Hollywood Reporter is a rave, and this quote about the score perfectly sums up how I felt about it:
"[Yazbek's] score here doesn't match the intoxicating spell of his work on The Band's Visit, but every song displays solid musical-theater craftsmanship and is firmly grounded in character and story. And this is the rare modern musical that gives us a fabulously brassy old-fashioned overture and a jazzy entr'acte."
Just because the score might not be as unique or interesting as some of his past work doesn't mean it isn't good.
Time Out NY is positive and calls the book the funniest since Book of Mormon.
"The most glorious words in the English language, the director of the show-within-a-show in 42nd Street once declared, are musical comedy. But few musicals on Broadway these days live up to the second part of that term: They evoke fond chuckles of appreciation, but they don’t suck the laughs from your belly. Enter Tootsie, all dolled up in a red sequined gown, to drag out the real comic goods. Let other shows mope or brood or inspire, as some of them do very well. This one is out to give you a good time, and that’s just what it does. Tootsie rocks. Tootsie rolls. Tootsie pops."
I’m thrilled at the reviews so far. I know AfterLife doesn’t think anyone should like the show since he deemed it unworthy to even speak about, but I love it.
I have a weird feeling this season is going to turn into a Kinky Boots vs Matilda where Hadestown’s producers overplay their hands as the expected frontrunner, allowing for a big hearted musical Tootsie (or possibly The Prom) to get the hearts and votes of Tony voters.