Author: Ben Ryland

• MRS. DOUBTFIRE THEMUSICAL
• Hanover Theater, Worcester, Mass
• June 26, 2026

The National Tour of the Broadway Smash Hit – MRS. DOUBTFIRE has arrived in Worcester concluding the Hanover Theater’s 2025-2026 season.  Based on the phenomenal Robin Williams comedy that hit movie screens during the 1993 Holiday season.

The film was inspired by the novel- Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine published in 1987.  Daniel Hilliard has lost custody of his children in a messy divorce but will do anything to see them and be part of their lives.  When he discovers that his Ex is looking for a Nanny/Housekeeper he decides that he is the perfect choice.  Daniel creates Mrs. Doubtfire, an elderly Scottish “Lady” who charms her way into the job.

The musical captures most of the plot of the film through the first act but the longish second half seems padded with too many songs that seem to repeat the same narratives. But the younger members of the audience ate it all up, often applauding the jokes and performers who delivered the punchlines.

The cast lead by Craig Allen Smith as Daniel/Doubtfire gave quite the energetic portrayal, with astonishing comic timing; I don’t think Robin Williams could have handled a 2 ½ hour performance on stage at his pace and certainly could not have sung it as well as Smith. He held the audience in his hands from the time he appeared on stage in the frocks. The talented cast had some standouts including the Ex-wife, Melissa Campbell with her incredible vocals, & the 3 actors playing their children. Many supporting actors were also given individual chances to shine.

The first act up to the intermission, when two of the children realize who Mrs. Doubtfire really is, follows the movie almost scene for scene. The second act is less faithful to the original and runs into some problems with big changes that for me resulted in too much padding and extraneous business not serving the story.

Thankfully many wonderful new jokes are included in this crisp bright production that has been travelling the country for a couple of years.

• THE MUSIC MAN
• Hanover Theater
• Worcester, Massachusetts

The trouble in River City has arrived in Worcester. Now at the Hanover Theater for weekend performances is the national tour of the beloved musical- Meredith Wilson’s THE MUSIC MAN. The winner of 5 Tony Awards including Best Musical has been produced in thousands of theaters all over America since the Broadway show premiered almost 70 years ago.

 In the summer of 1912, Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman, tries to convince the citizens of River City, Iowa into buying musical instruments and uniforms with which he will create a boy’s band for the town. But the con man plans to skip town after receiving the money since he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. However, he falls for the town librarian, Marian, who transforms him into respectability before the final curtain.

This beautiful production comes with all the old-fashioned charm which had the audience cheering at that final curtain. Elliot Andrews plays the titular character heading up this huge cast dancing and singing with crystal clear sound at the Hanover. I counted 35 performers in total, a huge cast for a road tour. When he falls for Marian, Elizabeth D’Aiuto, it’s easy to understand why. Her beautiful soprano voice filled the auditorium to top of the balcony. Josuha Bergasse (who recently choreographed Broadway’s musical SMASH) created the dances and this troupe can handle them with ease as they astonished the audience on opening night. Such energy and talent.

Production values are top notch with colorful period sets often highlighted with projected backgrounds that wash across the stage to effectively set the scenes.

THE MUSIC MAN may be decades old in theatrical lore, but this new production is sparkling and is a great addition to the Spring season in Worcester now thru Sunday.  For tickets to this performance or future stops on the tour, click HERE.