role” by pretending to be a woman just to get a job. Directed by Elizabeth Stark Payne with choreography by Doug King, “Tootsie” is onstage at Beef and Boards now through Nov. 23. I went to see it with my friend Isabelle this past Saturday and we were cracking up the whole time.
“Tootsie” first debuted on Broadway in 2019, earning a whopping 11 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Costume Design and Best choreography.
From the jump “Tootsie” sounds like a show that takes some big swings — I mean, a 40-year-old narcissistic man pretends to be a woman to get an acting job, only to fall in love with his co-star and realize women have it 10 times harder in the entertainment industry? It’s ironically camp, with a dash of drag, misogyny and self-reflection ending in surprise feminism.
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It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s got heart, humor and innuendos for days.
That’s the first thing I want to talk about, how funny the show is, and not just because of the lines written in the book. The cast of Beef and Boards’ “Tootsie” went above and beyond. Every show I see there gets better and better, but there was something truly special about this one.
The pacing of “Tootsie” cannot be emphasized enough: the timing and delivery of certain lines, how much something is played up, silent moments, and glances between characters. When I say I was laughing all night, I mean I was wheezing. So was my guest, and the couple next to us.
I mean this in the most positive way possible, but Jonathan Cobrda as Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels was giving me whiplash all night long. The switch is so seamless, and each role is played with care and precision. And, Cobrda has such an impressive range — character-wise and vocally — with a really rich, warm color to his voice. From “Whaddya Do” to “I Won’t Let You Down” to “Talk to Me Dorothy.”
Sandy (Payton Reilly), Dorsey’s dramatically whimsical and endearingly exasperated best friend and ex-girlfriend is the one who unknowingly inspires the idea for Dorsey to reinvent himself after an incredibly long-winded solo (and two or three reprises). “What’s Gonna Happen” is arguably the best song in “Tootsie” and Reilly’s Sandy is big, bold and so incredibly lovable. Also, I’ve never seen curls bounce like that with so little effort.
Dorsey’s surprise love interest, Julie Nichols (Renee Jackson), was absolutely magnetic every second she was onstage. Jackson has a lovely mezzo-soprano-y range and a dazzling smile, but also this sort of mesmerizing energy when she speaks and dances that makes it hard to look away. There’s so much depth to Nichols’ character that it’s hard to not root for her by the end of “There Was John.”
Having only hit the Broadway stage a few years ago, “Tootsie” reimages the ’80’s costume and wig design with fairly modern and recognizable staples. The show reflects the fast-paced digital world and diversified pool of New York actors from color coordinated workout sets to a mix and match of mom jeans, layered shirts and well-worn converse with naturally textured curls to curling iron spirals.
“Tootsie” features a very simple set design with a variety of digital backgrounds to really pull a scene together. However, I’m a little obsessed (and impressed) with Beef and Boards’ turntable that allows the stage to spin. It’s such a fun addition to spice up dance numbers, but also incredible for quick set changes.
Beef and Boards has a really good orchestra, if you’re curious. It was one of the things Isabelle and I raved about during intermission. They really had a chance to shine with the music of “Tootsie.” It’s fast, upbeat, jazzy and fun, and the energy coming from the music alone really influenced the vibe of the night. Also, if you’re ever looking for the orchestra at Beef and Boards, look up, not down.
In the beginning of act II, Jeff Slater (Tyler Belo), Dorsey’s friend, roommate and usually ignored moral compass, sings a hilarious and thorough song entitled “Jeff Sums it up,” where he, … well, sums up the disaster of act I with a lovely phrase I cannot print. The audience was roaring the whole time, so I’d say that might have been the highlight of the evening.
For those who appreciate the safe space that a theatre represents and its dedication to being able to comfortably or uncomfortably explore the good, the bad and the incredibly harsh life lessons, “Tootsie” is for you.
Dorsey’s portrayal of Dorothy Michaels is definitely reaching Mrs. Doubtfire level con artistry. However, the character isn’t making fun of women. In fact, Dororthy Michaels is an infinitely better person than Michael Dorsey — which leads to such a touching open ending.
Oh, but be warned, “Tootsie” is rated R for strong language, dirty jokes and other adult themes.
“Tootsie” is onstage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Road, for 42 performances Oct. 16 through Nov. 23. Tickets are $57-$85 and include a dinner buffet, fruit and salad bar and select beverages. For more information, tickets, or to view a full performance schedule, visit beefandboards.com.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe has a bachelor's in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and has previously worked for Indy Maven, The Lantern, and CityScene Media Group. In her free time, Chloe enjoys live theatre, reading, baking and keeping her plants alive.
