TOOTSIE Reviews — Page 4

Sara Holdren admires a lot of the performances in Tootsie, and she even likes the score. That said, she doesn't like the main character and finds the show to be hopelessly dated (even while predicting it will be a hit). "It’s got call-outs and teaching moments galore, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still the story of an egotistical dude who puts on a young Betty White wig and somehow becomes World’s Best Feminist."

https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/theater-review-can-tootsie-work-when-its-not-1982.html?utm_source=nym&utm_medium=f1&utm_campaign=feed-full

^ ^ ^ And that was the absolute furthest thing from my mind during this entire discussion of the show. Matter of fact, it wasn’t even in my mind. Until you put it there. Thanks. But, no thanks.

Broadway Fan2 said: "It’s creepy to see all the buzz around this musical given that Dustin Hoffman, who played the main character in the movie Tootsie was accused by several women of sexual assault not long ago. Wonder how his victims feel about it."

Considering that Hoffman is nowhere near this production nor does he stand to benefit from it in any way, where the heck did this come from? All due respect and sympathy to Hoffman's accusers, but there's not so much a shred of him in this show and the creators have gone to great lengths to address sexist themes and misogynistic behavior in the piece.

Very happy to read these reviews, even though I didnt love the show. Whats interesting is that I dont really disagree with these raves in the sense that what they are praising (the wit, humor, performances) is indeed praiseworthy. If anything, I'd argue that the fact that this might be the best musical of the season says more about the current state of broadway than anything: a hilarious, clever show that also has great music? Never gonna happen.

I do think this reception shakes up the Tony races a bit. Its a lock for Actor and Book, right? Hadestown has real competition, and I think Lilli Cooper could sneak into Actress- she certainly got better notices than Noblezada.

OhHiii said: "Broadway Fan2 said: "It’s creepy to see all the buzz around this musical given that Dustin Hoffman, who played the main character in the movie Tootsie was accused by several women of sexual assault not long ago. Wonder how his victims feel about it."

Considering that Hoffman is nowhere near this production nor does he stand to benefit from it in any way, where the heck did this come from? All due respect and sympathy to Hoffman's accusers, but there's not so much a shred of him in this show and the creators have gone to great lengths to address sexist themes and misogynistic behavior in the piece."

Actually, right on the main Playbill credits page, it says “Based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the Columbia Pictures motion picture produced by Punch Productions and starring Dustin Hoffman.” Hoffman’s name is even in all caps. So there is a huge reminder right on the first page. In fact, his name is right about Santino’s name.

Updated On: 4/24/19 at 10:55 AM

Mister Matt said: "Personally, I think Tootsie checks all those boxes. This is the show I was hoping Kinky Boots would be and yet somehow Kinky Boots managed to get Tonys for Score and Musical for what I found to be a completely forgettable show and score.
If that show can win Tonys over Matilda for Score and Musical (not to mention Choreography), then Tootsie has a MORE than a fair shot at winning.

At any rate, I love this quote from the Rolling Stone review because I agree 100%:

"The infectious score, music and lyrics, is by David Yazbek, who won the Tony last year for his groundbreakingThe Band’s Visit. Yazbek imbuesTootsiewith pop, jazz, blues, funk, patter, sophisticated rhythms and old-school Broadway brass. He’s a musical virtuoso.""

Couldn’t agree more on Kinky Boots (that winning score over Matilda is the one Tony I’ll probably never be over, lol). And I actually enjoyed the Tootsie score quite a bit - I’m looking forward to the recording to hear a bunch of it again. Yazbek is arguably my favorite working composer.

But if there is ANY award this year that is (imho) signed sealed and delivered, it’s Hadestown for Score.

bdn223 said: "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."

I can see this.

bdn223 said: "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."

^ yup, this is exactly what will happen.

Updated On: 4/24/19 at 12:30 PM

Id be shocked if this wins best musical. Thats not say this is of bad quality or the show is bad, but after last years ignoring of the movie musicals, to give this show best musical over Hadestown would forever make the Tony's unpredictable for me. I think Hadestown is still the clear favorite, with Tootsie and The Prom being a clear 2 and 3.

dramamama611 said: "This 'feels' like the best reviewed show of the season. I know that doesn't mean anything, necessarily for the Tony Awards, but it puts Tootsie AS the frontrunner, yes?



This on my list of what to see, but after a number of other shows (Oklahoma, Constitution and Hilary and Clinton.)"

I feel Hadestwon and Tootsie got equally positive reviews. Both seem to accomplish what they're going for. I do see a lot of comparison to Kinky Boots vs Matilda (which was also the first broadway season I truly followed, and this is the first broadway season I've consistently attended, so thats kinda cool for me) but I still think Hadestown will grab this. Like Miles said, I haven't seen either show though so what do I know! Got my tickets for Tootsie though :)