If you grew up with Mrs. Doubtfire, get ready to see one of your favorite childhood movies come to life in a completely new way. The hit musical comedy Mrs. Doubtfire is making its Austin debut at Bass Concert Hall this week, bringing the beloved Scottish nanny, plenty of ridiculous disguises and a whole lot of heart to the Broadway in Austin stage.
And before we get started, it goes without saying that no one can fill the shoes of Robin Williams. That said, the stage version does a great job of emulating his vibe and energy.
The musical keeps the heart of the original story while adding original songs, big Broadway production numbers and plenty of opportunities for the audience to laugh. And, yes, there are some major nostalgia moments. If you haven’t watched the film in a while, you may also have a little moment of awakening, realizing how creepy this storyline really is. But let’s not dwell.
Craig Allen Smith as Mrs. Doubtfire in the national touring production.
Is Mrs. Doubtfire Worth Seeing?
If the original movie holds a special place in your heart, this is an easy excuse to revisit the story in a completely different format. You already know the characters and the basic premise, but seeing Daniel’s ridiculous transformation play out on a giant Broadway stage is a totally different (but just as enjoyable) experience. There were many laugh out loud moments in the theater (more than I expected, honestly).
Craig Allen Smith does a great job as Mrs. Doubtfire. Though the stand out in this cast is Alanis Sophia, who plays eldest daughter Lydia. Expect to see great things from this powerhouse vocalist in the future. This may be the 24-year-old Puerto Rican’s first Broadway tour but she’s no stranger to performing. At age 11, she competed in the first season of reality show La Voz Kids where she was runner up. She also reached the top 16 on Season 19 of American Idol in 2021.
Alanis Sophia in the Mrs. Doubtfire Broadway tour.
How To See Mrs. Doubtfire in Austin
The Austin engagement runs through Sunday, September 27, with evening and weekend matinee performances.
- Thursday, September 24 — 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 25 — 8 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26 — 2 p.m.
- Saturday, September 26 — 8 p.m.
- Sunday, September 27 — 1 p.m.
- Sunday, September 27 — 6:30 p.m.
Tickets currently start at $42. Buy yours here.
Pro tips
Plan on spending about 2½ hours at the theater, including one intermission. The production is recommended for audiences ages 8 and up, making it a fun option for families with older kids as well as adults who simply want a giant dose of ’90s nostalgia.
If you’re heading to Bass Concert Hall, don’t wait until the last minute to arrive. Texas Performing Arts recommends arriving about 60 minutes before showtime, particularly because there are other events happening around the UT campus. Rideshare is also recommended, and parking is available in San Jacinto Garage and nearby Lot 39. Free parking is available along Dean Keeton Street.
The venue is also cashless, so make sure you have a card or mobile payment ready for drinks and concessions.
And don’t forget your tickets. Texas Performing Arts uses mobile tickets, so downloading them to your digital wallet before you leave home is a smart move.
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