OGDEN — In 2019 I had the privilege to see Tootsie on Broadway. As an organization, we have not been able to review it since, so when I learned the Ziegfeld Theatre in Ogden was mounting a production, directed by Kyle Esposito, I was keen to see what our local theatre scene could do with this story. Based on the 1982 movie of the same name, with music and lyrics by David Yazebek and a book by Robert Horn, follows actor Michael Dorsey, played by Jeremy Gross, who transforms into Dorothy Michaels so that he can get a role. Throughout this rise to fame, there is of course hiccups that come with deceiving people and being selfish to get what you want. In the director’s note, Esposito talks about the importance of growth with Michael’s character, and I was interested to see that take shape on stage.
The technical elements of this production were solid. The set design, also by Esposito, utilized a few different spaces, apartments and rehearsal studios. These, combined with projections designed by Troy Martell gave the show a very realistic feel. Having just returned from staying at a friend’s apartment in Manhattan, these designs were true to size and décor. I also loved how the show did not rely solely on projections, as I have seen some theaters changing to. The mix is a great way to give the three-dimensional feel, instead of making the set too movie-like. I loved the costumes by Ash Mcknight when we got to the performance of the musical everyone was starring in. As for the costumes during the rest of the show, they felt slightly too Utah, where I have found some of the styles in New York to be a bit less overstated.
Vocally, the characters shine. When I originally saw this on Broadway (the only time I have seen it as this production is the Utah premiere), I wrote that the character of Michael needs to be carefully cast to manage these vocals. Gross was certainly up to the task. When he went in to audition and sang the song “I Won’t Let You Down” I was sold. He had the promise to pull off the musicality of the piece. As for the humor, I was very pleased with both Alexa Thomas as Sandy and Caleb Parry as Jeff. While more supporting roles, these two get some of the bigger laughs of the evening, and they both had the appropriate comedic timing and skill to bring the audience that joy. Thomas has a recurring troupe with the song “What’s Gonna Happen?” and rather than get tired of it, I found myself excited when she walked in because I knew it was coming. And Parry as Jeff at the top of act two gets to say I told you so with the song “Jeff Sums It Up” with utter perfection. Parry did that song with such flare that it made me wish for a live rewind button. The final comedic relief of the evening was Alma Lambson as Max. Please just trust me when I say this is a true and sincere compliment when I state that I have never seen anyone be so good at being so dumb.
Morgan Parry plays the show’s female lead, Julie, with excellent depth. Watching Parry develop friendship and trust with Gross’s character, and then subsequently lose that trust, while navigating the difficult world of working in the performing arts as a woman was quite healing. While it is clear that Parry is a talented singer and actress, the connection that she felt to this character and the struggle within the story felt more sincere and personal that I am used to seeing on a local stage. As the director did point out, Gross’s Dorsey did grow in the show, which I think was helped through the connection and chemistry built in the relationship with Parry and Gross.
I am truly impressed with Ziegfeld’s willingness to go out on a limb and try a new to Utah show. As they point out on the program and their website, this show has some content and would likely receive an R-rating, so that should be considered when making decisions to attend. At the same time, I have heard audience members complain about the lack of variety of shows. They get tired of hearing about theatre’s all putting on the same shows. While Tootsie may not make a top ten list of favorite’s for me, it is so fun to see something new. Arts funding is in danger all over. I have talked to many organizations that will likely not be getting the grants they are used to this year. One of the best things you can do is go and see a show. And if you want new content, you need to then go see it when it is there.
