Mrs. Doubtfire was my first Broadway show back after the shutdown, and it was a nice time. I've been waiting a long, long time for this album and I liked it more than I thought I would. Having seen an early preview, it feels good to hear the finished product. The expanded orchestrations sound fantastic... bravo Ethan Popp and Matthew Smedal.
With Something Rotten!, the Kirkpatricks showed me they were both passionate and knowledgeable in the art of writing a Broadway score. Here, their genre versatility is on full display. They fare best with standard pop-rock smooth sailing, but they also sprinkle in a couple of angsty throat-busters, a tap-happy delight, a few heartfelt ballads, a disco-infused number, and even a steamy Spanish flamenco.
So glad the "Katie" letter was included towards the end. An emotional moment.
Most of the cast delights once again. McClure and Scarpaci are the standouts, as they were on stage.
My only qualms with this album: why did they include "Mr. Jolly Theme" and "She's Happy" but not the loop machine freestyle rap? Also, Jake Ryan Flynn sounds way too old for his role (and his excessive Auto-Tune doesn't help matters); Christopher should have been recast before previews resumed last October.
"Let Go" has a different hook since I got to see it, and I prefer the Seattle / pre-shutdown iteration.
Overall, a solid recording. Congrats to all who worked on the Broadway production... here's to a long national / international future with this title.
“I am furious, but I am sailing.”
Updated On: 6/22/22 at 11:35 AM