The Australian premiere of Tootsie the Musical has arrived at Teatro, bringing David Yazbek and Robert Horn’s Tony Award-winning adaptation of the beloved film to Australian audiences for the first time. While sharing its DNA with the 1982 movie, the stage version significantly updates and reworks the story, placing a stronger emphasis on Broadway culture, contemporary gender politics and the chaotic world of theatrical production.
At the centre of the story is Michael Dorsey, a talented but notoriously difficult actor whose career has stalled because nobody wants to work with him. Desperate for employment, he reinvents himself as actress Dorothy Michaels and unexpectedly lands a leading role in a Broadway musical. As Dorothy’s success grows, Michael finds himself trapped in an increasingly complicated web of lies, relationships and self-discovery.
Director and choreographer Cameron Mitchell delivers a polished and energetic production that keeps the action moving at a brisk pace. With a script that rarely pauses for breath, Mitchell ensures scenes transition seamlessly while maintaining clarity amidst the show’s fast-moving comic chaos. The choreography serves the material well, particularly in the larger ensemble sequences where the cast effectively captures the hustle and bustle of Broadway life.
Dan Potra’s design is both inventive and practical. The clever use of the stage space allows locations to appear and disappear with impressive efficiency, while the prominent blinder wall adds a distinctive visual element that evokes the bright, bold aesthetic of 1980s show business. The production has a strong visual identity that complements the heightened theatricality of the material.
Musically, Nicholas Till leads a tight and well-balanced orchestra. Importantly, the band never overwhelms the performers, allowing Yazbek’s score and lyrics to remain front and centre. On a personal note, thank you David Yazbek for bringing back the overture. In an era where overtures have become increasingly rare, it was a welcome reminder of one of musical theatre’s great traditions.
However, Tootsie remains an interesting example of a show that doesn’t always live up to its impressive accolades. While the musical won the Tony Award for Best Book in 2019, the relentless pursuit of comedy occasionally works against it. So many lines are written as punchlines that audiences frequently find themselves laughing over the next joke. The result is a script that can feel exhausting at times, with some humour landing as distinctly American in style and sensibility.
The ensemble works hard throughout, often tasked with moving scenery and facilitating transitions as much as performing. Among the principal cast, Brendan Irving delivers a wonderfully entertaining Max Van Horn, while Tyran Stig provides strong comic support as Jeff Slater.
Andrew Bevis convincingly navigates the dual challenge of portraying both Michael Dorsey and Dorothy Michaels. His performance is committed and technically accomplished. Nevertheless, it is difficult to entirely separate the production from the fact that Teatro’s co-founder and co-artistic director has cast himself in the leading role.
Stealing the show, however, is Elenoa Rokobaro as Julie Nichols. Bringing her trademark powerhouse vocals alongside genuine warmth and authenticity, she provides the emotional heart of the production and consistently commands attention whenever she steps on stage.
Whether Tootsie fully lands with every audience member or not, it is encouraging to see a company willing to take risks and present new work. Australian theatre is richer for productions like this, and Teatro deserves credit for bringing this ambitious Australian premiere to the stage.
– The other Daniel Craig
Daniel Craig is an international performer and has established himself as a trusted theatre specialist on the Sydney Arts Scene. While he understands the technical side of theatre, Dan writes for the everyday theatregoer (unlike some of those more prominent publications). When not in the audience, he loves to travel the world and try new gins.
Tootsie runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes (with a 20-minute interval) and plays at Teatro at the Italian Forum through 21 June 2026. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
Disclosure: The Plus Ones were guests of SLIP Publicity
Image credit: Robert Miniter
